Washington, D.C. — Alex Ovechkin, star player for the Washington Capitals, celebrated his 858th career goal after scoring against the Montreal Canadiens during the game’s third period on Thursday. This achievement brings him within 37 goals of breaking the NHL’s all-time scoring record.
Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin continues his remarkable journey toward hockey greatness, scoring his 858th career goal on Thursday night in a game against the Montreal Canadiens. The 39-year-old is now only 37 goals away from breaking the legendary Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record, a feat that once seemed unreachable. At the start of this season, Ovechkin was 42 goals shy of this historic mark, but his goal-scoring pace indicates he could surpass it by spring.
Ovechkin’s latest goal added to a thrilling 6-3 win over Montreal, where he also helped teammate Aliaksei Protas score. Reflecting on Ovechkin’s passion, Protas remarked, “The way he celebrates, it’s like he’s scoring his first goal all over again, which shows his love for the game and drive to break records.”
In just nine games this season, Ovechkin has already tallied five goals, proving his ability to keep scoring at an elite level, even in the later stages of his career. His passion and commitment on the ice are clear, and his joy in scoring is contagious among teammates, creating an atmosphere that elevates the entire team’s spirit.
Protas continued, “You see the look in his eyes — he’s genuinely happy, celebrating like a kid. It’s rare and special, a testament to his incredible talent and unwavering hunger to score.” Ovechkin’s enthusiasm and drive, even with the record within his grasp, have solidified his position as one of the unique players in NHL history.
This goal against Montreal made Cayden Primeau the 176th goalie Ovechkin has scored against, adding to his long list of achievements. The Russian forward is also closing in on his 19th 30-goal season, a record he’s already secured with his previous 18. Ovechkin credited his teammates for making his job easier, expressing appreciation for Protas and center Dylan Strome’s precise passes that allowed him to get clear shots. "You can see the empty netters,” Ovechkin joked. “[Strome and Protas] find me out there, and I almost miss it, too.”
With this latest victory, the Capitals are off to a strong start this season, marking their best performance in nearly a decade. Winning seven of their first nine games has sparked a positive atmosphere within the team. Ovechkin commented on the team’s momentum and camaraderie, saying, “Right now, we’re just having fun, supporting each other. Winning creates a great atmosphere among players and coaches. It’s a long season, and there will be ups and downs, but sticking together will keep us going strong.”
As Ovechkin inches closer to one of the NHL’s most revered records, he brings not only his teammates but also hockey fans worldwide along for the ride. His relentless dedication, childlike excitement, and formidable talent have kept fans on their toes, wondering just how soon he’ll achieve this monumental milestone.
