Ovechkin Finally Hits 900 Goals in Milestone Game

WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin became the first player in NHL history to reach 900 career goals, scoring for the Washington Capitals against the St. Louis Blues at Capital One Arena on Wednesday. The milestone came at 2:39 of the second period when Ovechkin spun into a backhand along the goal line. The puck deflected off the pad of Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington after bouncing off the boards.

Ovechkin entered the game with 899 goals after a slow start to the season, scoring just two in Washington’s first 12 games. The 40-year-old left winger scored goals 898 and 899 in recent victories against the Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Last season, Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky‘s record of 894 goals, and he tied for third in the league with 44 goals in 65 games. Ovechkin’s achievement places him alongside Gretzky and Gordie Howe as the only players to score 800 or more goals.

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery can’t hide his excitement about having a player like Ovechkin on his roster. “What he’s accomplished is incredible. We’re all lucky to witness it,” Carbery said after the game.

Washington fans, who celebrated Ovechkin’s milestone, have long awaited this moment. “To see him get to 900 is special for all of us,” one enthusiastic fan said. The Capitals’ captain had noted before the season that reaching 900 goals would be significant, as it was a milestone no one had achieved before.

Ovechkin reflected on the moment after the game, saying, “It’s a great feeling, but I want to focus on the team and moving forward.” He expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and the fans for their support throughout his career.