Widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is nothing short of a legend. From the beginning of his NHL career in 2005 to his historic 18th 30-goal season in 2024, Alexander Ovechkin has been lighting up the ice for nearly 20 years. Whether he is firing a powerful one-timer from “Ovi’s Office” or chasing Wayne Gretzky’s goal record, there is no doubt that Ovechkin is a star. Let’s take a look back in time through the historic career of the Capitals’ forward.
Awards and Honors
Alex Ovechkin was drafted first overall by the Washington Capitals after a brief career with the Dynamo Moscow of the Russian Superleague. He began playing with the Capitals the next season and touted 52 goals and 54 assists, earning himself the Calder Memorial Trophy and finishing third overall in scoring in the league. Alongside the Calder Trophy, Alex Ovechkin has also won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophy a record-setting nine times since 2007, when he also earned the Art Ross trophy for most points scored. He won the Hart Memorial Trophy for the Most Valuable Player and the Ted Lindsay Award three separate times each. He also holds the NHL record for most 40-goal seasons (13) and co-holds the record for the most 50-goal campaigns with Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin was named to the NHL First All-Star Team eight times and the Second All-Star Team four times. In 2018, Alex Ovechkin finally became a Stanley Cup Champion with his Washington Capitals and was given the Conn Smythe trophy for the MVP of the postseason.
International Play
Ovechkin has represented his home country, Russia, multiple times on the international stage. He began playing internationally in 2002 during the IIHF U18 World Championship, followed the next year by his debut in the World Juniors Championship, where Russia took home gold. He played two more times in the World Juniors and once more in the U18 Championship. In 2004, Alexander Ovechkin played for his country in both the Men’s World Championship and the World Cup. He has also represented on the Olympic stage in 2006, 2010, and 2014.
NHL Career Highlights
Alex Ovechkin started his NHL career strong in the 2005-2006 season opener, where he scored two goals to help the Capitals take a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. In 2006, he scored his first career hat trick against J.S. Giguere of the Anaheim Ducks. EA Sports made him one of the cover athletes of NHL 07 because of his impressive rookie campaign. After his rookie contract expired, Alexander Ovechkin signed a 13-year contract extension averaging $9.5 million per year, the richest in league history. On January 5th, 2010, the Washington Capitals named Ovechkin (then 24 years old) team captain after previous captain Chris Clark was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was the first European and second-youngest captain in team history. That February, in his fifth NHL season, Ovi reached the 500-career point mark in 373 games and became the first Russian player to hit 500 goals in 2016. During the Washington Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup Championship run, Alex Ovechkin totaled 27 points (15g, 12a) in 24 games, earning him the Conn Smythe trophy and, of course, the Stanley Cup. He famously (and drunkenly) partied in fountains during the Championship rally, warming the hearts of Capitals fans and general hockey fans alike.
Recent History
In 2022, Alex Ovechkin became the oldest player in league history to have a 50-goal campaign at 36 years old. In the same year, he set the record for the most goals with one team (787). The record was previously held by Gordie Howe. On December 23rd, 2022, the captain’s chase to beat Wayne Gretzky’s 894 career goals began when he scored his 801st and 802nd career regular-season goals, putting him in 2nd place for total career goals. At the end of the 2023-2024 season, the forward sits at 853 goals.
Off-the-Ice
Besides being a prolific goal-scorer, Alexander Ovechkin is also heralded as having incredible sportsmanship with his teammates and the opposing team. As captain, he leads and champions his team well both on and off the ice. He also often congratulates members of the opposing team during and after games. He is known for his goofy personality and kind interactions with fans, despite being such a well-known figure in the sports world. Ovechkin is also a charitable guy through both his foundation, Ovi’s Crazy 8s, and his work with the American Special Hockey Association.
In addition to being named a cover athlete in 2007, Alexander Ovechkin also graced the covers of NHL video games in 2010 and 2021. He has also appeared in a handful of commercials, movies, and music videos. He is well-known as an automobile lover and car collector and is also an avid supporter of soccer, specifically Liverpool F.C. He is married to his wife, Nastya, and has two sons, both of whom play hockey. His older son, Sergei, made an appearance alongside his dad in the 2023 NHL All-Star Game.
Whether you call him Alexander, Alex, or Ovi, this Capitals captain has forever etched his name in history as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
ITR 35: Round One – Inside The Rink
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