Ovi Passes Mario Lemieux With 2nd Straight Hat Trick (1/18/2020) Every Ovechkin Goal 2026-09-28 | Ovi Passes Mario Lemieux With 2nd Straight Hat Trick (1/18/2020)
Alexander Semins First NHL Hat Trick (10/7/2006) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-08-08 | October 7, 2006 - Alexander Semin records his first NHL hat trick in the Capitals' home opener.
Ovechkins 15-Shot Home Opener (10/7/2006) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-08-08 | October 7, 2006 - Coming off a marvelous rookie season that saw Ovechkin take home the Calder Trophy as the best first-year player in the league, expectations were high for Ovechkin heading into his sophomore season. The season kicked off with a disappointing 5-2 loss in New York, where the Great 8 finished with no points and -4 rating. A chance for redemption presented itself just two days later as the Capitals hosted the defending champion Carolina Hurricanes for their home opener. After an uneventful first period, Ovechkin began to find his rhythm. Ovi began firing shots left and right, which came as little surprise given he led the league in shots on goal by a whopping 67 the year prior, eventually racking up seven in just the second period. Despite the barrage of shots, the reigning Conn Smythe winner, Cam Ward, had yet to let in one of Ovechkin's nine shots through the first 40 minutes. The dam finally broke in the third period when Ovechkin's 11th shot of the night gave the Caps a 3-2 lead. Ovechkin would record another four shots, including a deflection goal to double the lead, helping lead Washington to their first win of the season, along with the first hat trick of Alex Semin's career - youtu.be/u0wq4gSCnP4. His 15 shots are not only his career-high (a total he would match on 11/10/2015 vs Detroit), but it is tied for the third most ever recorded in an NHL game as of this video's posting behind 16-shot efforts from Rod Gilbert and Marian Hossa, and a 19-shot game from Ray Bourque. - 1st Period -0:00 - Puck drop0:38 - Shot 10:55 - Shot 2- 2nd Period -1:02 - Hit on Commodore1:09 - Shot block1:18 - Backcheck leads to shot 3 and more chances2:00 - Shot 42:09 - Shot 52:24 - Shot 63:24 - Shot 73:29 - Shot 83:43 - Shot 9- 3rd Period -4:27 - Shot 105:12 - Hit on Letowski5:24 - Goal 1/Shot 116:33 - Shot 126:54 - Goal 2/Shot 138:13 - Cross-checked from behind by Staal8:22 - Huge revenge hit on Staal, Gleason knees Ovechkin, brawl ensues10:02 - Shots 14 and 1510:12 - Final buzzerMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovi Scores GWG In Caps 10th Straight Win (1/31/2010) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-07-27 | January 31, 2010 - As the first month of 2010 came to an end, the Washington Capitals were looking to tie a franchise record. With nine straight wins, the Capitals could equal the franchise high mark of 10 consecutive victories set in 1984. It wasn't just the last nine games that were great for Washington - they were 12-1 in their last 13, a stretch of games that coincided with Ovechkin being named captain. Their one loss in that stretch - a 7-4 defeat in Tampa on January 12th. With a chance to get revenge and make history, the captain delivered. After a shaky first period that included a miss on a wide open net, Ovechkin recorded his career-high 17th assist of the month on a Nicklas Backstrom powerplay goal to get the scoring started. The Caps controlled much of the game through the first 40 minutes taking a 2-0 lead into the third, but the Bolts tied things up with two quick goals in the 3rd. The Ovechkin line had many great shifts already in the game, and with just over six minutes left, Backstrom found the Great 8 for his 35th of the season to retake the lead. Ovechkin's goal would prove to be the game winner as the Caps secured the record-tying victory. Washington's win streak would reach 14, a franchise record that still stands as of the 2024-25 season.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro1:40 - Chance2:13 - Shanks shot on open net- 2nd Period -3:00 - Assist4:03 - Counter hit on Ohlund and chances4:19 - Great pass to Knuble for chance4:40 - Chance and puck possession from the Ovechkin's line- 3rd Period -5:13 - Great pass to Sloan for chance5:27 - Takes hit from Malone5:42 - Payback hit on Malone5:53 - Goal7:17 - Ovechkam8:16 - Final buzzerMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkins 4-Assist Night vs. Toronto (1/15/2010) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-07-21 | January 15, 2010 - While everyone thinks of him as a goal scorer, Ovechkin is also a very capable passer. In his early years, the Great 8 was typically putting up just as many assists as goals. Ovechkin's first and so far only 4-assist game came unsurprisingly in the 2009-10 season when he also recorded a career-high 59 assists. With the lowly Toronto Maple Leafs coming to town on a Friday night, Ovechkin got the scoring started less than a minute in with his 29th of the year to continue his torrid pace. The rest of his game was more about setting up teammates, with a pair of deflection assists sandwiched around two more on Mike Knuble net-front goals. The night was part of Ovechkin's very productive January 2010, where he set a career best for assists in a calendar month with 17 in 15 games.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro0:38 - Goal2:16 - Big hit on Gunnarsson2:33 - Assist 1- 2nd Period -3:46 - Assist 24:55 - Assist 3 after defensive play on Ponikarovsky6:18 - Dangles and sets up Morrisson chance6:31 - Ovech-kam- 3rd Period -7:04 - Assist 4, career-high, 4th career 5-point game8:52 - Defense vs. Kulemin and slick Datsyuk-esque move behind the goal9:05 - Final buzzer9:42 - Post-game interview10:42 - Al Koken and Alan May break down Ovechkin's nightMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkins Incredible Game 5 vs. NYR (4/24/2009) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-07-08 | April 24, 2009 - Just four games into his second playoff run, Alex Ovechkin was already facing elimination. After one of the best seasons in franchise history, including the best of the Ovechkin Era, it was a surprise to many to see the 2nd-seeded Caps on the brink of being sent home early. While the Capitals had delivered four solid efforts against their rivals from New York, the Capitals hadn't been able to solve Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who was tied for second in the NHL with an incredible .946 save percentage through the first four games. The Great 8, in particular, was severely snake-bitten. After leading the NHL with 56 goals, Ovechkin had just one on a playoff-leading 35 shots. His 2.9 shooting percentage was also dead last among players with a goal. With the season on the line, Ovechkin delivered his best playoff game in his career so far. On his first shift, he flattened Scott Gomez with a huge hit that drew a retaliatory penalty. Every shift he was on the ice it felt like he was creating chances. The Capitals finally solved Lundqvist, going up 3-0 early in the second period, but Ovechkin was still unable to get one by the Rangers' netminder. King Henrik wasn't going to let him score an easy goal, so on his final shift of the middle stanza, Ovechkin went out and scored one of the greatest playoff goals of all time. After evading hits from Chris Drury and Derek Morris, Ovechkin backhanded a shot past Lundqvist while falling with Aaron Voros draped over his back. Personally, I think the only better goal he scored was his legendary goal against the Coyotes, which many consider the best goal ever scored in the history of the NHL. With the Caps up by four Ovechkin's ice time was limited in the 3rd period, though he did manage one last big counter hit on Rangers tough-guy Colton Orr in the final frame. The Capitals would go on to complete the 3-1 comeback and win their first playoff series of the Ovechkin Era. While the goal will forever live on in Ovechkin's top 10 plays list, his performance the rest of the night should also be remembered as an example of what peak Alex Ovechkin could bring to the table - big hits, tons of skill, and being as close to unstoppable as a player can be in the NHL.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro1:11 - Hit on Zherdev1:33 - Huge hit on Gomez, draws penalty on retaliation2:33 - Flattens Callahan with big counter hit, then delivers another big hit on Rosival2:54 - Hit on Girardi- 2nd Period -3:19 - Shot while falling4:33 - Between the legs deke and chance4:52 - Controls bouncing puck and gets a shot off5:12 - Goal, dangles two Rangers and scores while falling7:16 - Interview with Smokin' Al Koken- 3rd Period -9:08 - Big counter hit on Colton Orr9:38 - Dangle creates chance for Fehr9:49 - Ovech-kam10:25 - Final buzzerMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkin 2018 Playoffs Highlight Reel Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-20 | The best plays from Ovechkin's 2018 playoff run including all 27 points.0:00 - Game 1 vs. CBJ (4/12/2018)1:37 - Game 2 vs. CBJ (4/15/2018)5:09 - Game 3 vs. CBJ (4/17/2018)7:00 - Game 4 vs. CBJ (4/19/2018)9:26 - Game 5 vs. CBJ (4/21/2018)10:30 - Game 6 vs. CBJ (4/23/2018)Extended highlights: youtu.be/HNTQjQy-hRc12:38 - Game 1 vs. PIT (4/26/2018)16:16 - Game 2 vs. PIT (4/29/2018)17:42 - Game 3 vs. PIT (5/1/2018)Extended highlights: youtu.be/nxcYDO5Lod820:45 - Game 4 vs. PIT (5/3/2018)21:44 - Game 5 vs. PIT (5/5/2018)23:48 - Game 6 vs. PIT (5/7/2018)Extended highlights: youtu.be/AWLv3B1oijg26:33 - Game 1 vs. TBL (5/11/2018)Extended highlights: youtu.be/JhWqX6b9qRo29:17 - Game 2 vs. TBL (5/13/2018)Extended highlights: youtu.be/oKOBZQRADy032:08 - Game 3 vs. TBL (5/15/2018)33:18 - Game 4 vs. TBL (5/17/2018)36:34 - Game 5 vs. TBL (5/19/2018)39:29 - Game 6 vs. TBL (5/21/2018)Extended highlights: youtu.be/-_1HZqloo3o43:35 - Game 7 vs. TBL (5/23/2018)Extended highlights: youtu.be/O__IyqwF40448:11 - Game 1 vs. VGK (5/28/2018)52:21 - Game 2 vs. VGK (5/30/2018)Extended highlights: youtu.be/QSQHvKB33KA55:15 - Game 3 vs. VGK (6/2/2018)Extended highlights: youtu.be/u8LuQmWUQyI58:18 - Game 4 vs. VGK (6/4/2018)1:01:21 - Game 5 vs. VGK (6/7/2018)Extended highlights: youtu.be/W6F7XAu-K-g
