“Alex Ovechkin Joins NHL’s 900-Goal Club”

The NHL has welcomed a new member to the 900-goal club.

Alex Ovechkin, the veteran player from Washington, achieved this impressive milestone on Wednesday night during a game against the St. Louis Blues. Ovechkin scored his 900th goal 2:39 into the second period, securing a 6-1 victory for his team.

Reflecting on this accomplishment, Ovechkin expressed his gratitude, stating, “A couple of days ago, somebody asked me if I think about reaching 900 goals. It’s a huge number, unprecedented in NHL history. Being the first player to achieve this milestone is a special moment for me. I am glad to have accomplished this at home, surrounded by fans and family. It’s truly amazing.”

The defining moment occurred when Ovechkin, positioned in the offensive zone near the right circle, swiftly backhanded a rebound from Jakob Chychrun past the Blues’ goalie, Jordan Binnington. The team erupted in celebration as Binnington playfully tucked the milestone puck into his gear.

Logan Thompson humorously remarked, “I don’t know, maybe he was trying to grab it to give it to him.”

After breaking Wayne Gretzky’s career goals record with his 895th goal in April, Ovechkin embarked on this season aiming for 900. Following a brief goal drought, he ended the dry spell by scoring in the third period against Minnesota on October 17. A week later, he notched his 899th goal against Columbus.

John Carlson commented on Ovechkin’s consistency, stating, “None of us can relate to a ‘slump’ for him. I think he’ll gain significant momentum from this achievement.”

Ovechkin, in the final year of his contract, may have reached his final round-number goal milestone with 900 goals. Despite a slow start to the season, his teammates remain confident in his ability to continue his remarkable goal-scoring prowess.

T.J. Oshie, Ovechkin’s long-time teammate, remarked, “Even with the slow start here, if someone asks me if he’s going to score 30 this year, I’d say, ‘Yes, guaranteed.’ He just finds a way to prove people wrong every time people think that he’s down and out. … There’s been plenty of time for me to come to terms with not putting limits on the big man.”

Ovechkin’s career has been marked by consistency and resilience, with minimal time missed due to injuries. His milestones have been evenly spread throughout his career, with a slight delay in reaching the 800 to 900 goal mark.

Reflecting on his journey, Ovechkin stated, “I don’t think I have lots of weight on my shoulders, I just try to play the game, try to do as best as I can … 13 games, 14 games, you have plenty of games left, of course you’re going to score one goal. It’s nice to get it.”

• Goal No. 100: Oct. 12, 2007 (game 167)
• Goal No. 200: Feb. 5, 2009 (game 296)

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