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Alex Ovechkin just joined Wayne Gretzky in elite company. The 40-year-old Capitals star reached 1,000 combined NHL goals on March 22, becoming only the second player in history to hit this milestone. See how he scored this historic goal.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Historic milestone: Only 2 players ever with 1,000 combined goals in NHL history
- Ovechkin’s tally: 923 regular-season goals and 77 playoff goals
- Date achieved: March 22, 2026, versus Colorado Avalanche at home
- Career span: 21 seasons with Washington Capitals since 2005
The Goal That Made NHL History
Ovechkin scored in true fashion, blasting a power-play one-timer from his signature left circle position in the third period against the Avalanche. He beat goalie Mackenzie Blackwood at 14:17 to tie the game 2-2, though his team lost 3-2 in overtime. According to Ovechkin, reaching the milestone felt perfect despite the loss.
“It’s always nice to reach something,” the Russian-born captain said afterward. “And it was an important goal as well.” His assist came from Dylan Strome, who previously helped on his historic 895th goal last season that broke Gretzky’s regular-season record.
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Only Gretzky Has Done This Before
Wayne Gretzky, hockey’s greatest player, remains atop the list with 1,016 combined goals across 894 regular-season and 122 playoff games. Ovechkin now trails by just 16 goals in the combined category. The Great One’s playoff goal record of 122 stands as another benchmark Ovechkin continues pursuing.
Ovechkin broke Gretzky’s regular-season record of 894 goals on April 6, 2025, against the New York Islanders. Now, he’s chasing not just records but immortality in hockey’s most distinguished club.
A Career Unlike Any Other
| Achievement | Details |
| Regular Season Goals | 923 (most in NHL history) |
| Playoff Goals | 77 (continuing to climb) |
| Career NHL Seasons | 21 seasons, all with Washington |
| Power Play Goals | 330 (NHL record) |
At 40 years old, Ovechkin shows no signs of slowing down. This season, he’s scored 26 goals in his 21st campaign with the Capitals. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery praised his relentless excellence.
“It’s just another accolade for him in his just incredible career to get 1,000 goals and do it on home ice and do it in the way he does. I always like the way things are done.”
— Spencer Carbery, Washington Capitals Head Coach
Teammates Marvel at the Achievement
Young Capitals players recognize they’re witnessing history alongside one of hockey’s greatest. Connor McMichael, a forward on the roster, expressed awe at being teammates with Ovechkin.
“Ever since I was a kid watching the NHL, he was one of my idols,” McMichael said. “I don’t take a day for granted playing with him. Every milestone that goes by, it seems like they just get cooler and cooler.” Even rookie defenseman Cole Hutson got his first NHL assist on the historic goal, creating an unforgettable first month in the league.
What Comes Next for Ovechkin and the Capitals?
With 1,000 combined goals now in the books, can Ovechkin chase Gretzky’s 1,016 before his career ends? At his current pace, it’s possible but not guaranteed. The Capitals are fighting for a playoff spot, sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference wild-card race.
The team faces pressure to make a playoff run while their legendary captain writes the final chapters of his legacy. Every goal now carries extra weight, not just for wins and losses but for basketball’s most coveted individual records.
