Washington Capitals` star, Alex Ovechkin, has matched Wayne Gretzky`s all-time record of 894 career goals.
Ovechkin`s journey to this historic moment began with his first NHL game in October 2005, where he scored his debut goal as a rookie. The years that followed were filled with triumphs and challenges, shaping him into the exceptional player and eventual champion he is today.
Welcome to the Alex Ovechkin Eras Tour, a look at eight significant periods that have defined `The Great 8` over the past two decades.
The Rockstar Rookie Era (2004-06)
Goals scored: 52
The 2003-04 season was a low point for the Capitals, reminiscent of their historically poor 1974-75 season. Despite aiming for success after acquiring Jaromir Jagr in 2001, the team struggled, leading to a fire sale of key players in 2004.
Despite a dismal season, the Capitals defied odds to secure the first overall pick in the 2004 NHL draft, granting them the opportunity to draft Alex Ovechkin.
Ovechkin was already a celebrated prospect. His performance at the 2002 U18 World Championships and scoring prowess for Moscow Dynamo solidified his top rank in the draft class. While Evgeni Malkin was also a strong contender, the Capitals were determined to select Ovechkin.
After playing in Russia during the 2004-05 NHL lockout, Ovechkin joined a rebuilding Capitals team in 2005-06. His arrival, though highly anticipated, shared the spotlight with Sidney Crosby`s debut.
Ovechkin, the dynamic Russian star, and Crosby, the composed Canadian prodigy, were instantly framed as rivals. Ovechkin won the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year, outscoring Crosby in points and goals, including his famous “The Goal” against the Coyotes.
Ovechkin`s rookie season improved the Capitals, setting the stage for future growth.
The Young Guns Era (2006-2009)
Goals scored: 167
By 2008, Ovechkin`s rock star image became a rallying point for Capitals fans with the “Rock The Red” movement. Under coach Bruce Boudreau, the team`s offensive style, fueled by Ovechkin and emerging talents, reignited fan enthusiasm and led to a division title in 2007-08.
This era saw the rise of the `Young Guns` alongside Ovechkin. Nicklas Backstrom became his key playmaker, Mike Green powered the power play, and Alex Semin added more scoring punch. Players like Brooks Laich, John Carlson, and Karl Alzner also became integral.
Despite playoff losses to Philadelphia, the Capitals` trajectory was clear. Meanwhile, Sidney Crosby`s Penguins were already contending for championships.
Ovechkin surpassed Crosby individually, winning consecutive Hart Trophies (2007-09), mirroring Gretzky`s past achievement. His significance was cemented with a 13-year, $124 million contract in 2008, a landmark deal at the time.
In 2008-09, Ovechkin led the Capitals to another division title and their first playoff series win in years, setting up a playoff clash with Crosby. Their rivalry intensified in Game 2 with both scoring hat tricks in a game dubbed “Double Hat Trick”.
Although Ovechkin outperformed Crosby in the series, the Penguins prevailed in seven games and went on to win the Stanley Cup, a recurring theme in their rivalry. A missed breakaway opportunity in Game 7 for Ovechkin symbolized the Capitals` near-misses.
The Crisis Era (2009-14)
Goals scored: 203
Ovechkin became Capitals captain in 2010. The team achieved regular-season dominance, winning the Presidents` Trophy in 2009-10. However, playoff success eluded them as they suffered a shocking first-round defeat to Montreal after leading the series 3-1.
This marked the beginning of playoff disappointments and questions about the Capitals` ability to translate regular-season offense into postseason wins. Criticism extended to Ovechkin`s playoff performance as well.
Further playoff exits followed, including a sweep by Tampa Bay in 2011. Doubts about the team`s approach led to coaching changes. Bruce Boudreau was replaced by Dale Hunter, who emphasized defensive play. Ovechkin`s ice time and offensive output decreased, and he described the 2011-12 season as mentally challenging.
Adam Oates took over as coach, and while Ovechkin led the league in goals, playoff struggles continued, and the Capitals missed the playoffs in 2013-14, leading to more firings and intense criticism of Ovechkin.
