Alex Ovechkin concluded his chase of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record Sunday, and we're here to reminisce on some of the most memorable tallies that helped bring him to this point.
We're not listing these goals in terms of importance, as No. 895 rocketed to the top of that list the second it hit the back of the net. Instead, we're remembering some of the countless milestone markers and highlight-reel tucks Ovechkin scored during his 20-year quest to become the NHL's goal king.
Playoff goals were not included simply because they don't count toward his total. The absurd toe drag against the Rangers, the dueling hat tricks against Sidney Crosby, and the 15 goals scored on his march to the Stanley Cup in 2018 unfortunately had to be omitted.
First goal - Oct. 5, 2005
Where it all began. It's absolutely no surprise that Ovechkin scored twice in his NHL debut and that his first goal was an absolute rocket of a one-timer. The debut came after a year-long lockout and kicked off a rookie season that ended with 52 goals and the Calder Trophy.
Barrel roll vs. Coyotes - Jan. 16, 2006
Before he scored the biggest goal in NHL history, this stood as his most iconic tally. Ovechkin pulled off one of the most acrobatic plays the hockey world's ever seen during his rookie season, corralling a loose puck above his head while sliding away from the net. Adding to the lore of this unforgettable highlight is a baffled Wayne Gretzky, who was the Coyotes' coach at the time.
Individual effort vs. Sabres - Dec. 26, 2008
Ovechkin made his office the top of the left circle on the power play, but he's never been a one-trick pony when it comes to scoring. This goal wasn't a milestone, but it encapsulates the sheer power of early-era Ovechkin - unstoppable speed through the neutral zone, dancing past a stranded defender, and not giving up on the play until the puck is in the net.
Spinning past the Canadiens - Feb. 18, 2009
Young Ovechkin could go through you or go around you, as evidenced by this famous marker against the Canadiens during his third of nine 50-goal seasons. This one stands as one of the prettiest goals of his career 16 years later.
Hot stick - March 19, 2009
Ovechkin's always loved a good celebration, and the "hot stick" after his 50th goal of the 2008-09 campaign went viral before going viral was even a thing. It drew the ire of traditionalists who begged a charismatic Ovi to respect his opponents. But Mike McKenna - the helpless netminder who could do nothing but watch Ovechkin's lethal wrister whiz past his glove hand - revealed the Capitals icon apologized and told him he never intended to cause embarrass him.
Only one hand required - Feb. 4, 2010
It's easy to forget a goal from February 2010, but this one-handed effort by Ovechkin against the Rangers is one of his top highlights and marked his 500th career point.
Through the legs vs. Devils - Dec. 20, 2014
Defending Ovechkin off the rush, during his prime no less, seems like a really, really bad time. "The Great 8" victimized Jon Merill on this dash before roofing a diving backhand for good measure.
No. 500 - Jan. 10, 2016
Five hundred is a magical number in hockey. Scoring that many goals almost guarantees enshrinement in the Hall of Fame and is often done in the twilight of great sniper's careers. Ovechkin required 801 games to score his 500th, the fifth-fastest mark in league history.
1,000th point - Jan. 11, 2017
Ovechkin's 1,000th point could have come in a variety of ways, but it fittingly came with an electric snipe in the opening minute against his biggest rival. It just wouldn't have felt right if this milestone was a cheap secondary assist.
No. 600 - March 12, 2018
While 500 goals is special, 600 is a different stratosphere. Ovechkin was the 20th player in league history to get there, and the benchmark has only been reached by Sidney Crosby since then. Ovechkin won his seventh Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy the season he scored his 600th, only one year after a 33-goal campaign at 31 years old that had people wondering if he was beginning to slow down.
No. 700 - Feb. 22, 2020
Ovechkin absolutely did not slow down. Two years after bagging No. 600, Ovi reached the next century on his path to his ninth and most recent "Rocket." It's odd to see Ovechkin blast a one-timer from that side of the ice, but the top-shelf snipe and emphatic celebration was nothing new.
Hat trick for No. 800 - Dec. 13, 2022
Becoming only the third player in NHL history to achieve 800 goals is one thing, but doing so with a hat trick is classic Ovechkin. The goal drew a major celebration, and he went on to score twice five games later to officially pass Gordie Howe for second all-time and kick the "Gr8 Chase" into overdrive.
