Ovechkin Nets 20 Goals for 21st Season, Secures 2nd in NHL History
Alex Ovechkin has reached a remarkable milestone by netting 20 goals in the current NHL season, bringing his career total to 917. This achievement places him second in the league’s history, trailing only Wayne Gretzky, who scored 894 goals.
Historic Career Milestones
At 40 years old, Ovechkin has proven to be an extraordinary athlete. He surpassed Gretzky’s long-standing record by scoring his 895th goal on April 6 of last season against the New York Islanders. Ovechkin’s scoring prowess remains unmatched, as he has achieved at least 20 goals in every season since he was selected first overall in the 2004 NHL Draft.
Consistency and Record-Setting Performances
Ovechkin scored 44 goals in 65 games last season, despite missing 16 games due to a fractured left fibula. This remarkable consistency positions him as the only player with more consecutive 20-goal seasons from the beginning of his career.
- Rookie season (2005-06): Ovechkin scored 52 goals.
- Lowest total: 24 goals in the 2020-21 season, shortened to 56 games.
- 30-goal seasons record: 19 seasons.
- 40-goal seasons record: 14 seasons.
- 50-goal seasons tie: 9 seasons, alongside Gretzky and Mike Bossy.
With this latest achievement, Ovechkin continues to extend his legacy in the NHL. His dedication and performance make him one of the greatest scorers in the history of the league, inspiring future generations of hockey players.