5 defining moments of Alex Ovechkin's career

The greatest scorer of this generation has provided a multitude of extraordinary moments on his path to 1,000 points.

Here are five that best illustrate Alex Ovechkin's greatness:

The Goal

Let's not bury the lede.

In his 44th game in the NHL, and while charting a path to a 52-goal, Calder Trophy-winning rookie season, Ovechkin scored an outrageous, extraordinary, stupid, unthinkable, impossible goal versus the Phoenix Coyotes.

It was something unlike we've ever seen before, or will see again. And it was the moment many realized Ovechkin would thrill us like no one else has.

Another 'Wow' moment

Ovechkin is much more than a stationary trigger man. The goal that might best showcase his complete attacking portfolio was this stunning marker against the Montreal Canadiens in 2009.

The creativity with the bank, the power on the edge, the insatiable desire to score. Unreal.

The Duel

In the second round in 2009, Ovechkin and longtime rival Sidney Crosby each scored a hat trick, making for one of the most memorable Stanley Cup playoff games in the post-lockout era. But if we're being honest, "The Duel" was a touch one-sided.

Ovechkin erased Crosby's first with a gorgeous finish in transition, then scored two breathtaking goals (one from his common post above the circle on the power play, and the other on a one-on-one rush) in the third period to put the Capitals up two.

The scenes in Washington were spectacular.

Trucking Jagr

We weren't being completely truthful when mentioning earlier that we saw the entirety of Ovechkin's offensive talent on one play. There's another, more devastating manner in which he can create.

Case in point:

1K

Always a showman. With all eyes on him on a nationally televised game versus the Penguins with a chance to collect his 1,000th career point, Ovechkin rather predictably delivered 35 seconds after the puck dropped.

Also worth noting:

What may best define Ovechkin's hockey legacy (but doesn't make for the best highlight) is his commitment to his country.

From suffering a shoulder injury in the world junior final in 2005, to falling short in three Olympic bids, Ovechkin's greatest heartbreaks have been suffered while wearing a Russian uniform. But his passion to win a best-on-best title for his country burns as it always has, and he's championed the movement to play in the upcoming Olympics regardless of whether the NHL decides to go.

There's something truly admirable in that.