Despite the team`s struggles, Ovechkin continued to score, and in 2010, John Buccigross of ESPN suggested Ovechkin could potentially break Gretzky`s goal record.
The Frustration Era (2014-17)
Goals scored: 136
New GM Brian MacLellan hired Barry Trotz as coach in 2014. Trotz aimed to build a team around Ovechkin and challenge him to improve. The team added players like Evgeny Kuznetsov and T.J. Oshie to support Ovechkin.
Trotz aimed for a balanced approach, sometimes reducing Ovechkin`s ice time. The Capitals returned to the playoffs, but their postseason runs consistently ended in the second round, twice against Sidney Crosby`s Penguins.
In both 2016 and 2017, the Penguins defeated the Capitals in the second round and went on to win the Stanley Cup. Ovechkin faced criticism for his performance in the 2017 series, with questions raised about his leadership in crucial moments.
The Capitals` repeated playoff failures led to Washington being labeled a `saddest sports town`, with doubts if they could ever advance past the second round with their current core.
The Stanley Cup Era (2017-18)
Goals scored: 49
In June 2018, Alex Ovechkin celebrated on stage with Capitals fans, wearing a “Stanley Cup Champs” hat. After years of playoff disappointments and criticism, Ovechkin and the Capitals finally achieved the ultimate goal.
Winning the Stanley Cup was a cathartic moment, lifting the weight of expectations off Ovechkin`s shoulders. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
The Stanley Cup win secured Ovechkin`s legacy as a Hall of Fame player, removing any doubts about his career achievements. Their playoff journey included defeating Columbus, finally overcoming Pittsburgh, and then beating Tampa Bay in the conference finals.
In the Stanley Cup Final, they defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in five games, with Ovechkin winning the Conn Smythe Trophy. The Capitals` Stanley Cup victory was a definitive triumph.
Elder Statesman Era (2018-23)
Goals scored: 215
Winning the Stanley Cup transformed Ovechkin`s narrative. While the Capitals faced first-round exits in subsequent seasons under different coaches, the Cup win shielded Ovechkin from criticism. His continued scoring dominance and pursuit of Gretzky`s record became the focus.
Ovechkin led the NHL in goals in 2018-19 and 2019-20, winning the Richard Trophy in seven of eight seasons from 2012-2020. He remained an elite scorer even as he became an elder statesman in the league.
Post-Cup, Ovechkin`s relationship with Crosby evolved into a friendship. They bonded at All-Star Games, showcasing a mutual respect developed over years of rivalry.
At the 2023 All-Star Game, Crosby and Ovechkin participated together in the breakaway challenge with Ovechkin`s son, Sergei, symbolizing the passage of time and their enduring careers.
Off the ice, Ovechkin`s support for Vladimir Putin drew controversy, especially after Russia`s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While maintaining his support for Putin, Ovechkin called for peace.
This era also included Ovechkin`s commitment to Washington, signing a five-year extension in 2021 to continue his career with the Capitals and pursue Gretzky`s record.
The Catching Gretzky Era (2024-present)
Goals scored: 67 (and counting)
Ovechkin`s condition for re-signing with the Capitals was to remain competitive, not rebuild. The Capitals assured him of their commitment to contention.
Despite missing the playoffs in 2022-23, the Capitals, under new coach Spencer Carbery, returned as a contender. They added talent around Ovechkin and saw contributions from young prospects.
While there were doubts about Ovechkin catching Gretzky after a decline in 2023-24, he started the 2024-25 season with a scoring surge. Even an injury couldn`t halt his momentum.
Ovechkin`s pursuit of Gretzky`s record became a near certainty as he closed in on the milestone.
The Legacy Era
Ovechkin`s contract ends after the 2025-26 season, potentially his last in the NHL. A return to Dynamo Moscow in the KHL remains a possibility.
Regardless of records, Ovechkin is a Hall of Fame lock. Debates about his all-time ranking will continue, considering different aspects of player evaluation.
Ultimately, Ovechkin`s legacy is defined by the entirety of his career eras – the highs, lows, and triumphs – solidifying his place as an NHL legend.
