Ovechkin Makes History, Becomes First NHL Player to Score 900 Goals
WASHINGTON — In a moment that solidifies his status as the greatest goal-scorer in NHL history, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin became the first player ever to reach the 900-goal milestone on Wednesday night.
The historic goal came at 2:39 of the second period in the Capitals’ 6-1 victory against the St. Louis Blues at Capital One Arena. The home crowd erupted as Ovechkin broke a record many thought untouchable, cementing a new pinnacle of scoring excellence.
900 NHL GOALS FOR ALEX OVECHKIN!!! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/4HeKNfluoF
— NHL (@NHL) November 6, 2025
The goal itself was not a typical Ovechkin one-timer from his “office.” After a shot from defenseman Jakob Chychrun went wide and caromed off the end boards, Ovechkin collected the puck at the bottom of the right circle, spun, and fired a backhand shot past Blues goalie Jordan Binnington.
The 40-year-old winger, who is in his 21st NHL season, had finished the previous season with 897 goals after passing Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record of 894. The 900th goal, which came in his 13th game of the season, also stood as his NHL-record 138th game-winning goal.
Gr8ness achieved! 💥
— 365Scores (@365Scores) April 6, 2025
Alex Ovechkin BREAKS Wayne Gretzky's record for the most career NHL goals with 895! 💪
The Capitals' star puts his name FIRMLY in the record books 🎉 pic.twitter.com/liXobH7waO
“Every milestone, it’s a special moment,” Ovechkin said after the game. “It’s a huge number. No one ever did it in NHL history and to be the first player ever to do it, it’s a special moment. So, yeah, it’s nice it’s over, and it’s nice to get it at home, so the fans and family can be here.”
Capitals teammates immediately flooded the ice to celebrate with their captain.
“You think about it, it’s just incredible what he’s done,” said longtime teammate John Carlson, who has assisted on many of Ovechkin’s goals. “Being alongside him for so long, you’ve seen just so many milestones, it’s insane the history that maybe will never be touched again.”
The milestone was also recognized by his long-time rival, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. “To be that consistent and that productive is pretty hard to even fathom,” Crosby commented.
Capitals coach Spencer Carberry summed up the feeling for many who witnessed the historic feat: “Next thing you know, it’s in the back of the net and he’s got 900 goals in the NHL, which you just can’t wrap your head around that.”
With the 900-goal barrier now broken, Ovechkin continues to build on a record that sets a new standard for all future generations of NHL players.
