Ovechkin Becomes First Player in NHL History to Reach 900 Goals
Miller, Michael. 2018. Alex Ovechkin during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, December 19, 2018, at Capital One Arena, Washington D.C. Photograph. Flickr/own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Written by Gina Anton
Washington, D.C. – November 5, 2025
The hockey world witnessed history on Wednesday night as Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin became the first player in NHL history to score 900 regular-season goals, reaching the milestone in a 6–1 victory over the St. Louis Blues at Capital One Arena.
The 40-year-old winger scored the record-setting goal at 2:39 of the second period, flipping a backhand past goaltender Jordan Binnington after corralling a loose puck near the right circle. The Capital One crowd erupted as teammates swarmed Ovechkin, who raised his stick to salute the fans who had followed his goal chase for nearly two decades.
“It’s a huge number,” Ovechkin said after the game. “No one ever did it in NHL history. And to be the first player ever to do it, it's a special moment”
His Journey
Ovechkin’s journey to 900 began on October 5, 2005, when he debuted for Washington as the first overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft. He scored twice in that debut game — a sign of things to come. Over the next 20 seasons, Ovechkin built a reputation as one of the game’s most relentless scorers, combining speed, power, and a devastating one-timer from the left faceoff circle that became known simply as “his office.”
After surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894 goals earlier this year, Ovechkin’s chase for 900 was less about breaking barriers and more about defining his legacy. Tuesday’s tally made him the only player ever to reach the mark.
The Hockey World Reacts
Social media and the hockey community erupted in celebration. Former players, teammates, and fans alike paid tribute to Ovechkin’s feat. The NHL released a statement calling his 900th goal “a testament to one of the greatest pure goal-scorers the sport has ever seen.”
Jordan Binnington, the goalie on the receiving end of the historic goal, initially hid the puck in his pants before being asked by refs to hand it over 5 minutes later. He later praised Ovechkin for his achievement.
A Milestone Years in the Making
Ovechkin’s consistency has been unmatched. Despite lockouts, shortened seasons, and the natural wear of time, he has averaged nearly 45 goals per 82 games across his career. He has led the league in goals nine times and holds the all-time record for power-play goals, game-winning goals, and shots on goal. He’s completely redefined what goal-scoring looks like and he keeps finding ways to score as the game changes
For Ovechkin, the milestone is another chapter in a career defined not just by statistics but by loyalty and passion. He has spent his entire NHL career with Washington, leading the franchise to its first Stanley Cup in 2018 and becoming the face of the organization.
Ovechkin by the Numbers
900 career goals — most in NHL history
1,404 points with the Washington Capitals
9 Rocket Richard Trophies (most by any player)
1 Stanley Cup (2018)
163 power-play goals — NHL record
Alex Ovechkin didn’t just join the 900-goal club, he created it. In an era defined by elite goaltending, his ability to continue producing at such a level, stands as one of the greatest achievements in professional sports.
As the crowd chanted his name and the Capitals bench emptied to congratulate him, it was clear: Ovechkin’s name is now etched permanently in NHL the record books.
