The Washington Capitals superstar forward Alexander Ovechkin continues to write his name in the NHL history books. By scoring two goals in a 2-5 win over the Calgary Flames, Ovechkin became just the third player ever to have 19 consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals.
Ovechkin now has 21 goals in the 2023-24 NHL campaign and has added 31 assists for a total of 52 points in 64 games.
Besides Ovechkin, only Gordie Howe and Brendan Shanahan managed to have 19 straight 20-goal seasons. Howe actually had 22 seasons with at least 20 goals, from 1949-50 to 1970-71. However, Ovechkin is the only player in NHL history to start the streak in his first season in the league.
The two goals also got Ovechkin closer to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time scoring record. His goal tally in the NHL now stands at 843 goals, and he needs to score 52 more to jump over Gretzky.
“There’s not many things that hasn’t been said about him, but he keeps doing it, even at age 38. It’s fun to be a part of, fun to watch,” said Capitals’ Dylan Strome about Ovechkin.
Ovechkin himself focused on the importance of the win, their third straight, which moved the Capitals into a wild-card spot.
“We know it’s not going to be easy. We keep fighting, keep playing,” said Ovechkin. “We still can do it. We’re still in the battle. Every point counts.”