Alex Ovechkin Wins The Stanley Cup (6/7/2018) - Part 3 of 3 Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-20 | June 7, 2018 - Ovechkin raises the Stanley Cup and further celebration.0:00 - Stanley Cup brought onto the ice1:08 - Ovechkin finally gets to raise the Stanley Cup2:03 - Ovechkin calls over Nicklas Backstrom for the first handoff2:36 - Interview with CBC's Scott Oake - "Get some beers, get some whatever, and start celebrating"4:46 - Ovi takes a lap around the rink with the Cup5:13 - Ovechkin is not distracted by anything5:35 - Ovechkin hands the Stanley Cup to Barry Trotz5:50 - Team cup photoPart 1: youtu.be/W6F7XAu-K-gPart 2: youtu.be/6lfEo_leNCkFull 2018 Playoffs Highlight Reel: youtu.be/WUqaw-xbaY0More classic Ovechkin games: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Alex Ovechkin Wins The Stanley Cup (6/7/2018) - Part 2 of 3 Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-20 | June 7, 2018 - Ovechkin celebrates Cup victory, handshakes, and Conn Smythe Trophy presentation.0:00 - Capitals all but seal the victory, Ovechkin and the bench celebrate0:36 - Final buzzer, Ovechkin officially becomes a Stanley Cup champion2:44 - Ovechkin and Backstrom3:44 - Handshakes4:40 - Ovechkin shakes hands with Nate Schmidt and Marc-Andre Fleury5:25 - Post-game interview with Pierre McGuire, first comments about winning the Cup6:33 - Ovechkin wins Conn Smythe trophy as Playoff MVPPart 1: youtu.be/W6F7XAu-K-gPart 3: youtu.be/8HyFleg_UGoFull 2018 Playoffs Highlight Reel: youtu.be/WUqaw-xbaY0More classic Ovechkin games: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Alex Ovechkin Wins The Stanley Cup (6/7/2018) - Part 1 of 3 Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-20 | June 7, 2018 - After 23 games of grueling playoff action, Alex Ovechkin sat just one win away from rewriting his legacy. Despite over 600 goals and 1,000 points, the Great 8 was known largely for one thing - being a great player who never won a Stanley Cup. Hockey may be a team sport, but to many a championship is required to truly be considered one of the greatest of the greats. Though T-Mobile Arena had proven to be a tough place for road teams, the Capitals weren't phased. All three of their prior series victories had come on the road. Ovechkin played his part in the back-and-forth affair, throwing huge hits, making plays for teammates, and blocking shots as he had done all playoffs long. His biggest moment in the game came after Vegas tied the game 1-1, immediately getting a semi-breakaway off the ensuing faceoff and drawing a penalty to go to the power play. On the man advantage, Nicklas Backstrom threaded perhaps the most iconic pass of his career to Ovechkin who buried it from his office to give the Caps a 2-1 lead. Despite falling down 3-2 heading into the third period, the resilient Caps clawed back with one last clutch Devante Smith-Pelly goal and took the lead when Lars Eller found a loose puck behind Marc-Andre Fleury. After a heart-racing 7 minutes and 37 seconds, the Capitals lined up for one last faceoff before hockey immortality. As the buzzer sounded, the thrill of victory quickly turned to emotional catharsis. There would be no more questions of his will to win, no more articles about how going to the KHL would be "a blessing in disguise for the Caps", and no more terrible former New York Islanders general managers who beat a fan with a shoe during his playing days talking on TV about how "the Ovechkin experiment" needed to be reviewed. It may have come later than it was deserved, but it was deserved without a doubt, and the wait might have made it even more special. Ovechkin would be awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, with his 15 goals setting a franchise record and tying Sidney Crosby in 2009 for the most in the cap era (since surpassed by Zach Hyman - 16 in 2024). After a cup raise rivaled only by the likes of Ray Bourque's in 2001, Ovechkin called out for Nicklas Backstrom, his long-time teammate for the first handoff. The two raised the cup together, as Backstrom was still recovering from a hand injury he had played through since the Conference Final. With the championship question forever settled, the narrative around Ovechkin's career began to shift. No longer was he the guy who couldn't win it all, he was the guy who might go down as the greatest goal scorer ever. Seven years later, Ovechkin would score his 895th regular season to break Wayne Gretzky's all-time record. It's crazy to think what the narrative would be around Ovi if he broke that record with a huge cup-less asterisk about his greatness, but thanks to this game that's a question we will never have to answer.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro1:12 - Ovechkin's pregame antics with Fleury1:51 - Deflection chance2:20 - Shot2:32 - One-timer hits the post- 2nd Period -2:43 - Vrana 1-0 goal, Ovechkin reaction3:05 - Shot block on Haula3:20 - Breakaway chance, gets shot off while falling and draws a penalty4:15 - Goal, 15th goal of the playoffs sets new Capitals franchise record5:27 - Hit on McNabb5:43 - Interception and shot attempt5:56 - Spinning shot attempt- 3rd Period -7:20 - Between the legs move and one-handed pass to set up Eller for chance7:29 - Backcheck on Bellemare to prevent breakaway7:56 - One-handed pass to Kuznetsov8:45 - Smith-Pelly 3-3 goal, Ovechkin reaction9:12 - Eller 4-3 goal, Ovechkin reaction9:48 - Shot block on MillerPart 2: youtu.be/6lfEo_leNCkPart 3: youtu.be/8HyFleg_UGoFull 2018 Playoffs Highlight Reel: youtu.be/WUqaw-xbaY0More classic Ovechkin games: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkins Electric Home Cup Final Debut (6/2/2018) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-20 | June 2, 2018 - With the Stanley Cup Final tied at one game apiece, the series shifted to Capital One Arena where Capitals fans were finally going to get to see their team play in June for the first time in 20 years. Ovechkin had many chances in the first period but was unable to solve long-time nemesis Marc-Andre Fleury. Early in the second, Ovechkin would open to scoring to bring the crowd to their feet. With that goal, he tied John Druce's 1990 playoff record for the most goals by a Washington Capital in one postseason. As Ovechkin continued to deliver big hits and even some shot blocks, the rest of the team provided support with a Kuznetsov goal to push the lead to 2-0 and yet another clutch goal from Devante Smith-Pelly to put the game out of reach in the third. Ovechkin's energy was apparent all night, as it was hard to tell which of the three goals he celebrated the hardest. It was an incredible experience for everyone who had been waiting to see what would happen when their team and their captain played for the Stanley Cup on home ice.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro1:42 - 2-on-1 chance with Kuznetsov1:55 - Hit on Schmidt and deflection2:37 - Shot-pass tipped by Wilson2:47 - Shot attempt, then finds Wilson backdoor for chance3:22 - Shot block on Schmidt3:28 - Another block on Schmidt- 2nd Period -4:38 - Goal, 14th of postseason ties John Druce (1990) for most ever by a Capital in one playoffs7:47 - Kuznetsov 2-0 goal, Ovechkin reaction- 3rd Period -8:05 - Nice pass to Kuznetsov for chance8:18 - Shot block on Theodore8:34 - Smith-Pelly 3-1 goal, Ovechkin reaction9:04 - Final buzzer9:45 - Smith-Pelly talks about Ovechkin's leadershipFull 2018 Playoffs Highlight Reel: youtu.be/WUqaw-xbaY0More classic Ovechkin games: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkin Leads Caps to First Cup Final Win (5/30/2018) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-20 | May 30, 2018 - Looking to respond to a loss in Game 1, Ovechkin stepped up his game to prevent a 2-0 series deficit. His first game hadn't been bad, but this was the Stanley Cup Final, and anything short of his best could be the difference between winning and losing. The Great 8 delivered several huge hits on the Golden Knights - not even sparing former teammate Nate Schmidt. With the score tied in the second period, Ovechkin scored his first career Cup Final goal to give the Caps the lead. Even with Ovechkin's great game, other players had to step up for the Caps, as stay-at-home defenseman Brooks Orpik scored to make it 3-1 shortly after, and Braden Holtby recorded arguably the greatest save in Stanley Cup Final history to preserve a 3-2 lead late. The Capitals would ride the momentum, winning each of the next three games to clinch the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro1:45 - Hit on McNabb2:11 - Defensive plays2:30 - Hit on Eakin2:42 - Rush and shot3:08 - Fakes shot to pass to Backstrom, Fleury barely gets his pad on it4:09 - Hit on Schmidt- 2nd Period -4:19 - Big hit on McNabb4:27 - Goal6:06 - Hit on Nosek6:21 - Great effort and shot block on Miller- 3rd Period -6:44 - Big hit on Karlsson6:57 - Braden Holtby makes "The Save", Ovechkin can barely watch7:30 - Final buzzer8:43 - Postgame interview with CBC's Scott OakeFull 2018 Playoffs Highlight Reel: youtu.be/WUqaw-xbaY0More classic Ovechkin games: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovi Scores GWG In Game 7 To Advance To Cup Final (5/23/2018) - Part 2 of 2 (Postgame) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-20 | May 23, 2018 - Postgame celebration from Ovechkin and the Caps after winning the Eastern Conference for the first time since 1998.0:00 - Ovechkin celebrates with teammates1:18 - Handshakes2:50 - Postgame interview with Pierre McGuire4:29 - Ovechkin and Backstrom4:45 - Ovechkin accepts the Prince of Wales Trophy and touches it5:27 - Team picture6:25 - More celebrationsPart 1: youtu.be/O__IyqwF404Full 2018 Playoffs Highlight Reel: youtu.be/WUqaw-xbaY0More classic Ovechkin games: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovi Scores GWG In Game 7 To Advance To Cup Final (5/23/2018) - Part 1 of 2 Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-20 | May 23, 2018 - There was one game left to decide if the Capitals would go home or play for the Stanley Cup. They had forced Game 7 with their most complete game of the year, but none of that would matter if the Caps couldn't get the victory one more time. Despite a fantastic performance in Game 6, Ovechkin was held pointless. In the biggest Game 7 of his career, the Great 8 wouldn't wait long to get back on the scoresheet. Just 62 seconds into the game, Ovechkin rifled home a slapshot from his office to open the scoring for his team. To call it a huge goal would be an understatement, as the team that scores first in Game 7 has historically gone on to win about 75% of the time. Ovechkin would get scoring support with two big goals from Andre Burakovsky before Nicklas Backstrom sealed the deal with an empty net goal, and Braden Holtby became just the 5th goalie to record shutouts in the 6th and 7th games of a series. Ovechkin's goal would stand as the game-winner as he advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in his then 13-year career.