Alex Ovechkin Passes Gordie Howe on NHL’s All-Time Goals List

It was a momentous occasion in the National Hockey League (NHL) when Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin scored his 802nd career goal, passing legendary player Gordie Howe for second place on the NHL’s all-time goals list. Now only trailing Wayne Gretzky’s 894 goals, Ovechkin is one step closer to becoming the most prolific goal scorer in NHL history. Ovechkin has been a dominant force in the league since he entered it in 2005, winning three Hart Memorial Trophies as league MVP and eight Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies as top goal scorer. He also led the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018 and is considered one of the greatest players of all time. His latest feat of passing Howe on the all-time goals list solidifies his legacy even further and serves as an inspiration to young hockey players everywhere. As fellow teammate T.J Oshie said after Ovechkin passed Howe, “It’s something that will be remembered forever... It just shows how hard he works and what kind of leader he is for us every night. He goes out there and gives it everything he has every shift." This sentiment was echoed by Capitals coach Todd Reirden who said, "He's got an unbelievable work ethic that I think sometimes gets lost in translation with people because they see him score those highlight reel goals but don't realize how hard he works away from the puck." The impact that Ovechkin has had on hockey over his 15 year career cannot be understated. His commitment to excellence both on and off the ice makes him a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere and now with this latest accomplishment, his name will forever be remembered alongside some of hockey's greatest legends such as Gretzky and Howe.