Ovechkin joins NHL’s exclusive 600-goal club
Washington captain reaches milestone versus Jets
Alex Ovechkin put back a rebound and skated into the spotlight as the latest member of the NHL’s 600-goal club. The captain of the Washington Capitals scored twice Monday night against the Winnipeg Jets to reach the milestone in his 990th regular-season game. Ovechkin became the fourthfastest player in NHL history to 600 behind only Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and Brett Hull.
“Pretty amazing feeling, pretty cool feeling,” Ovechkin said after the second period. “My wife is here. She just got back from Moscow. She said, ‘I have a feeling you’re gonna score 600 tonight.’’’ Ovechkin’s rebound goal past Connor Hellebuyck 3:53 into the second period was his 42nd of the season as he tries to hit 50 for the eighth time. His first goal 4:35 into the first period came on a 5-on-3 power play as the Russian winger looked determined to reach 600 after several games on the doorstep. Capitals fans who have watched Ovechkin shine as the most productive goal scorer of the past decade-plus gave him a standing ovation for almost a minute after he reached the mark. Chants of “Ovi! Ovi!” continued as he waved from the bench in the moments after and during a video montage at the next timeout.
After scoring 33 goals in 201617, his second-lowest total in a non-lockout-shortened season, the 32-year-old Ovechkin’s resurgence made his climb to 600 all the more impressive. No player 32 or older has led the NHL in goals since Phil Esposito in 1974-75.
“He probably is the best goal scorer of our generation,” said Tom Wilson, who had the primary assist on Ovechkin’s 600th. “It’s pretty fun when every time you get him the puck there’s a good chance he’s going to put it in the back of the net.”’ Ovechkin recaptured sole possession of the NHL lead against Jets winger Patrik Laine, who had tied him after idolizing the star forward growing up.