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro1:35 - Goal, 12th of playoffs sets new career-high2:59 - Chance- 2nd Period -4:24 - Nice move and shot4:47 - Burakovsky 2-0 goal, Ovechkin reaction5:00 - Hit on Hedman5:17 - Burakovsky 3-0 goal, Ovechkin reaction- 3rd Period -6:01 - Shot block on Kunitz6:15 - Sets up Eller for chance6:31 - Intercepts pass for breakaway chance6:45 - Backstrom 4-0 goal, Ovechkin reaction8:32 - Final buzzerPart 2 (postgame): youtu.be/5ugvxWrXm4IFull 2018 Playoffs Highlight Reel: youtu.be/WUqaw-xbaY0More classic Ovechkin games: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkins Beast Mode Game 6 vs Tampa (5/21/2018) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-20 | May 21, 2018 - Anyone who has ever called Alex Ovechkin a one-dimensional player has, quite frankly, never watched him play. After taking a 2-0 lead in the Conference Final, the Caps had dropped three straight to the Lightning, resulting in a win-or-go-home Game 6 at Capital One Arena. The Caps had managed to overcome many obstacles in the 2018 postseason, but without a win this night their season would come to an end, and it wouldn't be remembered for much more than being that one time Ovechkin and the Caps beat the Penguins. The team would have to prove once again that this year was different. With a red-hot Andrei Vasilevskiy slowing down the Capitals' offense, it would take an all-around team effort to keep their season alive, and their captain would make sure to lead by example. Despite not registering a point, Ovechkin delivered one of the best playoff games of his career, throwing several monstrous hits and providing a boost of energy seemingly every time he was on the ice. Even the NBC Sports crew, who famously had been very critical of Ovechkin throughout his career, couldn't deny the game he was having, with Keith Jones calling his performance "Mark Messier-like". With their captain giving it his all, the rest of the lineup did what so many previous Capitals teams failed to do and returned the favor - matching his energy on every shift capped off with huge goals by TJ Oshie and Devante Smith-Pelly along with a shutout from Braden Holtby to force a seventh game.On a personal note, this might be my favorite Capitals game of all time. Sure, Game 6 vs Pittsburgh, Game 7 vs Tampa, or any of the Cup Final wins might've been "bigger", but this was the game I believe the Caps proved they had the makings of a champion. Initially, I wasn't sure if I'd make a video just for this game given he didn't even have a point, but when cutting clips for the full playoff highlight reel it was clear that this was not only one of Ovi's best games ever, but he was a big reason why it was one of the Capitals' best games ever.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro1:06 - Early chances1:53 - Shot2:00 - Hit on Hedman2:13 - Big hit on Gourde2:25 - Shot and deflection3:03 - Interference by Girardi goes uncalled, Ovechkin gets up and leads to more Capitals chances- 2nd Period -4:30 - Hit on Kunitz4:45 - Huge hit on Coburn5:35 - Sets up Kuznetsov and Wilson for chance5:46 - Shot5:54 - Oshie 1-0 goal, Ovechkin reaction6:16 - NBC crew discusses Ovi's first two periods - "Mark Messier-like", "This guy is an absolute beast"- 3rd Period -7:54 - Smith-Pelly 2-0 goal, Ovechkin reaction8:27 - Oshie 3-0 goal, Ovechkin/bench reaction9:01 - Final buzzerFull 2018 Playoffs Highlight Reel: youtu.be/WUqaw-xbaY0More classic Ovechkin games: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkins Solid Game 2 vs Tampa (5/13/2018) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-20 | May 13, 2018 - After playing a big part in Washington's Game 1 victory against Tampa Bay, Ovechkin returned to Game 2 with the same energy. Ovi contributed a strong performance with another goal and assist to go along with several big hits and even some defensive plays. It was another all-around effort to help the Caps take a 2-0 lead in the Conference Final.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro0:13 - Hit on Stralman and chance0:28 - Shot blocks on Hedman0:40 - Forces turnover leading to chance for Caps- 2nd Period -1:15 - Physical shift and chase-down hit on Kucherov2:12 - Assist- 3rd Period -3:24 - Goal4:38 - Two hits on Kunitz4:52 - Final buzzerFull 2018 Playoffs Highlight Reel: youtu.be/WUqaw-xbaY0More classic Ovechkin games: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkin Opens Conference Finals With a Bang (5/11/2018) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-20 | May 11, 2018 - Having waited 13 years to play in the Conference Final, Alex Ovechkin wasn't about to lay a dud in his first appearance in Round 3. On his first shift, the Great 8 sent a strong message with a crunching hit on Anton Stralman, before setting the screen on Michal Kempny's series-opening goal. Before the end of the first period, Ovechkin hammered home his 9th goal of the playoffs to put Washington ahead 2-0. Ovechkin would add an assist as the Capitals won convincingly to take a 1-0 series lead over the #1 seed in the East.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro0:24 - Hit on Stralman0:42 - Hit on Killorn0:48 - Provides screen on Kempny goal1:37 - Goal- 2nd Period -2:35 - Assist3:39 - Eddie Olczyk praises Ovechkin's first two periods- 3rd Period -4:22 - Chances4:42 - Defensive play4:55 - Hit on Hedman5:05 - Final buzzerFull 2018 Playoffs Highlight Reel: youtu.be/WUqaw-xbaY0More classic Ovechkin games: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Alex Ovechkin Finally Gets Past The Penguins (5/7/2018) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-20 | May 7, 2018 - For 13 years, deservedly or not, Ovechkin was known as a great regular season player who couldn't get it done in the playoffs. Not only had he never gone beyond the second round with the Caps, his biggest obstacle had been rival Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins who had eliminated Ovechkin on three occasions including each of the last two years. All three series victories by Crosby's Penguins had been followed by Stanley Cup championships as the Capitals sat at home and watched. It was a tough history in general for the Capitals, as they had won just 1 of 10 series against the Penguins all-time, getting eliminated in all five of Pittsburgh's championship runs.Now, Ovechkin needed just one win to finally put a decade of narratives to rest. He had already had a great series - scoring the opening goal in Washington's Game 2 win, the GWG with 67 seconds left in Game 3, and had a brilliant assist on Jakub Vrana's winning goal in Game 5. It would be a challenge, with his usual linemate Tom Wilson out due to suspension and Nicklas Backstrom out with injury, but the Ovi and the Caps were up to the challenge. Unsurprisingly, the game went to overtime. In the extra session, the Capitals forced Crosby into a turnover with Ovechkin there to pick up the loose puck. Ovechkin looked ahead and quickly passed the puck to Evgeny Kuznetsov for a breakaway. Within three seconds the puck was in the net, and with it, years of doubts and bad criticisms. Before he could celebrate, Ovechkin, who celebrates almost every goal like it's a series winner in overtime, instead let out a sigh of relief. Finally, it was done. It was the biggest win of Ovechkin's NHL career to that point, and it instilled a belief in everyone that maybe, just maybe, this year would be different.