WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin has once again solidified his status as a legendary figure in the NHL by achieving the remarkable feat of scoring 30 goals in a season for the 19th time in his 20-year career. This builds on the extraordinary record he set the previous season when he accomplished this milestone for the 18th time.
The Washington Capitals captain celebrated this achievement during a home game against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night. Ovechkin’s milestone goal came 4:52 into the third period, as he delivered a powerful one-timer on a power play past Calgary’s goaltender Dan Vladar, prompting the enthusiastic crowd to chant his name, “Ovi! Ovi!”
Reflecting on the goal, Vladar said, “I was cheating a little bit, but there is a reason why he has so many goals like that. It’s a story I’ll tell my kids one day that a player of his caliber scored on me, but in the moment, it’s tough to appreciate. I’m glad we only face him twice.” Despite Ovechkin’s goal, the Flames secured a 3-1 victory that propelled them into a playoff spot.
Ovechkin’s accomplishment places him alongside hockey legends Teemu Selanne, Johnny Bucyk, and Gordie Howe (who hit this mark thrice) as the only players in NHL history to net 30 or more goals in a season at the age of 39 or older. “My linemates, teammates do a pretty good job finding me out there, and I just have to finish it up,” Ovechkin humbly commented.
This latest goal also increases his career tally to 883 goals, bringing him just 12 goals shy of surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s revered record of 894. If Ovechkin maintains his current pace, he’ll likely eclipse Gretzky’s total by early April, well before the regular season concludes.
“He’s obviously doing such special things,” remarked Calgary’s Matt Coronato, who also scored during the game. “While competing against him, you hope to stop him, but it’s incredible to witness his achievements throughout the season.”
Meanwhile, Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson endured the physical toll of the game, icing his right thigh and left foot and ankle after blocking eight shots, two of which came from Ovechkin himself. “He’s on a great chase, and you’ve got to eat a few,” Andersson stated. “That’s just how the game unfolded. Now it feels good.”
