Alex Ovechkin has been one of the most consistent goal scorers in the NHL since his rookie season in 2005-2006, when he scored 52 goals. Drafted by the Washington Capitals in 2004 with the number one overall pick, the Moscow native has been a prolific goal scorer for ten seasons. Ovechkin is the most feared sniper in the game, and always generates excitement for the fans.
Ovechkin has scored 40 or more goals in eight of his ten seasons with the Capitals. On February 26 of this year, Ovechkin scored his 40th goal against the Wild, to become the tenth player in NHL history to score at least 40 goals in eight seasons. Earlier this season on November 19, 2005, he scored his 484th goal, becoming the all-time leader in goals by a Russian player. Ovechkin’s feat surpassed Sergei Federov and Alexander Mogilny, and Ovechkin became the leader with far less games played and with more power play goals. Ovechkin is without question the greatest Russian ever to play in the NHL. The Great 8 is a scoring machine.
On January 10, 2016, Ovechkin made more history. He scored his 500th career goal on that day against the Senators:
That day Ovechkin joined a hallowed group of NHL legends, all-stars and hall of famers. His 515 career goals place him thirty-seven all time in goal scoring. Ovechkin is third in scoring among active players: only Jaromir Jagr and Jarome Ignalia have scored more goals than Ovechkin.
Opponents must know where Ovechkin is on the ice at all times, and if they don’t, it is to their peril. Ovechkin’s quickness allows him to pounce on an open puck, or get into a lane in the offensive zone so his teammate can pass him the puck. Ovechkin has a feared one timer, and he is always dangerous on the power play. He is often lingering on the face off circle, waiting for his chance to shoot the puck, just as he was for his 500th goal. Ovechkin’s 315 shots of goal currently lead the NHL this season. He has an electric wrist shot, slap shot, and one timer. When it comes to offense, there isn’t much Ovechkin can’t do.
For much of Ovechkin’s time with the Capitals, the team has relied on Ovechkin to do everything. Everything was on Ovechkin’s shoulders. Now, with the acquisitions of T. J. Oshie, Justin Williams, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and others, the Capitals are a more balanced team, and Ovechkin has more help scoring goals. But make no mistake: Ovechkin is the leader of this team. He wears the “C” on his sweater. The Capitals are primed to make a deep run into the playoffs. And should they come up short, the blame will fall on The Great 8’s shoulders. Ovechkin is the franchise player and the leader in the locker room. His dominant play makes the fans come out to Capitals’ games, and his is the most popular jersey.
Alex Ovechkin has racked up numerous NHL awards:
Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year) in 2005-2006.
Hart Trophy (MVP) in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009.
Art Ross Trophy (Most Points) in 2007-2008.
Lester B. Pearson Trophy (Most Outstanding Player Selected by NHLPA) in 2007-2008.
Ted Lindsay Award (Renamed Pearson Trophy) in 2008-2009 and 2009-2010.
Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy (Most Goals) in 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2012-2013, 2013-2014, and 2014-2015.
Despite all these awards and that Ovechkin currently leads the NHL in goals, has scored 40 or more goals in eight seasons, the most goals ever in the NHL by a Russian, Alex Ovechkin will not rest until he hoists the Stanley Cup.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, nhl.com, hockeydb.com, and quanthockey.com