Alex Ovechkin has etched his name into the annals of hockey history by becoming the first player in NHL history to achieve the remarkable milestone of 900 career goals. This landmark moment occurred during a match against the St. Louis Blues, where Ovechkin scored with a deft play that showcased his extraordinary talent. With the Washington Capitals leading 1-0 in the second period, he retrieved a rebound off a missed shot from teammate Jakob Chychrun and skillfully propelled the puck past goalie Jordan Binnington, extending the Capitals’ lead to 2-0.
Following the goal, a wave of excitement swept through the Capital’s bench, as players rushed to the glass to celebrate this significant achievement with their captain. The home crowd in Washington joined in, showering Ovechkin with a standing ovation, underscoring the admiration for one of hockey’s all-time greats. The Capitals ultimately dominated the game, wrapping up a convincing 6-1 victory.
Ovechkin’s accomplishment comes more than two decades after he made his NHL debut on October 5, 2005, where he kicked off his scoring tally with two goals. He began the current season with 897 regular-season goals, reaching the historic 900 mark in just the 13th game of the season. Earlier this year, he surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record for most goals, marking a significant highlight in his career.
As the season progresses, Ovechkin continues to add to his impressive list of achievements. Recently, he accomplished yet another milestone by playing in 1,500 games for a single franchise. Ovechkin, selected as the first overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft, has consistently proven to be a formidable force in the league, having celebrated the prestigious Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the top goal scorer nine times, along with three Hart Trophies and an NHL championship with the Capitals in 2018.
At 40 years old, Ovechkin’s current contract is set to conclude following the 2025-26 season, although he has yet to make his future plans public. Emphasizing a sense of enjoyment for the season, Ovechkin remains focused on making the most out of his time on the ice, stating, “I’m just going to enjoy it. I’m going to enjoy the season, and we’ll see what’s going to happen.”
Ovechkin’s journey serves not only as inspiration for current and future players but also as a testament to his enduring passion for the sport.