Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) follows the action in the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Ovechkin ties Gordie Howe for second in all-time NHL goals

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Steven Ellis | Last updated 12/23/22

Alex Ovechkin has tied legendary forward Gordie Howe for the most goals in NHL history, scoring his 801st on Monday against the Winnipeg Jets.

The goal came with 1:38 left in the first period, with Dylan Strome grabbing the assist. Jets backup David Rittich was the goaltender of record on the wrist shot from just near the high slot.

Ovechkin’s next goal will put him in sole position for second all-time, with Wayne Gretzky having the lead at 894.

Newest member of the 801 goal club: Alex Ovechkin pic.twitter.com/oRpm3iu5TD
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 24, 2022

The goal was Ovechkin’s 21st of the season. He’s on pace to finish with 50 goals in 2022-23, which would be the 10th time in his career if it occurred.

Ovechkin, who has spent all 16 seasons with the Capitals, is widely considered to be the greatest goal-scorer of his generation, and he has shown no signs of stopping at 37 years old. He’s the third scorer to hit 800 in his career and the first European. Jaromir Jagr is the only other European forward to surpass the 700-goal mark, with Jagr sitting at 766 in fourth.

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

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