Capitals Announce Historic Alex Ovechkin News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Spencer Garrett Ostrow | Last updated Mar 9, 2025 7:02 PM ET

The Washington Capitals hosted the Seattle Kraken on Sunday afternoon, looking to pick up their fourth straight win and extend their lead in the Metropolitan division.

Seattle struck first, taking a 1-0 lead into the first intermission. However, Washington responded with two goals in the second period. The Kraken then tied the game, but the Capitals sealed the victory with two more scores in the third, winning 4-2.

Washington’s fourth goal was scored by winger Alex Ovechkin, who sent a backhanded shot from center ice into the empty net.

Fans have been counting down to him breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record. While that goal (886) brought him within nine of breaking Gretzky’s 894, it also made NHL history in another way.

ALEX OVECHKIN IS NINE GOALS AWAY FROM HISTORY! #Gr8Chase pic.twitter.com/Ju9vnwWYdk
— NHL (@NHL) March 9, 2025

Ovechkin picked up his 1,600 career point and the Capitals announced that he is now the 11th player in NHL history to reach that mark.

"THE 11TH PLAYER IN NHL HISTORY TO RECORD 1,600 CAREER POINTS," the Capitals wrote on social media.

THE 11TH PLAYER IN NHL HISTORY TO RECORD 1,600 CAREER POINTS #ALLCAPS | @LeidosInc pic.twitter.com/MIYOj5HXoh
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 9, 2025

Ovechkin was selected first overall by the Capitals in the 2004 NHL draft and has gone on to build a legendary career ever since. He’s widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever play the game.

Now in his 20th NHL season, Ovechkin’s resume speaks for itself. He’s a three-time Hart Trophy winner, a nine-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner, an Art Ross Trophy recipient, a 13-time All-Star, a Stanley Cup champion, and a Conn Smythe Trophy winner.

Now, with 18 games left to go in the regular season, the 39-year-old is on pace to break Gretzky's all-time record on April 6 against the New York Islanders.

He and the Capitals will return to the ice on Tuesday to face the Anaheim Ducks. Puck-drop in Anaheim is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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