Alex Ovechkin has once again proven his prowess on the ice, reaching the remarkable milestone of 30 goals in a season for the 19th time in his illustrious 20-year NHL career. This achievement adds to the league record he set last season with his 18th 30-goal season. The milestone goal was scored during a home game against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night, despite the Washington Capitals suffering a 3-1 loss.
In the third period, with 4:52 on the clock, Ovechkin delivered a powerful one-timer on the power play, beating goalie Dan Vladar. This goal sent the crowd into a frenzy, chanting "Ovi! Ovi!" Vladar commented, "I was cheating a little bit, but there is a reason why he has so many goals like that. It's going to be a story for my kids one day that a player like that scored on me, but obviously in that moment, you don't appreciate it."
At age 39, Ovechkin joins the ranks of Teemu Selanne, Johnny Bucyk, and Gordie Howe (who accomplished this three times) as the only players in hockey history to score 30-plus goals in a season at this age. Ovechkin praised his teammates, saying, "My linemates, teammates do a pretty good job finding me out there, and I just have to finish it up."
According to ESPN Research, Ovechkin reached the 30-goal mark in just 42 games this season, marking the fifth-fewest games he has needed in his career to achieve this. He continues to dominate the NHL all-time list of 30-goal scorers, distancing himself from Mike Gartner in second place with 17 seasons and Jaromir Jagr in third with 15 seasons.
Ovechkin's 883rd career goal brings him within 12 goals of breaking Wayne Gretzky's long-held record of 894 goals. With his recent hat trick against Edmonton, Ovechkin is on pace to surpass Gretzky by early April. "He's obviously doing such special things," said Calgary's Matt Coronato. "Obviously, when you're competing against him, you don't want to see it but definitely cool to watch all season long."
Since returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off break, Ovechkin has scored four goals in three games, contributing to the Eastern Conference-leading Capitals. Despite Tuesday's loss, they maintain a strong record of 4-2 in their past six games. Meanwhile, the biggest winner of the night was Calgary, moving into a playoff position in the Western Conference with goals by Coronato, Martin Pospisil, and Jonathan Huberdeau. Goalie Dan Vladar made 26 saves for the Flames, who have now won two consecutive games following the league's break.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
