The chase is complete. Alex Ovechkin has become the NHL`s all-time leading scorer, surpassing the iconic Wayne Gretzky.
Ovechkin reached this milestone through diverse scoring methods. He tallied over 550 goals at even strength and 320 on the power play, many from his famous `Ovi spot`. He also leads in empty-net and overtime goals. Notably, five goals were shorthanded, despite averaging minimal penalty-killing time.
However, not all of Ovechkin`s goals are equal. Some are true masterpieces of skill, others are pivotal moments in his career. This list ranks the top 20 goals from Ovechkin`s NHL career, including both regular season and Stanley Cup playoff goals.
Many of these goals are highlight reel staples, while others are ranked for their importance to Ovechkin`s legacy. Throughout this countdown, you`ll hear insights from Ovechkin, teammates, coaches, and opponents about these defining moments from his first 895 goals.
20. Dec. 18, 2015: Ovechkin Stuns the Lightning
This goal felt inevitable as Jason Chimera delivered a perfect pass into the Lightning zone.
Ovechkin seized the puck, then froze Anton Stralman with a classic curl-and-drag move, scoring a beautiful power-play goal against Ben Bishop.
19. June 7, 2018: Ovechkin`s Stanley Cup Final Goal
Ovechkin has scored countless power-play goals like this. But this one, in Game 5 against the Golden Knights, was his first in a Stanley Cup Final clinching game, capping off a Conn Smythe-worthy postseason.
Barry Trotz, coach of that championship team, noted, `There was a lot of criticism last year in the media, on Twitter, everywhere. It stung, and he took it personally. He was determined to prove he was still an elite player, and he did.`
18. March 9, 2011: Ovechkin`s Defensive Play vs. Oilers
Ovechkin`s defensive abilities have often been questioned. Former Capitals coach Dale Hunter even briefly experimented with him as a shot blocker.
However, Ovechkin had defensive highlights, like this play where he stole the puck from Oilers defenseman Kurtis Foster on the forecheck, creating a 2-on-0 and scoring easily.
17. Oct. 5, 2005: Goal No. 1
The beginning. In the Capitals` home opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ovechkin scored his first NHL goal just 28 seconds after Columbus took the lead in the second period. He positioned himself in the slot for a one-timer.
Dainius Zubrus found him, and Ovechkin blasted a shot past Pascal Leclaire, marking the first of many goals.
16. March 19, 2022: Ovechkin vs. Chicago (Duncan Keith)
Duncan Keith, a future Hall of Famer with a Norris Trophy and Stanley Cups, became Ovechkin`s victim on national TV.
Keith couldn`t stop Ovechkin`s move: a tantalizing dangle, pulling the puck back through his legs, and skating around Keith for a goal as three Blackhawks watched.
15. March 1, 2011: Overtime Winner vs. Islanders
In 4-on-4 overtime in 2011, Ovechkin faced Frans Nielsen of the Islanders one-on-one.
Ovechkin outmaneuvered Nielsen with speed through the neutral zone, evaded a check, and scored with a backhand shot that surprised goalie Nathan Lawson.
14. March 19, 2009: The `Hot Stick` Celebration
Ovechkin`s 50th goal in 2008-09 led to his famous `hot stick` celebration, warming his gloves over his stick`s `flames`.
This moment was widely recognized, from bobbleheads to video games. However, Don Cherry criticized Ovechkin for lacking `class` and disrespecting the Lightning and rookie goalie Mike McKenna.
Years later, McKenna admitted he might have reacted strongly as a veteran, but also shared that Ovechkin apologized, saying he `didn`t mean to embarrass or disrespect` and was `having fun.` McKenna accepted his apology, appreciating Ovechkin`s humility.
13. Nov. 20, 2014: The End Boards Goal vs. Avalanche
This goal showcases Ovechkin`s key attributes: speed, skill to beat Jan Hejda, and persistence to collect the rebound and score past Reto Berra.
Though not a typical slap shot, it demonstrated his versatility by going to the backhand to create the scoring chance.
12. Oct. 10, 2015: Ovechkin Schools Moore, Devils
Ovechkin`s first goal of 2015-16 season highlighted reels and gave Devils` John Moore a lesson. Speeding into the zone, Ovechkin faked right, dangled left, leaving Moore behind. He then beat Keith Kinkaid top-shelf.
Moore admitted Ovechkin `sold` the move, and acknowledged needing better stick work and gap control, learning a tough lesson.
11. May 1, 2018: The Double-Tap Goal
En route to their first Stanley Cup, the Capitals overcame Pittsburgh. Ovechkin`s Game 3 goal in that series was exceptional. Nicklas Backstrom created a turnover, springing a 2-on-1. Ovechkin shot off the post behind Matt Murray, then batted in the airborne rebound.
