Washington Capitals winger Alexander Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s career goal mark of 894 goals on Sunday against the New York Islanders after tying the Great One in a 5-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.
The 39-year-old reached the 40-goal mark for the 14th time in his 20-year career, with his record-breaking goal against the Islanders being No. 41.
Ovechkin’s career is littered with goals from his favorite spot at the top of the faceoff circle – exactly where he scored his record-breaking 895th career goal – but a number of his efforts show how versatile a talent he is.
Here are 10 of the 'Great 8’s' most impressive goals:
Playoff Game Winner Against Pittsburgh – May 2, 2018
The Capitals and Penguins battled in the Metropolitan Division for years, with Sidney Crosby winning out most of the time, but the Caps finally got past the Pens in the second round in 2018, with Ovechkin scoring the game-winner past Matt Murray late in Game 3.
The One-Handed Goal – Feb. 4, 2010
One of the best examples of the 'Great 8’s' incredible strength is when he goes through the legs of Michal Rozsival and one-hands an alley-oop shot over Henrik Lundqvist.
Follow The Bouncing Puck – Jan. 25, 2014
Ovechkin has always been known for his incredible one-timer and powerful shot, but his hand-eye coordination is just as spectacular, as this goal against Carey Price shows.
Nearly End To End – March 1, 2011
A brilliant dash by Ovechkin after picking up the puck in his own zone, he blows by Frans Nielsen and backhands it by Nathan Lawson for the overtime winner.
Dangling Against The Devils – Dec. 20, 2014
A phenomenal toe drag move that burns New Jersey defenseman Jon Merrill and beats Corey Schneider.
From His Knees – May 2, 2015
Another jaw-dropping effort by Ovechkin who splits the Rangers defense in Game 2 of their second round series and fires the puck past Lundqvist.
Weaving Through The Rangers – April 24, 2009
One of the best individual efforts you will ever see, as Ovechkin picks up the puck in the neutral zone, cuts to the middle, gets by two Rangers, and beats Lundqvist.
Banking It To Himself – Feb. 18, 2009
Scoring in all sorts of ways is why Ovechkin is the best goal scorer in NHL history. This one is incredible, where he banks the puck to himself to get by Roman Hamrlik and then scores while sliding past Price.
The Great 8 Surpasses The Great One – April 6, 2025
This was the one the hockey world had been waiting for. Midway through the second period, Ovi gets the puck in his favorite spot at the top of the faceoff circle and rips a powerful wrister past Ilya Sorokin, cementing himself as the greatest NHL goal scorer.
Ovi On His Back – Jan. 16, 2006
It may be fitting that Ovechkin’s most spectacular goal came against the team that Wayne Gretzky coached, as he scores from his back by shoveling the puck past Phoenix goalie Brian Boucher.
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