Alex Ovechkin has made NHL history as the first player to reach 900 goals. He achieved this remarkable milestone during a game against the St. Louis Blues at Capital One Arena on Wednesday.
Historic Milestone Achieved
The moment came at 2:39 of the second period. Ovechkin executed a spinning backhand shot along the goal line. The puck deflected off the pad of Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington, finding its way into the net.
Recent Performance and Goals
- Ovechkin scored his 898th goal against the Minnesota Wild on October 17.
- He netted his 899th goal in a victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 24.
- This season, he has recorded three goals in 13 games.
Breaking Records
Last season, Ovechkin broke the NHL record for career goals. He surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing total of 894 goals on April 6, 2022, while playing against the New York Islanders.
Milestones Throughout His Career
The 40-year-old forward has had a prolific career spanning 21 NHL seasons. He started this season with 897 goals. Ovechkin previously joined elite company in NHL history:
- First player to score over 900 goals
- Only the third player to achieve 800 goals, alongside Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe
- First among only eight players to reach 700 goals
- Reached 600 goals during a game against the Winnipeg Jets on March 12, 2018
- Achieved his 500th goal against the Senators on January 10, 2016
Significance of 900 Goals
Ovechkin emphasized the importance of reaching 900 goals. He noted that while reaching 1,500 NHL games is significant, achieving 900 goals is a unique accomplishment. “That’s going to be very interesting and that’s going to be a big number,” he remarked.
Conclusion
Ovechkin’s journey through the NHL has solidified his status as one of the league’s greatest scorers. With the milestone of 900 goals now behind him, fans eagerly anticipate what he will achieve next in his illustrious career.