Backstrom noted their long-standing chemistry: `I was more of a playmaker, and he was a goal scorer. He just loves to score goals.`
10. Jan. 19, 2006: Ovechkin Goes Full Throttle vs. Blues
As the announcer said, Ovechkin went `full throttle,` outmaneuvering veteran Eric Weinrich before scoring on Curtis Sanford.
Ovechkin ranked this goal as his second favorite of 10 NHL-selected goals. `I had full speed and made a good move. It was a different game then, more open.`
This goal came after another classic against Phoenix on Jan. 16…
9. Jan. 25, 2014: Ovechkin vs. Canadiens Juggle
Ovechkin showed off his juggling skills.
He collected a Carey Price rebound mid-air, juggled it with his stick, and tapped it in for a power-play goal.
The announcer called it `a prettier goal from a so-called `hands guy` you won`t see in the NHL.`
8. Feb. 4, 2010: The One-Handed Classic
Ovechkin`s 500th career point goal highlighted his unstoppable force.
Backstrom found him in stride. Despite Michal Rozsival`s hold, Ovechkin dangled through and shot one-handed past Henrik Lundqvist.
Ovechkin claimed it was his first one-handed goal due to hand strength. The New York Times called it `Ovechkin Show.`
7. April 6, 2025: Ovechkin Eclipses Gretzky
At 12:34 of the second period on April 6th, Ovechkin passed Gretzky with his 895th goal. He could have broken it earlier but waited, scoring a vintage power-play blast and celebrating with a belly slide.
The goal`s style was secondary to the moment: Ovechkin becoming the NHL`s all-time leading scorer.
Gretzky encouraged Ovechkin, echoing his father`s advice to be gracious when his record was broken, promoting the game.
Ovechkin breaking the record in today`s NHL era is extraordinary.
6. Dec. 26, 2008: Ovechkin `Buffaslug` Goal
The `Buffaslug` goal, against Buffalo in their infamous jerseys.
Ovechkin started by stripping a Sabres player, then sped away. Henrik Tallinder tried to stop him, but Ovechkin retained the puck, shooting and scoring on Patrick Lalime while falling.
5. May 2, 2015: Ovechkin From His Knee vs. Rangers
Another playoff goal against the Rangers, against a strong defense of Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi and Hall of Fame goalie Henrik Lundqvist.
Ovechkin split the defense, causing them to collide, slipped through, fell to his knee, and snapped a shot before falling fully.
Teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov called it `sick`.
4. Dec. 20, 2014: Too `Dangle-licious`
This goal inspired the term `dangle-licious`.
Ovechkin moved towards Jon Merrill, who had Travis Zajac for support. Ovechkin toe-dragged around Merrill as Zajac reached, then backhanded the puck top-shelf on Cory Schneider while falling.
Schneider acknowledged Ovechkin`s skill: `He made a great move. I stayed with him… He was able to elevate it in tight.`
3. April 24, 2009: Ovechkin Playoff Goal vs. Rangers
Video game-like moves in this playoff goal against the Rangers.
After a turnover, Ovechkin deked Chris Drury, dangled through Derek Morris`s legs, and backhanded the puck past Lundqvist despite Aaron Voros catching up.
Ovechkin called his backhand `terrible. Lucky bounce.`
2. Feb. 18, 2009: The `Hamrlik Goal`
Roman Hamrlik later became Ovechkin`s teammate. Did they discuss this goal?
Hamrlik, then aCanadien, chased Ovechkin. Ovi beat him, poked the puck around him, spin-o-rama`d into the zone, was checked by Kyle Chipchura, but still scored forehand past Carey Price while falling.
The announcer called it `the most spectacular goal I had seen in my 25 years of doing this live.`
1. Jan. 16, 2006: `The Goal`
Rankings spark debate. Many Ovechkin classics could top this list. But `The Goal` is his `Citizen Kane`, his masterpiece arrival.
Thinking of Ovechkin`s goals, this Glendale, Arizona goal comes to mind, ranked by Sportsnet as the 21st century`s greatest.
Rookie Ovechkin took the puck at center ice, approached Paul Mara, attempted a deke, was knocked off balance but still managed to shoot while falling on his back.
Goalie Brian Boucher tried to stop it, but the puck crossed the line.
In the stands, an 8-year-old Auston Matthews watched, inspired. Behind the bench, Gretzky, then Phoenix`s coach, also watched.
Earlier, the announcer joked about Ovechkin catching Gretzky`s record. `Good luck, Mr. Ovechkin.`