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro1:21 - Chance- 2nd Period -1:37 - One-touch pass to Stephenson for chance1:54 - Hit on Letang2:01 - Hit on Dumoulin2:08 - Nice pass to Kuznetsov for chance- 3rd Period -3:18 - Shot3:55 - Game goes to overtime- Overtime -4:12 - Shot4:34 - Assist, Kuznetsov sends the Caps to the conference final for the first time in 19 years6:24 - Handshake with CrosbyFull 2018 Playoffs Highlight Reel: youtu.be/WUqaw-xbaY0More classic Ovechkin games: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkin Wins Game 3 vs PIT With Clutch Goal (5/1/2018) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-20 | May 1, 2018 - Alex Ovechkin has scored a lot of goals in his playoff career. With over 70 playoff goals, the Great 8 currently ranks 15th all-time as of the posting of this video. Few, if any, of those goals were more clutch than the one he scored in Game 3 of the 2018 second round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins. With the series tied 1-1, and the game tied 3-3 with time winding down, Ovechkin and long-time running mate Nicklas Backstrom found themselves on a 2-on-1 with the chance to put the Caps ahead. Anyone who had watched a Caps game in the last decade knew the puck was coming to Ovi. Sure enough, Backstrom waited until just the right moment to feather the puck to Ovechkin who one-timed the pass on net. For a split second it felt like just another close call as Ovechkin's initial shot hit the post, but Ovechkin didn't give up on the play, batting the puck out of the air to put Washington up by one with just 67 seconds left. The goal would stand as the game winner as the Capitals took a 2-1 lead in the series. Even though the Penguins would win the next game to tie the series, the Capitals would eventually slay the dragon and eliminate the Penguins in six games. This huge goal from Ovi would be one of many clutch goals that differentiated this Capitals team from others that came before them, though it wouldn't be the last big goal from the Great 8 or even the best pass Backstrom would deliver to Ovechkin that spring.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro0:17 - Chances0:44 - Hit on Maatta0:51 - Steals puck from Letang for semi-breakaway- 2nd Period -1:44 - Assist- 3rd Period -2:53 - Reverse hit on Letang3:07 - Goal4:34 - Final buzzerFull 2018 Playoffs Highlight Reel: youtu.be/WUqaw-xbaY0More classic Ovechkin games: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkin Delivers In Game 6 vs Columbus (4/23/2018) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-20 | April 23, 2018 - When the Capitals lost their first two games of the 2018 playoffs in overtime on home ice, it sure felt like the season would end in disappointment once again. After the second loss, however, Ovechkin guaranteed that the Caps would head back to Washington tied 2-2. They did that and more, winning both games in Columbus followed by an overtime win to set up a potential series-winning win in Game 6. The Caps would get contributions from all around the lineup to clinch the series, but perhaps no one delivered more than the captain, Alex Ovechkin. In the second period with the game still tied 1-1 and up for grabs, the Great 8 scored twice to take over the game. They were his 50th and 51st career playoff goals, his first time surpassing three goals in a series since also scoring five against Montreal in 2010. The win set up a second-round matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins for the third year in a row. While the main feeling among Caps fans at the time may have understandably been one of dread, the way the Caps battled back in this series was a sign that this was not the same team that fell to the Penguins in the two previous matchups. The team was more resilient and as good as their captain had played in the series, it was only the tip of the iceberg of what would turn out to be a legacy-defining playoff run from the Great 8.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro0:18 - Shot block0:32 - Breakaway chance- 2nd Period -1:17 - Hit on Anderson1:28 - Hard hit on Bjorkstrand1:35 - Goal 1, 50th career playoff goal2:36 - Goal 2- 3rd Period -3:39 - Shot block3:56 - Final buzzer5:27 - Handshakes6:47 - Post-game interviewFull 2018 Playoffs Highlight Reel: youtu.be/WUqaw-xbaY0More classic Ovechkin games: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Alex Ovechkins NHL Record-Breaking 895 Goals (Part 4 of 4) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-09 | Goals 707 - 895.0:00 - 2020-21 (24 goals in 45 games)4:28 - 2021-22 (50 goals in 77 games)13:46 - 2022-23 (42 goals in 73 games)22:34 - 2023-34 (31 goals in 79 games)28:19 - 2024-25 (42 goals in 61 games*)* - as of April 6, 2025Full playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpSKawaTTEOjgnFDXSYWlkTYNote for viewers in Belarus and Russia, Part 2 is blocked in those countries (see my channel post). Hopefully you can get around it with a VPN.Update - Part 3 is now blocked in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Alex Ovechkins NHL Record-Breaking 895 Goals (Part 3 of 4) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-09 | Goals 476 - 706.0:00 - 2015-16 (50 goals in 79 games)10:22 - 2016-17 (33 goals in 82 games)16:51 - 2017-18 (49 goals in 82 games)26:39 - 2018-19 (51 goals in 81 games)35:42 - 2019-20 (48 goals in 68 games)Full playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpSKawaTTEOjgnFDXSYWlkTYNote for viewers in Belarus and Russia, Part 2 is blocked in those countries (see my channel post). Hopefully you can get around it with a VPN.
Alex Ovechkins NHL Record-Breaking 895 Goals (Part 2 of 4) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-09 | Goals 270 - 475.0:00 - 2010-11 (32 goals in 79 games)6:48 - 2011-12 (38 goals in 78 games)14:20 - 2012-13 (32 goals in 48 games)20:38 - 2013-14 (51 goals in 78 games)30:25 - 2014-15 (53 goals in 81 games)Part 3 is now blocked in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Use VPN if you can.Full playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpSKawaTTEOjgnFDXSYWlkTY
Alex Ovechkins NHL Record-Breaking 895 Goals (Part 1 of 4) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-09 | Goals 1 - 2690:00 - 2005-06 (52 goals in 81 games)9:47 - 2006-07 (46 goals in 82 games)18:49 - 2007-08 (65 goals in 82 games)32:31 - 2008-09 (56 goals in 79 games)44:18 - 2009-10 (50 goals in 72 games)Full playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpSKawaTTEOjgnFDXSYWlkTYNote for viewers in Belarus and Russia, Part 2 is blocked in those countries (see my channel post). Hopefully you can get around it with a VPN.Update - Part 3 is now blocked in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Ovechkin Hunts For 50th Goal In Season Finale (4/7/2018) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-04-04 | April 7, 2018 - Entering the final game of 2017-18, Alex Ovechkin had accomplished quite a bit in his 13th season in the NHL. The season had been filled with several great moments - his 7 goals in the first 2 games, his hat trick for Alex Luey, scoring his 600th goal, and even playing in his 1,000th game. He had already equaled his highest point total since his 109-point 2009-10 season and had all but locked up his 7th Rocket Richard trophy. With one game left, there was only one thing left to do: record his 8th 50-goal season. It wouldn't be easy as he was still three goals shy of the half-century mark, but it wasn't the first time. In 2015-16 Ovechkin entered game 81 with the same total before scoring a hat trick to hit the benchmark. After a goal early in the first period, Ovechkin scored off a turnover early in the third to put him just one goal away. The rest of the period saw several chances for the Great 8, including a breakaway that brought Capital One Arena to its feet. Alas, despite a flurry of shot attempts, Ovechkin was not able to hit the 50-goal plateau. Ovechkin would go one to score 50 two more times to tie the NHL record with nine such seasons, but without a pandemic in 2019-20, a broken leg in 2024-25, or if the Devils had just pulled the goalie in this game Ovechkin could very easily be looking at 12 50-goal seasons. That being said, as disappointing as finishing one goal short of 50 may have been, exactly two months later nobody was thinking about it. They were too busy getting some beers, getting some whatever, and celebrating.- 1st Period -0:00 - Joe B and Locker recap Ovechkin's 1,000th game ceremony and season to date1:14 - Chance1:26 - Goal 12:38 - Sets up Wilson for chance- 2nd Period -3:12 - Chances- 3rd Period -4:27 - Goal 26:00 - Joe B, Locker, and Alan May discuss Ovechkin's season7:05 - "We want 50" chants7:29 - Breakaway chance8:30 - Barrage of chances for Ovi as the third period winds down10:16 - One last chance before time expiresMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkin Becomes 4th Fastest To 600 Goals (3/12/2018) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-03-29 | March 12, 2018 - By the 2017-18 season Alex Ovechkin had entered the stage of his career where every season he was on the verge of some major milestone or record. His two previous seasons saw him reach the 500-goal and 1,000-point milestones, and entering his 13th season in the league he sat 42 goals short of 600. Late in the season with the playoff race heating up, the Caps faced off against the 5th-place Winnipeg Jets. While the Jets' 4th-ranked defense might have been an obstacle for most players, for Ovechkin it couldn't be a better opponent to face as there is no franchise that the Great 8 has scored more against. Early in the second period, Ovechkin tallied his second of the night to become the 20th player in NHL history to join the ultra-elite 600-goal club. Doing so in just his 990th game, he became one of just four players to reach the milestone in less than 1,000 games (Gretzky, Lemieux, Brett Hull). The night was capped off with an overtime winner from Evgeny Kuznetsov to pick up two huge points in the race for the division crown, but it was Ovechkin who stole the show once again.