Ovechkin 700th Goal Milestone
The Great Eight reaches a rare summit with his 700th career goal against Toronto.
The milestone of Alexander Ovechkin scoring his 700th career goal stands as one of the most celebrated moments in Washington Capitals history and the modern era of the NHL. Achieved during the 2019-2020 season, this feat solidified Ovechkin's status not just as a franchise icon, but as an all-time great alongside legends like Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe. It represents a rare combination of longevity, consistency, and raw offensive power that has defined the Capitals' identity for over two decades.
- Player
- Alexander Ovechkin
- Team
- Washington Capitals
- Milestone
- 700th Career Goal
- Season
- 2019-2020
- Date
- January 3, 2020
- Opponent
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Arena
- Capital One Arena
Lore & Background
The significance of the 700th goal extends beyond the immediate celebration; it placed Ovechkin firmly in the conversation for the all-time scoring record. At the time, he was chasing Wayne Gretzky's seemingly untouchable mark of 894 goals. This milestone proved that despite changes in league rules and defensive strategies over nearly two decades, Ovechkin remained an unstoppable force. The moment served as a testament to his durability and work ethic, traits that have made him the face of Washington hockey for generations.
In Their Own Story
The arena hummed with a nervous anticipation before the second period began. Ovechkin skated down the left wing, his stick low, eyes locked on the crease. He received a pass from Evgeny Kuznetsov near the blue line, took one stride to set his frame, and unleashed a shot that seemed to defy physics. The puck flew past Andersen's glove hand with a sharp *crack* against the net. For a split second, time froze as the crowd roared, a sound so loud it vibrated through the floorboards. Ovechkin slid on his knees toward the corner, raising his stick high, the number 8 on his jersey illuminated by the arena lights—a silent promise that he was not done yet.
Reader's Guide
Alexander Ovechkin's journey to 700 goals began with his rookie season in 2005-2006, where he won the Calder Trophy and immediately established himself as a scoring threat. He reached his first major milestone, 100 career goals, remarkably quickly during his second full season, setting a pace that would define his early years. This era coincided with his four consecutive Hart Trophy wins as league MVP and three Art Ross Trophies for leading the league in scoring. The path to 700 was marked by resilience, particularly after the Capitals missed the playoffs in 2014 despite Ovechkin's record-breaking point totals. The subsequent years saw him lead the team to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship in 2018, proving his value as a leader beyond just goal-scoring. Scoring his 700th goal against Toronto in January 2020 was a pivotal moment that reinvigorated his quest for Gretzky's all-time record. It highlighted his ability to perform on the biggest stages, even when the team faced roster challenges and injuries during the shortened 2019-2020 season.
Did You Know?
- He is one of only five players in NHL history to score over 700 career goals, joining Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Jaromir Jagr, and Brett Hull.
- The goal was his third against the Toronto Maple Leafs that specific season, continuing a heated rivalry between Ovechkin and the Leafs organization.