Ovechkin passes Jagr for 3rd on NHL's all-time goals list
One future Hockey Hall of Famer leapfrogged another on Tuesday night, as Alex Ovechkin scored the 767th goal of his career against the New York Islanders to move past Jaromir Jagr on the NHL's all-time goals list.
The goal that made history:
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) March 16, 2022
ALEX OVECHKIN: THIRD-HIGHEST GOAL SCORER IN @NHL HISTORY‼️ #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/4FhO2SylQ0
The Washington Capitals captain tied Jagr with a pair of goals, including an empty-netter, during a victory over the Calgary Flames last week. Ovechkin passed Jagr in 477 fewer games played.
"It's a proud moment for all of us. It's great for hockey and it's great for fans," Ovechkin said postgame. "I'm happy to be in this company, I'm happy to be in this organization, I'm happy to be in this league."
"I saved it for home," Ovechkin joked when asked what it meant to reach the milestone in front of the fans at Capital One Arena.
Here's an updated list of the league's top scorers:
| Rank | Player | Goals | Games Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wayne Gretzky | 894 | 1487 |
| 2 | Gordie Howe | 801 | 1767 |
| 3 | Alex Ovechkin | 767 | 1256 |
| 4 | Jaromir Jagr | 766 | 1733 |
| 5 | Brett Hull | 741 | 1269 |
Jagr was one of the first to congratulate him, but he joked that he hasn't officially retired from hockey yet and might have to return to the NHL to start chasing Ovechkin. The 50-year-old has been playing professionally in his native Czech Republic since 2018.
A very special congratulations from Jaromir Jagr to Alex Ovechkin (plus a little surprise at the end). 😉 pic.twitter.com/HGgSlqRTaQ
— NHL (@NHL) March 16, 2022
Ovechkin is a candidate for the Hart Trophy this season. The 36-year-old has piled up 37 goals and 35 assists in 59 games during the 2021-22 campaign.