ALEXANDER OVECHKIN’S LATEST MILESTONES INCLUDE 30 GOALS AT 39 YEARS OLD
The elite forward for the Washington Capitals, Alexander Ovechkin, continues to reaffirm his status as one of the greatest players in the NHL with several remarkable milestones this season. The 39-year-old Russian has scored 30 goals, making him only the fourth player in league history to achieve this feat at the age of 39 and older, joining hockey legends Gordie Howe, Johnny Bucyk, and Teemu Selanne.
Ovechkin recorded his 30th goal this season during the Capitals’ match against the Calgary Flames, where they unfortunately lost 1-3, marking another addition to his already impressive tally. He has now netted at least 30 goals in 19 out of 20 NHL seasons, the only exception being the COVID-19-shortened 2020/21 season when he scored 24 goals over 45 games.
His 30 goals this season are part of 47 points (30 goals and 17 assists) achieved over 42 games, showcasing not only his scoring ability but also his playmaking skills which contribute to his overall performance. The league has recognized Ovechkin for breaking his own record for the most seasons with 30+ goals, previously held by Mike Gartner (17 seasons), followed by Jaromir Jagr (15), and tied with Wayne Gretzky, Marcel Dionne, and Howe at 14.
Another significant milestone for Ovechkin was reaching 883 regular-season goals. This achievement places him just 11 goals shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894 goals. Having played 20 seasons, Ovechkin has racked up 955 career goals when including playoffs, standing just behind Gretzky, who boasts 1,016 playoff goals.
After scoring his most recent goal against Calgary, Ovechkin commented on his drive to continue playing at such a high level. “I just want to enjoy the game and help my team win,” he said during the post-game press conference. His relentless passion for the sport exemplifies the hard work he invests on and off the ice.
What’s particularly impressive about Ovechkin’s continued excellence at his age is not only the physical demands of the NHL but also the fierce competition from younger players. His scoring prowess and consistency make him unique, as many other players at this stage of their careers think seriously about retirement.
Ovechkin’s competitive spirit reminds fans and aspiring athletes of the determination needed to reach lofty goals. He also approaches each game with the same enthusiasm as he did at the start of his career, which resonates with many fans across the world.
Comparatively, many fans were reminded of Howe’s legendary achievements when discussions arose about Ovechkin potentially matching Gretzky’s record. While age has put Howe and Selanne on this elite list too, Ovechkin’s ability to maintain such output at this later stage of his career is highly regarded.
Former NHL players and analysts have weighed in on what separates Ovechkin from others, with many citing his powerful shot, ability to use his body effectively on the ice, and sharp hockey sense as factors contributing to his enduring success. Ovechkin’s trademark one-timer from his left-wing position is one of the most difficult shots to defend against, leading to many tips and assists for his teammates.
The capitals coach reaffirmed Ovechkin’s importance to the team, stating, “He’s still one of the best goal scorers the game has ever seen. His experience and skill are invaluable to our young players.” This echoes Ovechkin's role as both mentor and high-output player throughout the Capitals' roster.
Despite the ups and downs of the season and the Capitals' recent performances, Ovechkin’s achievements have positioned him to create lasting moments. He continues to be not only a valuable player for the Capitals but also for the NHL as he writes the next chapters of his remarkable career.
With the end of the NHL regular season approaching, Ovechkin will set his eyes on the last elements needed to chase down Gretzky’s goal total. The possibilities, combined with his mindset and form, keep fans excited for what the future may hold.
While his ultimate goal may be to break Gretzky's record, Ovechkin also emphasizes leading his team through the playoffs as they strive for victory. Highlighting his goals this season and beyond will likely be remembered for years to come; after all, milestones like these rarely get old, especially when they belong to one of the best players to grace the ice.