WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Alex Ovechkin reached a significant milestone by scoring his 889th career goal in the Washington Capitals’ clash against the Winnipeg Jets. As Ovechkin skated past the Jets’ bench to join his teammates in celebration, he made a point to acknowledge Scott Arniel with a knowing grin. Arniel, who served as an assistant coach with the Capitals from 2018 to 2022 and now holds a position with the Jets, smiled at the gesture.
“Ovechkin had this huge smirk as he skated by,” Arniel remarked, clearly amused by the exchange. With that goal, Ovechkin moves within five of tying, and six of surpassing, Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record. Ovechkin scored late on Tuesday night, evening the score between the NHL’s top teams and eventually leading to a game that was resolved in the Jets’ favor during overtime, 3-2.
“I’m happy for him,” Arniel continued. “He’s inching closer to that incredible number. That’s just Ovechkin’s game – with the puck barely touching his stick before it rockets off. We played well defensively for the most part, trying to shut him down, especially on power plays. But he only needs a sliver of opportunity.”
At 39 years of age and with three goals in the last five games, Ovechkin is zeroing in on the elusive 894 goals, potentially breaking it this season. If he maintains his current pace, the 895th could arrive during Washington’s second to last regular-season game against the New York Islanders on April 15.
Mason Appleton of the Jets noted, “When defending him, you have to be practically glued to him because his release is devastating. You can’t assume you’re blocking him just by being in his path, as he can maneuver the puck skillfully past you. He’s an outstanding scorer. Given any leeway, he can turn the tables on you.”
Ovechkin’s latest game-tying goal, marking his 150th and extending his own record, came with just four minutes left. His linemate, Aliaksei Protas, identified him in an open spot within the left faceoff circle, allowing Ovechkin to send a precise wrist shot past Connor Hellebuyck, the distinguished winner of multiple Vezina Trophies and a favorite this season.
“Protas made a fantastic play, and the puck made its way to me,” Ovechkin reflected. “We all contributed to that effort beautifully.”
Capitals coach Spencer Carbery described the sequence as “a pivotal play in a critical moment.” It is part of his task to pinpoint ideal scenarios for Ovechkin’s scoring opportunities.
“Ovechkin clearly wants to be out there, so it’s my role to orchestrate specific matchups and scenarios,” Carbery explained. “He and I have had conversations about this, collaborating based on the game’s circumstances.”
Ovechkin, who boasts 36 goals this season and is poised to reach at least 40 for a record-setting 14th season, continues to shine despite having missed 16 games due to a broken left fibula. As he edges closer to breaking Gretzky’s revered record, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain fixed on his journey.
“It’s an interesting period,” Ovechkin acknowledged. “It feels special and there’s a lot of attention on it, but mainly, it’s about enjoying the ride. It’s quite the experience with everyone watching intently.”