Alex Ovechkin Top Five Career Highlights

Alex Ovechkin Top Five Career Highlights

Will Hayden, Staff Reporter

With Alex Ovechkin having recently scored his 800th career NHL goal, I’ve decided to look at the top five moments in his illustrious career…

Oct. 5th, 2005: First NHL goal

In his long-awaited NHL debut delayed because of a league lockout, Ovechkin scored his first two NHL goals in the 2nd period against the Columbus Blue Jackets. What made the moment even better was that he did on home ice in Washington D.C. sending the crowd into a frenzy. It was an early sign that the 2004 number one draft pick was going to break out early and would be the first of many unforgettable moments in his career. He would go on to score 52 goals in his rookie season at just 20 years old.

Jan. 16th, 2006: “The Goal”

Still in his rookie season, many say that this was still the most memorable goal he has ever scored. In a game against the Phoenix Coyotes, he curled and dragged against the defense ultimately taking a “sensational shot” to make the game 6-1. Coincidentally, Wayne Gretzky himself, the greatest player of all time, was there in person to see the goal, as he was head coach of the Coyotes at the time. Current NHL star Auston Matthews, who was just eight years old at the time, was also in attendance as a fan. To truly see how great this goal was, you can watch it by clicking the link here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E82oUXP6Hng

Jan. 10th, 2016: 500th goal from “his office”

If there was one day when fans started to truly think about how far Ovechkin would go with career goals, it would be the day he scored his 500th goal. It was already a dominating game for the Capitals, as they were beating the Ottawa Senators 4-1. But the highlight of the game would be the fifth goal, Ovechkin’s 500th in the late stages of the second period. The Capitals were on the power play, and “in a flash”, ripped a slap shot right from “his office” at the left-wing point. Like his first career goal, his 500th also came on home ice and the crowd reaction was that of a playoff atmosphere. The Capitals went on to win the game 7-1.

June 7th, 2018: Winning the Stanley Cup

Up until 2018, Ovechkin had done nearly everything a player would dream of doing… except arguably the most important to many, winning the Stanley Cup. While the Capitals had gone on deep playoff runs in the past, they had always seemed to fall short as a team when it mattered most, even when Ovechkin was at the top of his game. But that all changed on one summer night, when the Capitals beat the Vegas Golden Knights in the sixth game to win the Stanley Cup. The reaction of Ovechkin was obviously ecstatic and unforgettable, as his biggest lifelong dream finally came true. Along with winning the Cup, he was presented with the Conn Smythe Trophy, which is awarded to the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Dec. 13th, 2022: The Great 8(00)

Up until this night, only two players in NHL history had scored 800 goals: Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe. But Alex Ovechkin would make history yet again, as he scored his 800th goal on a hat trick against the Chicago Blackhawks. As someone who was watching the game live on tv, it was arguably the most historical sports moment I have ever seen. This may have been on the road, but what truly shows how much the whole league appreciates Ovechkin, and recognizes how much he has done, the whole arena gave him a standing ovation with loud cheers all around. Along with being just the third player in NHL history to hit 800, Ovechkin became the first non-Canadian born player to reach this milestone.