On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the Washington Capitals lost to the New York Islanders 4-1. But that one goal would go down as one of the most historic in NHL history. It may have been the only goal the Capitals scored in the game, but for Alex Ovechkin, it was his 895th career goal, cementing him as the all-time leading goal scorer in NHL history, passing the “Great One,” Wayne Gretzky.
Ovechkin’s journey began in 2004, when he entered the league as the first overall draft pick. He wasted no time making his presence known, scoring two goals in his debut and finishing his rookie season with 52. Since then, the Russian superstar has built one of the most prolific careers in hockey history.
A three-time winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy for MVP, Ovechkin has captured the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goal scorer a record nine times while finishing runner-up once. He holds the NHL record for most 40-goal seasons (13) and shares with Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky the record for most 50-goal campaigns (nine).
Remarkably, Ovechkin is the only player to have tallied 200 or more goals in three different decades, with 245 in the 2000s, 437 in the 2010s, and 213 in the 2020s. His name is attached to other NHL records, including the most power-play goals, most goals in away games, most overtime goals, most game-winning goals, most individual goalies scored upon, most goals with one team, and now, most goals in NHL history.
In 2018, Ovechkin finally lifted the Stanley Cup with the Capitals and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Over his nearly 21-year career, he has been named to the NHL First All-Star Team eight times and Second Team four times. With his unique blend of physicality and elite scoring ability, Ovechkin has been the embodiment of consistency and dominance. With his 895th goal, he doesn’t just break records—he redefines greatness.
Ovechkin’s historic journey began in 2004 when he entered the league as the first overall draft pick. He wasted no time making his presence known, scoring two goals in his debut and finishing his rookie season with 52. Since then, the Russian superstar has built one of the most prolific careers in hockey history.
Alex is a three time winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy for MVP and has also captured theMaurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goal scorer a record nine times while being runner-up once. He holds the NHL record for most 40-goal seasons with thirteen and also shares with Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky the record for most 50-goal campaigns with nine.
Remarkably, Ovechkin is the only player to have tallied 200 or more goals in three different decades, with 245 in the 2000s, 437 in the 2010s, and 213 in the 2020s.His name is attached to other NHL records, including the most power play goals, most goals in away games, most overtime goals, most game-winning goals, most individual goalies scored upon, most goals with one team, and now most goals in NHL history.
In 2018, Ovechkin finally lifted the Stanley Cup with the Capitals and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Over the course of his nearly 21-year career, he has been named to the NHL First All-Star Team eight times and Second Team four times. With his unique blend of physicality and elite scoring ability, Ovechkin has been the embodiment of consistency and dominance. With his 895th goal, he doesn’t just break records—he redefines greatness.