- 1st Period -0:00 - Puck drop0:33 - Shot0:44 - Goal 11:44 - Chance1:54 - Shot- 2nd Period -2:04 - Goal 2, 600th career goal4:53 - Chance- 3rd Period -5:31 - Chance at end of regulation- Overtime -6:01 - Evgeny Kuznetsov game winner6:56 - Post-game interview with Al KokenMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkins 4-Point Night vs Chicago (12/6/2017) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-03-26 | December 6, 2017 - With all the changes in the 2017 offseason the Caps had to find new line combinations, and that didn't just mean plugging the new players into the spots of the old ones. On November 22, looking to shake things up after an 11-10-1 start, Capitals head coach Barry Trotz decided to give Tom Wilson a chance on the top line with Ovechkin and Backstrom. It took a few games for the linemates to get used to each other, but in their seventh game the line clicked. All three players scored a goal in the first period, finishing with a combined 4 goals and 11 points on the night, including four-point outings from Ovechkin and Wilson. Ovechkin's chemistry with Wilson would prove to be a huge factor in the later Stanley Cup run, which saw the two put together with Evgeny Kuznetsov in the playoffs where the line combined for 32 goals. While this game is primarily remembered by most as Tom Wilson's breakout game, Ovechkin's performance on the night was also notable. It was his 23rd career four-point game, thanks in large part to his playmaking ability. And with his 95th three-point game, he passed Alexander Mogilny and Sergei Fedorov for the most in NHL history by a Russian-born player. Maybe not as legendary as some of his other high-scoring games, but definitely one of his best games from the 2017-18 regular season.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro0:58 - Forces turnover that almost leads to goal1:36 - Nice moves and chances2:04 - Assist 13:22 - Goal5:06 - Catches puck out of mid-air with stick- 2nd Period -5:43 - Assist 2- 3rd Period -6:48 - Assist 37:55 - Gets tripped by Hartman after making a few nice moves, Wilson sticks up for Ovi8:59 - Final buzzerMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkin Leads Caps To First Win In Minnesota (3/19/2015) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-03-19 | March 19, 2015 - For some teams, there's that one opponent they can never seem to beat. In the case of the Capitals, it was the Minnesota Wild, specifically on the road. The Capitals had never won at the Xcel Energy Center, losing all seven matchups since the Wild's inception in 2000. To give an idea of the kind of games the Capitals had in St. Paul, their meeting the previous year saw the Caps outshoot the Wild 30-11 but lose 5-3 thanks in part to a hat trick from defenseman Ryan Suter. But this was a different look Caps team. The team had fully adapted to the major changes of the 2014 offseason and were playing some of their best hockey of the season. Arguably the largest factor was the stellar play of captain Alex Ovechkin. After a modest 17 goals and 30 points in the 36 games before the New Year, Ovechkin caught fire with 41 points and a ridiculous 28 goals in his first 34 games of 2015. There was no slowing down Ovi, even for a tough defensive team like the Wild. After the two teams held each other off the board in the first period Ovechkin took matters into his own hands, opening the scoring on an end-to-end rush and overpowering the Wild defenders. Personally, it's one of my favorite Ovi goals of all time, even if it's not the flashiest per se. The Great 8 would add another in the third for what would stand as the game-winning goal. It can be hard to believe the Caps had never won on the road against the Wild given that this was the first of 6 straight wins in Minnesota for the Caps, including hat tricks in each of his next two visits, but not unlike many of their later victories, the first win was authored in large part by the Great 8.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro0:38 - Puck drop and early chance0:54 - Hit on Vanek- 2nd Period -2:24 - Shot off post3:08 - Goal 1- 3rd Period -4:06 - Goal 25:02 - Nice pass to Johansson5:41 - Shot5:54 - Final buzzer, Caps get first win in MinnesotaMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Nicklas Backstrom Becomes First Rookie With Back-To-Back 4 Assist Games (2008) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-03-15 | Saw this incredible stat while editing my last video (youtu.be/ZHfdCx7Le_0) and thought it deserved a video. Quite a testament to just how great a playmaker Backstrom was.- January 19, 2008 vs. Florida Panthers -0:00 - Assist 10:24 - Assist 20:54 - Assist 31:36 - Assist 4 - January 21, 2008 @ Pittsburgh Penguins -2:31 - Assist 52:52 - Assist 63:19 - Assist 73:57 - Assist 8
Ovechkins Showdown With Evgeni Malkin (1/21/2008) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-03-13 | January 21, 2008 - The first few years of the Crosby/Ovechkin rivalry had been a duel of two bad teams, but as Pittsburgh progressed into a playoff contender in 2006-07, the Capitals found themselves on the losing end for all but one of their first 10 meetings. However, after the hiring of Bruce Boudreau revitalized the Caps in November, matchups between the teams became much more anticipated. A large reason for the Penguins' faster success was the addition of Ovechkin's countryman, Evgeni Malkin, the first player selected after Ovi in the 2004 draft. With Sidney Crosby out due to an ankle injury, the Ovechkin/Malkin matchup took center stage. Both players delivered with three points each, yet the most memorable part of the game came when Ovechkin attempted a huge hit on his former Olympic roommate but went flying into the boards after Malkin saw him coming at the last second. The tension simmered down a little bit for the rest of the game, though it wasn't without a few more physical moments between the two. In the end, Ovechkin finished with 2 goals, 1 assist, 4 hits, and a season-high 11 shots to go along with a shootout goal to lead the Caps to their first victory in Pittsburgh since 2002 - a win that moved them above the .500 mark just 27 games after being 6-14-1 and dead last in the NHL. Ovechkin's two goals also put him one up on Ilya Kovalchuk in the goal-scoring race - a lead that he would not relinquish for the rest of the season. The rivalry may not be quite as heated these days, but on this night the Alex vs. Geno show delivered one of the more memorable games in the storied history of the Caps/Pens rivalry.- 1st Period -0:00 - Puck drop0:31 - Heavy hit on Gonchar1:00 - Assist on Viktor Kozlov goal2:09 - Goes flying into the boards after attempting huge hit on Malkin2:23 - Brief shoving match between Ovechkin and Malkin- 2nd Period -3:22 - Goal #14:07 - Hit on Sydor4:24 - Goal #2, Ovechkin takes NHL lead in goals5:33 - Solid hit on Malkin6:48 - Wins puck battle vs two Penguins- 3rd Period -7:37 - Malkin hits Ovechkin7:51 - Malkin knees/trips Ovechkin8:00 - Chance8:16 - Nice pass to Fleischmann for chance8:31 - Good keep in leads to Kozlov tying goal- Overtime -9:07 - Recap of Ovechkin and Malkin's nights- Shootout -10:13 - Shootout goal10:40 - Semin wins shootout, Caps win in Pittsburgh for the first time since 2002More classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkins Casual Hat Trick vs FLA (4/6/2013) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-03-02 | April 6, 2013 - As much as Ovechkin loves to vacation in Miami, he might like playing there even more. With 15 goals and 26 points in his first 22 games in Florida, the Panthers were likely not so happy to welcome the Great 8 to town. In addition to being one point out of last place overall and boasting the league's worst goal differential, Ovechkin was heating up after a slow start with goals in 8 of his last 10 games. All the ingredients were there for a big game from Ovi. After an easy backdoor goal on the powerplay to start the scoring, Ovechkin made quick work of defenseman Filip Kuba before sniping his second of the night past a helpless Markstrom. At that point the hat trick felt inevitable, and sure enough before the end of the period Ovechkin would complete the 12th hat trick of his career on a nearly identical goal to his first of the night. For some reason I vividly remember watching this game, and what I remember most is how easy Ovechkin made scoring a hat trick look (and the Caps almost blowing a 4-0 lead in the third period to arguably the worst team in the league but we don't have to talk about that). Ovechkin would add 9 more goals in the final 10 games of the season on his way to winning his third MVP and Rocket Richard trophies with few looking as effortless for him as these did.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro0:17 - Shot block almost results in breakaway0:32 - Splits defense for chance and big counter hit on Strachan0:51 - Goal #1- 2nd Period -1:42 - Assist on Ribeiro goal2:36 - Goal #2, dangles Kuba3:44 - Nice move4:00 - Goal #3, 12th career hat trick- 3rd Period -6:18 - Defensive play and final buzzerMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovis Career-Opening Point Streak Hits 8 Games (10/20/2005) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-02-22 | October 20, 2005 - Less than 10 games into his NHL career, Alex Ovechkin was already making history. He had recorded a point in each of his first seven games, tied with Sergei Makarov and Alexandre Daigle for the 5th longest streak from the start of a player's career. On his first shift of the game, the Great 8 would score his 5th goal of the season to extend the streak to eight games. Ovechkin's strong performance continued throughout the night, adding a highlight-reel goal to cut the Panthers' lead to one late in the game and finished the game with a then career-high 10 shots. The same could not be said about the rest of the Capitals, however, as they allowed a franchise-record 28 shots on goal in the second period en route to a 3-2 loss. Still, Ovechkin's big night gave Caps fans something to be excited about. The two players he tied, Newsy Lalonde and Eddie Gerard, did so in the NHL's inaugural 1917-18 season. At the time the only players to play in the modern NHL to record a longer streak were Wayne Babych (10 games in 1978-79), Joe Sakic (12 games in 1988-89), and Dimitri Kvartalnov (14 games in 1992-93). Since then only Johnathan Toews (10 games in 2007-08) has matched or eclipsed Ovechkin's mark, further evidence of just how rare an achievement it was. As of the posting of this video, it is still the longest point streak to start a career by a #1 overall draft pick.- 1st Period -0:00 - Joe B and Locker recap the point streak1:12 - Goal #1, points in 8 straight games to start career (4th most all time)3:37 - Great move around Sean Hill and shot- 2nd Period -4:25 - Juggles puck out of mid air4:46 - Shot- 3rd Period -4:58 - Goal #26:40 - Hustle to prevent icing6:53 - Final buzzerAll points from the point streak - youtu.be/axp-thquyJUMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Alex Ovechkins Career Opening 8 Game Point Streak (All 10 Points) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-02-22 | All 10 points from Alex Ovechkin's 8-game point streak to start his career. 4th longest all-time, longest ever by a #1 overall pick.1. Goal #1 - 10/5/05 vs CBJ - 0:002. Goal #2 - 10/5/05 vs CBJ - 0:173. Assist #1 - 10/7/05 vs ATL - 0:324. Assist #2 - 10/8/05 @ ATL - 0:505. Goal #3 - 10/10/05 vs NYR - 1:056. Goal #4 - 10/12/05 @ CAR - 1:227. Assist #3 - 10/13/05 vs NYI - 1:428. Assist #4 - 10/16/05 vs TB - 2:009. Goal #5 - 10/20/05 @ FLA - 2:2710. Goal #6 - 10/20/05 @ FLA - 2:44
