`The Great Chase` is complete. Alex Ovechkin has become the NHL`s all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing the iconic Wayne Gretzky.
Ovechkin achieved this record through diverse scoring methods. He tallied over 550 goals at even strength and 320 on the power play, many from his famous `Ovi spot.` He also leads in empty-net and overtime goals. Notably, five of his goals were shorthanded, despite averaging minimal penalty-killing time throughout his career.
However, not all of Ovechkin`s goals are equal. Some are true works of art, others are masterpieces. Some carry significant importance, while others define his remarkable career.
Here are the top 20 goals of Ovechkin`s career, encompassing both NHL regular season and Stanley Cup playoff games.
Many of these goals are frequently featured in highlight reels, while others are ranked for their significance to Ovechkin`s legacy. Explore these classic moments from the Washington Capitals star`s first 895 goals, with insights from Ovechkin, his teammates, coaches, and opponents. Enjoy!
20. Dec. 18, 2015: Ovechkin Stuns the Lightning
The anticipation was palpable as Jason Chimera delivered a perfect pass into the Lightning zone.
Ovechkin seized the puck and skillfully froze Tampa Bay defenseman Anton Stralman with a textbook curl-and-drag maneuver, scoring a beautiful power-play goal against Ben Bishop.
19. June 7, 2018: Ovechkin`s Stanley Cup Final Goal
Ovechkin has scored numerous power-play goals like this throughout his career. However, Game 5 against the Golden Knights marked the first time he scored such a goal in a Stanley Cup clinching game, capping off a postseason performance worthy of the Conn Smythe Trophy.
`Many things were said last year in the press, on Twitter, everywhere,` commented Barry Trotz, the coach of that championship-winning team. `They were hurtful, and I believe he took it personally. He was determined to prove he`s still a great player, and he certainly did.`
18. March 9, 2011: Ovechkin`s Defensive Play Against the Oilers
Criticism regarding Ovechkin`s defensive abilities has followed him for much of his career, even leading former Capitals coach Dale Hunter to briefly experiment with him as a shot blocker.
However, Ovechkin has shown defensive prowess, exemplified by this play where he stole the puck from Oilers defenseman Kurtis Foster, creating a 2-on-0 scoring opportunity which he easily converted.
17. Oct. 5, 2005: Career Goal No. 1
The beginning of a legend. In the season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ovechkin, just 28 seconds after Columbus took the lead, positioned himself between the circles, stick raised for a one-timer.
Dainius Zubrus found him, and Ovechkin unleashed a shot past Pascal Leclaire, marking the first of his countless goals.
16. March 19, 2022: Ovechkin vs. Chicago (and Duncan Keith)
By the time Ovechkin outmaneuvered him on national television, Duncan Keith, a future Hall of Famer, had already secured a Norris Trophy and a Stanley Cup.
Yet, Keith was helpless against Ovechkin`s move. Ovechkin tantalized Keith by dangling the puck close, then pulled it back through his legs, skating around him to score while three Blackhawks watched, seemingly powerless.
15. March 1, 2011: Overtime Winner vs. Islanders
In 2011, NHL overtime was played 4-on-4, and Ovechkin seemed to be playing one-on-one against Frans Nielsen of the Islanders.
Ovechkin outpaced the New York forward through the neutral zone, then powered through Nielsen`s check in the attacking zone, finishing with a deceptive backhand shot that surprised goalie Nathan Lawson.
14. March 19, 2009: The `Hot Stick` Celebration
Ovechkin`s 50th goal of the 2008-09 season sparked a memorable and controversial moment: the `hot stick` celebration. Ovechkin placed his stick on the ice and playfully warmed his gloves over imaginary flames.
This celebration became iconic, featured in bobbleheads and video games. However, Don Cherry criticized it for lacking `class,` suggesting it showed up the Lightning and rookie goalie Mike McKenna.
Years later, McKenna admitted he might have reacted aggressively had he been a veteran at the time. However, he also shared that Ovechkin apologized a week later, explaining he was just having fun and didn`t intend disrespect, which McKenna appreciated.
13. Nov. 20, 2014: The End Boards Goal vs. Avalanche
This goal encapsulates Ovechkin`s strengths: speed, a drag move around Jan Hejda, brute force, and patience to collect the rebound and score on Reto Berra.
The only element missing was his signature slap shot, as he used a backhand to initiate this play.
12. Oct. 10, 2015: Ovechkin Schools Moore, Devils
Ovechkin`s first goal of the 2015-16 season was a highlight reel play, providing a harsh lesson for Devils defenseman John Moore. Ovechkin faked right, dangled left, leaving Moore waving his stick helplessly. He then approached Keith Kinkaid and shot top-shelf.
Moore admitted Ovechkin sold the fake well, capitalizing on the slightest inch of space, a valuable lesson learned.
