Capitals’ Ovechkin Makes NHL History with 1,000th Career Goal

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin joined Wayne Gretzky as only the second NHL player to score 1,000 career goals across regular season and playoffs. The 40-year-old Russian legend reached the historic milestone during Sunday's game against Colorado with a third-period power-play goal.

Washington Capitals icon Alex Ovechkin has etched his name deeper into hockey history, becoming only the second NHL player ever to reach 1,000 career goals when combining regular season and playoff totals, joining the legendary Wayne Gretzky in this exclusive club.

The 40-year-old forward achieved this remarkable feat earlier this year when he surpassed Gretzky’s regular season goal record on April 6, 2025, netting his 895th goal to claim the all-time lead.

Sunday’s historic moment came during the third period as Washington hosted the Colorado Avalanche, when Ovechkin unleashed a powerful slap shot that found its way past Colorado netminder Mackenzie Blackwood, evening the score at 2-2 with just 5:43 remaining in regulation time. Despite the milestone celebration, the Avalanche managed to secure a 3-2 victory in overtime.

The Russian superstar continues to perform at an elite level in his 21st NHL campaign, recording 26 goals and 27 assists across 70 games this season. Throughout his entire professional career, which has been spent exclusively with Washington since they selected him first overall in 2004, Ovechkin has amassed 1,676 total points, consisting of 923 goals and 753 assists in 1,562 regular season contests. His playoff statistics include 147 points from 77 goals and 70 assists over 161 postseason games.

Ovechkin’s trophy case reflects his dominance throughout his exceptional career, featuring three Hart Memorial Trophy awards as the league’s most valuable player, 12 All-Star Game selections, and a Stanley Cup championship with the Capitals during the 2017-18 season.