Ovechkin Scores Hat Trick For Alex Luey (11/25/2017) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-02-20 | November 25, 2017 - Throughout the years Alex Ovechkin has always gone out of his way for fans. One of the most memorable times was when he invited Alex Luey, a young hockey player and huge fan of Ovechkin who, at the age of only 13, had already dealt with a lot in life. Luey was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Despite needing to have part of his right leg amputated, he was able to get back on the ice and skate again with a prosthetic leg. Ovechkin heard about his story and surprised Luey with a video message on Sportsnet's Hometown Hockey in early October, inviting him to come meet the team when they came to Toronto in late November. Before the game, Luey got to meet Ovi and the team, even getting to read the starting lineups. Less than 13 minutes in, Ovechkin got the scoring started with a fantastic end-to-end goal before adding his second of the game on a power play soon after. The Great 8 would complete the hat trick on an empty net to seal the win for the Caps. It was Ovechkin's 20th career hat trick, breaking a tie with Peter Bondra for the Capitals' franchise record. But the hat trick meant much more than a simple statistic. Before the game Ovechkin had promised to score a goal for Luey and not only did Ovi come through on the promise, he delivered one of the most unforgettable performances of his career. Luey was named the Caps' first star of the game along with Ovechkin, and joined him for the post-game interview on Hockey Night in Canada wearing the iconic HNIC towel.Luey would continue to visit the team during future games in Toronto, becoming an inspiration for the Caps on their road to the Stanley Cup and beyond. Sadly, after initially being declared cancer-free he was re-diagnosed in November 2018, and this time it was untreatable. Alex Luey passed away on December 22, 2019 after a three-year battle with cancer. On Twitter, Ovechkin posted his reaction to the heartbreaking news - "Our Caps family heartbroken...so sad to hear Alex Luey pass away today. Such a great kid. He inspire me and our team with his strength. My family will pray for him and his mom and dad. Love you bro. I will miss seeing you in Toronto. Rest In Peace."RIP Alex Luey- 1st Period -0:00 - Ovechkin Invites Alex Luey to the game1:06 - Puck drop1:33 - Alex Luey backstory2:28 - Goal #13:59 - Goal #2- 2nd Period -4:50 - Nice pass to Kuznetsov for chance5:47 - Defensive play on Matthews leads to chance at other end6:08 - Hit on Marleau- 3rd Period -6:18 - End-to-end rush6:36 - Rush and dangle around Ron Hainsey6:58 - Goal #3, 20th career hat trick, Capitals franchise record7:49 - Alex Luey reacts to the hat trick goal8:40 - Alex Luey joins Ovechkin for the HNIC post-game interviewThe NHL posted a great recap of the night back when it happened for anyone interested - youtube.com/watch?v=mGHYv2ocvkwMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkins Legendary 4-Goal Game vs. MTL (1/31/2008) - Part 2 Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-02-06 | Part 2 of Ovi's highlights from his legendary January 31, 2008 game against the Canadiens.Part 1 is here - youtu.be/MBx2l4ZueiY- Period 2 (cont.) -0:00 - Hit on Komisarek0:45 - Goal #2- Period 3 -2:01 - Monster hit on Josh Gorges3:30 - Goal #3- Overtime -6:21 - Goal #4More classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkins Legendary 4-Goal Game vs. MTL (1/31/2008) - Part 1 Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-02-06 | January 31, 2008 - If you could single out one game as Alex Ovechkin's greatest performance, it should probably be this one. Ovi singlehandedly turned an otherwise typical Thursday night game into an all-time classic with a dominating performance. In addition to scoring his second 4-goal game in 34 days, he dished out an assist and delivered 3 thunderous hits to lead the Capitals to an overtime win. It is the perfect encapsulation of the Great 8 at his peak - he could run you over one shift then score on you the next. And if that wasn't impressive enough, he did all this with a broken nose for half the game. It was truly spectacular to watch, and for all the fanfare he gets these days, I hope people never forget how damn unstoppable he was in his early years.Some of you may remember I originally made this as one video, then the NHL blocked it 5 years after I uploaded it. Similar to the Snowvechkin highlights - youtu.be/3G3zaaK6HUo?si=oWw2nv1Twwb4hXxM, as long as the video is under 10 minutes it seems the video is safe from being blocked. Part two is here - youtu.be/kLgHeutHCrM.- Period 1 -0:00 - Start of game and first shift1:04 - Gets high-sticked by Alex Kovalev2:05 - Huge hit on Steve Begin3:02 - Goal #15:08 - Big hit on Mike Komisarek- Period 2 -6:05 - Big hit on Francis Bouillon7:00 - Assist on Viktor Kozlov goal8:10 - Breaks nose on hit by Francis BouillonMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkin Powers the Caps Past Columbus (2/5/2008) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-01-22 | February 5, 2008 - Less than a week removed from arguably his greatest game ever (youtu.be/sj-2713s8j8?si=hGOBcktmig2ykGO7), the Caps needed Ovi to step up again. Trailing 2-0 after the first period, Ovechkin would get his team on the board for the first of two goals to erase the deficit. After more back-and-forth play that saw the Blue Jackets retake the lead before another tying goal by Washington, the game was headed to overtime. In the extra frame, Ovechkin delivered yet again to win the game, cap off a 2-goal, 3-hit, 10-shot performance, and secure the much-needed win for a team trying to stay alive in the playoff race.- 1st Period -0:00 - Puckdrop0:12 - Hit on Foote0:22 - Hit on Novotny0:51 - Chance and scrum- 2nd Period -1:48 - Chance and great shift by Ovechkin's line2:54 - Hit on Boll3:01 - Goal #14:04 - Ovechkam- 3rd Period -4:48 - Ovechkin wins battle with Foote for a shot4:59 - End of regulation- Overtime -5:22 - Goal #2More classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkins First Game In Canada (11/8/2005) Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-01-13 | November 8, 2005 - When a young Ovechkin played in Canada, he often put on a show. It was frequently appointment viewing, and his first visit to the country where hockey reigns supreme was no different. The Great 8 wasted no time with his first tour of Canada being a trip to Toronto, hockey's biggest market. All eyes were on Ovechkin after his 2 goals had powered the Caps to a win over the Leafs in Washington in the first half of the home and home. Ovechkin did not disappoint, with another 2-goal outing to go along with his signature physicality and flair. It wouldn't be enough to lead the Capitals to a win as they were still one of the worst teams in the league at the time, but it was still a memorable game for Ovechkin nonetheless.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro0:55 - Hit on Kronwall1:05 - Goal #12:07 - Hit on Stajan- 2nd Period -2:19 - Spin move off the rush3:07 - Chance- 3rd Period -3:21 - Shot, crashes the net and tumbles over Belfour4:15 - Goal #2 6:06 - Final buzzerMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkins First Goal (On Video) In Every Calendar Month Every Ovechkin Goal 2025-01-02 | The 2020 Covid pause may have cost Ovi some goals, but it gave him the opportunity to do something rare - score a goal in every calendar month. The NHL's bubble playoffs were scheduled to take place in August and September, and an exhibition game in July gave Ovechkin the opportunity to score in all 12 months. Sure enough, he scored twice in the only July game he ever played in. With another two-goal night in Game 2 against the Islanders, he secured his first August goal to complete the rare feat.Based on my crude research, Ovechkin became the 10th player to join the club, a club that is 18 members full as of the posting of this video.0:00 - January - 1/1/06 vs ATL0:26 - February - 2/10/06 @ PHI0:46 - March - 3/2/06 @ OTT1:02 - April - 4/10/06 @ BOS1:34 - May - 5/2/09 vs PIT Game 22:11 - June - 6/2/18 vs VGK Game 32:50 - July - 7/29/20 vs CAR (Preseason)3:24 - August - 8/14/20 vs NYI Game 23:56 - September - 9/30/05 vs PIT (Preseason)4:29 - October - 10/5/05 vs CBJ*5:00 - November - 11/4/05 vs TOR5:21 - December - 12/3/05 vs NYR* - Ovechkin's first October goal was a preseason goal on October 1, 2005 against the Flyers - nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20052006/GS010102.HTM. I don't know if the game was even televised, much less recorded anywhere. Figured since I'd already made the video and footage of his actual first October goal likely doesn't exist I'd post it anyway.