11. May 1, 2018: The Double-Tap Goal
The Capitals` Stanley Cup journey involved overcoming Pittsburgh. Ovechkin scored a remarkable goal in Game 3 of that series. Nicklas Backstrom initiated a turnover, creating a 2-on-1. He passed to Ovechkin, who shot off the post, then batted the rebound into the net.
Backstrom reflects on their synergy, with him as the playmaker and Ovechkin the scorer, driven by a love for scoring.
10. Jan. 19, 2006: Ovechkin`s Full Throttle Goal vs. Blues
Capitals announcer Joe Beninati described it perfectly: Ovechkin went `full throttle,` bewildering veteran Eric Weinrich and scoring past Curtis Sanford.
Ovechkin himself ranked this goal as his second favorite from a list of NHL top goals, highlighting his speed and move in a more open era of hockey.
This goal followed another classic against Phoenix on Jan. 16…
9. Jan. 25, 2014: Ovechkin`s Juggling Goal vs. Canadiens
Ovechkin demonstrated his juggling skills, collecting a rebound mid-air behind the Montreal net, tapping it, juggling it again towards the goal, and then scoring past Carey Price.
Craig Laughlin praised it as an exceptionally skilled goal.
8. Feb. 4, 2010: The One-Handed Classic
This goal, marking Ovechkin`s 500th point, epitomizes the challenge of stopping him when he`s in form.
Backstrom found him in stride. Despite Michal Rozsival`s attempted hold, Ovechkin dangled through and shot one-handed past Henrik Lundqvist. The puck deflected off Lundqvist`s stick and into the net.
Ovechkin claimed it was his first one-handed goal, highlighting the `Ovechkin Show` in a Capitals` victory.
7. April 6, 2025: Ovechkin Eclipses Gretzky
At 12:34 of the second period on April 6th, Ovechkin surpassed Gretzky with his 895th goal. He could have broken it earlier but wanted to avoid an empty-net goal. History was made with a classic power-play blast, followed by a celebratory belly slide.
The goal`s style was secondary to the historical moment. Ovechkin became the NHL`s all-time leading scorer.
Gretzky supported Ovechkin throughout the chase, echoing his father`s advice to be gracious when records are broken, beneficial for the sport.
Ovechkin breaking this record in today`s NHL, known for its speed and talent, is extraordinary.
6. Dec. 26, 2008: Ovechkin Slugs Buffalo
Known as `Buffaslug,` Ovechkin`s goal against the Buffalo Sabres was an instant classic, against a team wearing infamous jerseys.
He started by tipping the puck away and then raced end-to-end. Despite Henrik Tallinder`s efforts, Ovechkin retained the puck, shooting and scoring as he fell, sliding into Patrick Lalime.
5. May 2, 2015: Ovechkin Scores from His Knee vs. Rangers
Another playoff goal against the Rangers, showcasing Ovechkin`s brilliance against top players.
Facing Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi, with Henrik Lundqvist in net, Ovechkin split the defense, causing them to collide, slipped through, fell to his knee, and snapped a shot before falling further.
Kuznetsov described the goal as `sick,` highlighting its impressiveness.
4. Dec. 20, 2014: Too `Dangle-licious` for You
This goal inspired the term `dangle-licious` from Joe Beninati.
Ovechkin approached Jon Merrill, with Travis Zajac in support. Ovechkin toe-dragged around Merrill, moved to the net, and as Cory Schneider covered the low net, Ovechkin backhanded the puck top shelf.
Schneider acknowledged Ovechkin`s exceptional skill and finish.
3. April 24, 2009: Ovechkin`s Playoff Goal vs. Rangers
Video game-like moves against the Rangers in the playoffs.
After a turnover, Ovechkin skated down ice, deked Chris Drury, dangled through Derek Morris`s legs, and then backhanded the puck past Lundqvist, despite Aaron Voros`s pursuit.
Ovechkin humorously called it a `lucky bounce.`
2. Feb. 18, 2009: The `Hamrlik Goal`
Roman Hamrlik later became Ovechkin`s teammate, but in 2009, he was a Canadien who witnessed this goal firsthand.
Ovechkin outraced Hamrlik, poked the puck around him, spin-o-rama`d into the zone, got checked by Kyle Chipchura, but still scored forehand past Carey Price while falling.
Wes Johnson called it the most spectacular goal he`d seen live in 25 years.
1. Jan. 16, 2006: `The Goal`
Rankings spark debate, and while many Ovechkin classics could top this list, `The Goal` is his `Citizen Kane,` announcing a true artist. It`s the goal that comes to mind when thinking of Ovechkin`s career, ranked by Sportsnet as the greatest of the 21st century.
In his rookie season, Ovechkin reached 30 goals by mid-January. He skated in on Paul Mara, attempted a deke, got knocked off balance, but while falling, one-handed, shot the puck past Brian Boucher.
Auston Matthews and Wayne Gretzky were present, witnessing a goal that would inspire future generations and cement Ovechkin`s legend.
Early in the game, announcers joked about Ovechkin`s distance from Gretzky`s record, unaware of the legendary career to come.
Rupert Hartwell