Alexander Ovechkin is often called one of the greatest hockey players in the National Hockey League (NHL). A dynamic left winger, he currently serves as the captain of the Washington Capitals and has been with the team for around two decades now. He is often referred to as "The Great Eight." Born on September 17, 1985, in Moscow, Russia, Ovechkin began his NHL career with the Washington Capitals in the 2005-06 season, against the Columbus Blue Jackets in a 3-2 victory. He scored two goals in that match and went on to secure the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year later that same season.
Second only to Wayne Gretzky, Ovechkin has achieved various milestones, recorded many scores, and secured various prestigious awards in the NHL. Moreover, he is the only third NHL player, after Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky to score more than 800 goals.
Also Read: Who did Ovechkin get drafted by?
What records has Alex Ovechkin broken?
Selected as first overall pick by the Washington Capitals in the 2004 NHL Entry draft, Ovechkin has had an inspirational journey in the NHL and has broken many records and shares many others with legends like Wayne Gretzky, and Gordie Howe. Some of his records are mentioned below:
First player to win the Art Ross Trophy, Maurice Richard Trophy, Lester B. Pearson Award and Hart Memorial Trophy in a single season
Most NHL goals by a left winger- 822
Only player to be named to the NHL first All-Star team in each of his first five seasons
Most goals for a single team -822
Most goals scored by a left wing rookie -106 (2005-06)
Most goals scored by a left wing in a season - 65 goals (2007-08)
Most regular season points by a Russian born NHL rookie- 106 (2005-06)
Only player to be named to both the NHL First and second All-Star teams in the same season (2012-13)
Most points by a Russian born player- 1,485
Most career power play goals- 299
Most career overtime goals- 24
Most career game-opening goals- 136
Most consecutive 30-goal seasons- 15 (tied with Mike Gartner and Jaromir Jágr)
Most career 40-goal seasons- 13
Most career 50-goal seasons- 9 (tied with Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky)
List of Franchise Records-
Alex Ovechkin holds various records for the Washington Capitals, some of those are mentioned below here:
Most seasons with 50 or more goals - 9 seasons
Most goals in a season- 65 goals (2007-08)
Most power play goals in a season -25 goals (2014-15)
Point streak by a rookie- 11 games (17 points; 5 goals, 12 assists; March 18- April 7, 2006)
Point streak by a rookie - 7 games (February 10- March 8, 2006)
Most career hat tricks- 31
Most recent goals -822
Most career points- 1,485
Most points in a single postseason -15 (2017-18)
NHL records Ovechkin can Probably Break?
Breaking the legendary Wayne Gretzky's 70 goals in a season record is challenging. Moreover, his age is also a difficult factor, he once scored 65 goals in seasons and can potentially look to break it in 2024-25. For the current season, Ovechkin has scored 26 goals in 69 games, while tallying 58 points. He can pass Wayne Gretzky's career goal record of 894 in the upcoming seasons, as he is under contract till 2026.
Other than that, Ovechkin has contributed an incredible number of 853 career goals as of the 2023-2024 season. This has placed him second on the all-time goals list, surpassing legendary players like Gordie Howe. He is just a few goals away from Wayne Gretzky's 894 goals. This is a record that he can probably break in the upcoming seasons.
FAQ's On Alexander Ovechkin Record break
A. Alex Ovechkin has many records to his name, like the most goals scored in away games, most goals scored with a single team, most 40-goal seasons, most overtime goals scored, most power play goals scored and shares the most 50-goal campaigns with Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky. )
A. Alex Ovechkin has been playing for two decades now, all with the Washington Capitals (as of March 2024).
A. Wayne Gretzky holds the record for the most career goals in NHL history with 894. Alex Ovechkin has scored 853 goals, meaning he is 41 goals away from surpassing Gretzky.
A. Alex Ovechkin has scored 848 goals in his career (as of March 30, 2024). He is only 46 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 goals.
A. Alex Ovechkin has won one Stanley Cup championship in 2018 for the Washington Capitals.