Ovechkin Continues Hot Streak With Incredible Goal vs BUF (12/26/2008) Every Ovechkin Goal 2024-12-26 | December 26, 2008 - When the Great 8 is on a hot streak it's hard to stop him. December 2008 was proving to be one of Ovechkin's best months with 9 goals and 7 assists in the 11 games before Christmas. After one his best games ever in the last game before the holiday break, Ovechkin continued to lead the way for injury-riddled Caps providing an all-around effort that saw him even get time on the penalty kill due to the injuries. He finished with just one goal in the game, but it would go down as one of the best he would ever score - stickhandling past Henrik Tallinder before scoring while falling against Patrick Lalime. The goal proved to be the game-winner in one of several memorable games on the way to him winning his second consecutive MVP award.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro0:46 - Sets up Kozlov tip chance1:12 - Nice moves to set up Nylander chance1:20 - Backcheck to stop Derek Roy breakaway2:36 - Defensive play vs Stafford- 2nd Period -2:56 - Shot3:35 - Rare shorthanded chance- 3rd Period -4:05 - Chance4:16 - Goal5:34 - MVP chants6:35 - More chances6:48 - Hits on Sekera7:10 - Hustle to prevent icing7:23 - Final buzzerMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkins Dangle-icious Night In New Jersey (12/20/2014) Every Ovechkin Goal 2024-12-20 | December 20, 2014 - There are some nights an Ovechkin goal feels inevitable. This mid-December tilt against the New Jersey Devils was one of those games. After coming close on several great chances in the first two periods, Ovechkin would score one of the greatest goals of his career (with an equally great Joe Beninati call to go along with it), splitting the defense with a between the legs deke before roofing it on the backhand while falling. It would end up being his only point of the night, but Ovechkin could easily have had another three or four points with the chances he was generating in what was one of his best performances of the 2014-15 season.- 1st Period -0:00 - Puck drop0:36 - Early chances1:08 - Hits post off the rush1:59 - Shot2:18 - Ovechkin previews the deke he uses later- 2nd Period -2:41 - Shot off post and hit on Peter Harrold3:13 - Sets up Jason Chimera for chance and backcheck4:00 - Nifty one-handed reception of pass to his skates- 3rd Period -4:18 - Defensive play vs Jagr and chance at the other end4:40 - Goal after between the legs deke to split the defenders6:09 - Steal and breakaway leads to penalty shot8:24 - Final buzzerMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovi Scores 40th Goal In Hat Trick vs FLA (2/15/2009) Every Ovechkin Goal 2024-12-15 | February 15, 2009 - Scoring 40 goals in a season is no easy feat in the NHL. Even rarer is to hit the mark at least 4 times. As of 2024 only 64 of the 7,500+ players to play in the NHL have done so. But to do so in each of your first 4 seasons is something so rare only Gretzky, Bossy, Lemieux, and Robitaille had officially done it. Alex Ovechkin, however, felt the club needed another member. As usual, he hit the milestone in style. Ovechkin scored his 39th to start the scoring, then with the game tied 2-2 late in the third, Ovechkin ripped home his second of the night to reach the 40-goal club again and give the Caps the lead. For good measure, he scored an empty net goal from his own zone to put the game away and secure the victory with his 8th career hat trick.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro0:50 - Forecheck leads to Vokoun turnover1:28 - Dangles and sets up chance for Semin1:53 - Goal #12:55 - Chance- 2nd Period -3:11 - 2 on 1 rush with Semin- 3rd Period -4:15 - Shot off post4:45 - Chance5:25 - Goal #2, 40th goal of the season7:10 - Diving play to clear the puck7:30 - Goal #3, 8th career hat trickMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkin Scores 50 Goals For The 8th Time (3/30/2019) Every Ovechkin Goal 2024-12-14 | March 30, 2019 - As the Great 8's career has gone on, his number of simply historic performances has increased. For the last several years of his career, he has seemingly hit several major milestones or records each season. But as Ovechkin hit more and more of these it became clear - he preferred to do it in style. His 500th goal came in a 2-goal performance leading the Caps to a 7-1 win. His 1,000th point, 600th goal, and many others followed a similar pattern. His 50th goal of the 2018-19 season was no different. After making his presence felt early on, he finally got on the board scoring his 50th goal of the season while also delivering a hit. It doesn't get much more Ovi than that. He became just the third player to score 50 in eight different seasons, and just one behind only Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy who are tied at nine apiece. Before the game could come to an end Ovechkin scored one more to bring his total up to 51 - the 5th highest of his career. That would actually be the marker that won Ovechkin his 8th Rocket Richard trophy - breaking a tie with Bobby Hull for the most seasons leading the NHL in goals. To make the game even more memorable, his performance helped lead the Caps to a road win over one of the best regular season teams of all time.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro0:17 - Backcheck on Paquette- 2nd Period -0:37 - Chances- 3rd Period -0:54 - Ovechkin and Wilson combine to deliver hit on Brayden Point1:06 - Goal #1, 8th career 50-goal season2:28 - Tampa crowd reacts to goal being announced3:10 - Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin reflect on the moment4:42 - Goal #27:00 - Sets up Oshie for chance at a hat trick goal8:03 - Final BuzzerMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Alex Ovechkins Scary Hat Trick vs Ottawa (2/1/2009) Every Ovechkin Goal 2024-12-12 | February 1, 2009 - Throughout his career, a common criticism of Ovechkin is that he can only score the same goal. While some see this as a knock on the Great 8, it's more a sign of his unstoppability even when everyone knows what he's going to do. His legendary one-timer is his most famous type of goal, but earlier in his career it was also common to see him shoot through a defender off the rush. In a Super Bowl Sunday matchup against the Senators, Ovechkin scored with both of his usual styles to help chase Brian Elliott from the net before using the defenseman as a screen again to beat Alex Auld for his third of the night. In reaction to the hat trick goal, Capitals color commentator Craig Laughlin simply said "this guy is scary". An accurate description for a player who, at his peak, was as close to unguardable as any goal scorer in NHL history.- 1st Period -0:00 - Puck drop0:36 - Goal #1- 2nd Period -1:39 - Goal #22:58 - Defensive play vs Heatley3:06 - Goal #3, 7th career hat trick, Craig Laughlin calls Ovi "scary"5:34 - Rush and sets up Kozlov for chance- 3rd Period -5:50 - Big hit on Jarkko Ruutu6:05 - Sets up Kozlov for a chance6:32 - Shot and sets up Fedorov for chanceMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkin Scores 50th Goal On Backstroms 100th Point (4/9/2010) Every Ovechkin Goal 2024-10-24 | April 9, 2010 - With just about every regular season team accomplishment reached for the Capitals, the end of the 2009-10 regular season was about getting players to individual milestones. After a historic regular season, many players were on the verge of some kind of benchmark. The Capitals' two big guns were no different. Ovechkin was two goals away from becoming just the third player (Gretzky and Bossy) to score 50 goals in four of his first five seasons, and Backstrom was two points away from becoming the fourth Washington Capital to score 100 points in a season. Ovechkin assisted on a Backstrom goal that brought the Swede up to 99 points before scoring his own 49th goal. With the game tied in the third, Backstrom sent an outlet pass to Alex Semin who found Ovechkin in the slot, who ripped his 50th goal past Ondrej Pavelec to put the Caps ahead and give Backstrom a secondary assist to put him at the century mark. It remains one of the signature moments of the greatest duo in Capitals franchise history.- 1st Period -0:00 - Puck drop0:50 - Recap of pre-game President's Trophy ceremony1:29 - Shot1:41 - Assist on Backstrom's 32nd goal and 99th point- 2nd Period -3:09 - Shot after getting tripped3:24 - Goal #14:22 - Chance- 3rd Period -4:32 - Goal #2, 4th career 50-goal season, Backstrom's 100th point6:20 - Ovechkam7:55 - Final buzzer8:44 - Post-game interviewMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovi Becomes The 15th Rookie To Score 40 Goals (3/6/2006) Every Ovechkin Goal 2024-10-17 | March 6, 2006 - Alex Ovechkin's rookie season was filled with many memorable performances, and as the season progressed it became clear that one of the greatest rookie seasons of all time was unfolding. Playing in his first home game after the Olympic break in the newly renamed Verizon Center, he was on the verge of history once again. Entering the contest with goals in 5 straight games, he sat just one shy of 40. It was a mark that hadn't been reached by a rookie since the 1992-93 season when Teemu Selanne and Eric Lindros both hit the milestone. Early in the second period, Ovechkin extended his scoring streak to 6 games becoming the 15th rookie to ever score 40 goals in a season. Ovechkin added another goal and assist to work his way closer to the even rarer rookie totals of 50 goals and 100 points, both of which he reached by the end of the season. To put in perspective how rare this feat was, so far the only rookie since 1993 other than Ovechkin to reach 40 goals was Auston Matthews who had exactly 40 in 2016-17. The Great 8 would go on to reach 40 goals 12 more times, setting the NHL's all-time record for 40-goal seasons with 13 as of 2024. And Ovechkin wasn't the only Capital to have a historical night, as his three-point performance also helped franchise legend Olaf Kolzig become the first goalie in team history to win 250 games.- 1st Period -0:00 - Old Ovechkin rookie season ticket commercial1:17 - Quick moves and chance1:34 - Shot- 2nd Period -2:05 - Goal #1, 40th goal of season, 15th rookie to ever score 403:18 - Dangles3:50 - Goal #2, 0.5 seconds left on clock- 3rd Period -5:40 - Counter hit on Mike York5:47 - Assist on Bryan Muir goal8:01 - Final buzzer, Olaf Kolzig's 250th winMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkin Follows Up Hat Trick With 4 Goals In Home Opener (10/7/2017) Every Ovechkin Goal 2024-10-13 | October 7, 2017 - After coming into the season with questions about his ability to still be an elite goal-scorer, Alex Ovechkin put those questions to rest with a third-period hat trick in the season opener - youtu.be/lRnZ5W81jRA?si=eSSK3t3pY5rl-k45. But if anyone still had doubts, the Great 8 had another performance saved for them too. It didn't take long after the home opening ceremonies for Ovechkin to pick up where he left off as he scored on an insane spinning slap shot just 20 seconds into the game. The hot start wouldn't end there. On an early power play Ovechkin scored again before 3 minutes had elapsed. That alone would have been an incredible start to the season, but Ovi wasn't done. Before the first period could end he would tip in a Kuznetsov shot to give him a hat trick in not just back-to-back games for the first time in his career but also hat tricks in consecutive regulation periods. It wasn't just an impressive stat, it was also historical. The last time a player had scored hat tricks in consecutive games to start an NHL season was 100 years prior in 1917-18 - the NHL's inaugural season. The three tallies also tied him with Capitals great Peter Bondra for the most hat tricks in franchise history. But why stop at three if you can score four? Near the end of the second period, Ovechkin drove the puck to the net, and after a couple strange bounces off the Montreal defenders the puck found its way into the net. Ovechkin was officially credited as the last Capitals player to touch the puck, giving him his 4th career 4-goal game and 7th goal in two games. The hot start propelled the Great 8 to his 7th Rocket Richard trophy, finishing just a goal shy of another 50-goal season.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro1:02 - Goal #12:27 - Hits post2:54 - Goal #24:40 - Goal #3, 19th career hat trick ties Peter Bondra for most in Capitals history5:59 - When you're the greatest goal scorer of all time, graphics like this are possible- 2nd Period -6:53 - Goal #4, 4th career 4-goal game, 7th goal in 2 games to start the season- 3rd Period -9:10 - Final buzzerMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Alex Ovechkins Season Opening Hat Trick (10/5/2017) Every Ovechkin Goal 2024-10-12 | October 5, 2017 - The summer of 2017 had been an offseason of question marks for the Washington Capitals. After back-to-back seasons as the NHL's top regular season team which both ended unceremoniously at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round, the Caps were forced to make several key changes. With several contracts expiring decisions had to be made. Gone were key players such as Justin Williams, Marcus Johansson, Nate Schmidt, and Karl Alzner. Their replacements were unproven rookies and role players, leaving doubts as to whether or not they could make up for the lost talent. Oddly, despite the Capitals 118-point regular season the year prior, Alex Ovechkin had an uncharacteristic down year. After three straight 50+ goal seasons, the Great 8's production slipped down to just 33 goals and 69 points, both the second-worst mark of his career at the time. Entering his age 32 season, some wondered if last season had been the beginning of the end for Ovechkin, who along with the lower production had just looked slower and less dynamic overall. Not everyone was so down on Ovechkin, however. Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan said he felt that 33 was a minimum for the Capitals captain, and expected more. After all, similar things had been said about Ovechkin in the early 2010s after a couple down years, only for him to return to form and lead the league in goals four years in a row. Ovechkin came into camp looking noticeably lighter, hinting at a re-energized version of himself.In the season opener in Ottawa, Ovechkin silenced the doubters about as well as he possibly could. Trailing 3-1 in the 3rd period, Ovechkin put the Caps on his back with 2 goals in 1 minute and 23 seconds. Then, with the Caps trailing 4-3, Ovechkin completed the hat trick to tie the game again. In the shootout, Ovi would score one more time to help the Capitals come away with the win. And in case a hat trick wasn't enough to silence his critics, his next game would put to rest any remaining doubts one could possibly have - youtu.be/1oVYgVyDOTg- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro0:38 - Caps GM Brian MacLellan's thoughts on Ovechkin's previous season1:05 - Sets up Vrana for chance1:16 - Shot block and physical battle against Dion Phaneuf- 2nd Period -1:50 - Shot off post- 3rd Period -2:07 - Goal #13:09 - Goal #24:44 - Goal #3, 18th career hat trick- Overtime -6:05 - Shot- Shootout -6:30 - Shootout goal7:02 - Kuznetsov game-winning goalMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovechkin Scores On His First 3 Shots vs ATL (11/26/2008) Every Ovechkin Goal 2024-10-09 | November 26, 2008 - With the Caps facing a long list of injuries, they needed their superstar to step up. It wasn't all bad news however, not only were they facing the Thrashers, a team the Great 8 had tormented so far in his career, Ovechkin had been tearing it up in the month of November with 7 goals and 20 points in his last 11 games. His hot hand would continue as he scored on each of his first three shots. He would add an assist later in the game to help the Caps pull off the victory, showing once again that no matter how many injuries they had, they were never out of a game if Ovechkin was in the lineup.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro0:50 - Chance/deflection1:02 - Goal #11:59 - Chance2:20 - Goal #2- 2nd Period -3:39 - Goal #3, 6th career hat trick- 3rd Period -6:00 - Assist on Viktor Kozlov goal7:00 - Shot off faceoff7:17 - Hit on Havelid and chance7:50 - Steal and chance7:58 - Final buzzer, Ovechkin almost scores his 4th in empty netMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
Ovi Breaks the Capitals Single-Season Goals Record (3/25/2008) Every Ovechkin Goal 2024-09-25 | March 25, 2008 - Fresh off becoming the first NHL player in 12 years to score 60 goals, Alex Ovechkin sat on the edge of breaking a Capitals franchise record. Tied with Dennis Maruk who had held the record since the 1981-82 season, Ovechkin needed just one goal to set the franchise's new single-season goal-scoring record. After a first period that saw the Great 8 do just about everything but score, Ovechkin found the back of the net halfway through the second to set the record outright. The goal was also his 107th point of the season breaking his previous career high he set as a rookie. Despite the goal being his only point on the scoresheet, he made his presence felt in other ways with a very young-Ovechkin-like 11 shots and 4 hits. He would push the record to 65 by the end of the season, also setting the single-season record for a left winger.- 1st Period -0:00 - Intro1:21 - Physical opening shift and chance2:31 - Hit on Glen Wesley2:50 - Rush up ice and chances3:16 - Tips pass off crossbar- 2nd Period -3:29 - Goal, 61st of season, passes Dennis Maruk in 1981-82 for most goals in a single season as a Washington Capital6:25 - Ovechkam6:55 - Clears puck without stick7:04 - Monster hit on Bret Hedican- 3rd Period -8:02 - Nice move around Niclas Wallin and chance- Overtime -8:55 - Shot9:36 - More chances as time runs out in overtime- Shootout -10:03 - Shootout attempt saved by Cam Ward10:36 - Viktor Kozlov scores to win game for the CapsMore classic Ovechkin games - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH8bFa0t7qpQfBYEXybnEr9NbAqFcPyyq
