Alexander Ovechkin: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Russian ice hockey player (born 1985)}} |
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{{Redirect|Ovechkin||Ovechkin (surname)}} |
{{Redirect|Ovechkin||Ovechkin (surname)}} |
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{{family name hatnote|Mikhailovich|Ovechkin|lang=Eastern Slavic}} |
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{{short description|Russian ice hockey player}} |
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{{Use American English|date=March 2020}} |
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{{Eastern Slavic name|Mikhailovich|Ovechkin}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date= |
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}} |
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{{Infobox ice hockey player |
{{Infobox ice hockey player |
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| name = Alexander Ovechkin |
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| image = Alex Ovechkin 2018-05-21.jpg |
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| image_size = 220px |
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| caption = Ovechkin with the Capitals in |
| caption = Ovechkin with the [[Washington Capitals]] in May 2018 |
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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|9|17|df=y}} |
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| alt = |
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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1985|9|17}} |
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| birth_place = [[Moscow]], [[Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic|Russian SFSR]], [[Soviet Union]] |
| birth_place = [[Moscow]], [[Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic|Russian SFSR]], [[Soviet Union]] |
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| height_ft = 6 |
| height_ft = 6 |
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| height_in = |
| height_in = 2 |
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| weight_lb = |
| weight_lb = 235 |
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| position = [[Winger (ice hockey)|Left wing]] |
| position = [[Winger (ice hockey)|Left wing]] |
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| shoots = Right |
| shoots = Right |
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| league = NHL |
| league = [[National Hockey League|NHL]] |
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| team = [[Washington Capitals]] |
| team = [[Washington Capitals]] |
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| former_teams = [[HC Dynamo Moscow|Dynamo Moscow]] |
| former_teams = [[HC Dynamo Moscow|Dynamo Moscow]] |
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| draft = 1st overall |
| draft = 1st overall |
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| draft_year = 2004 |
| draft_year = 2004 |
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| draft_team = [[Washington Capitals]] |
| draft_team = [[Washington Capitals]] |
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| career_start = 2001 |
| career_start = 2001 |
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| website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20120425081944/http://www.ovie8.com/ www.ovie8.com] |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin''' ({{lang-rus|Алекса́ндр Миха́йлович Ове́чкин|p=ɐlʲɪˈksandr ɐˈvʲetɕkʲɪn}};{{refn|group="n"|name=translit|{{small|[[Romanization of Russian|romanized]]:}} ''Aleksandr Mikhaylovich Ovechkin''.}} born 17 September 1985, [[Moscow]], [[Russian SFSR]], [[Soviet Union]], now [[Russia]]) is a Russian professional [[ice hockey]] [[Winger (ice hockey)|left winger]] and [[Captain (ice hockey)|captain]] of the [[Washington Capitals]] of the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL). Nicknamed "'''the Great 8'''" in reference to his jersey number, Ovechkin is widely regarded as one of the greatest goal scorers of all time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/analytics-say-ovechkin-one-of-top-goal-scorers-ever/c-796548|title=Analytics say Ovechkin one of top goal-scorers ever|website=NHL.com|access-date=27 December 2016|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011130629/https://www.nhl.com/news/analytics-say-ovechkin-one-of-top-goal-scorers-ever/c-796548/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/why-alex-ovechkin-could-be-the-best-goal-scorer-in-nhl-history/|title=Why Alex Ovechkin could be the best goal scorer in NHL history – Sportsnet.ca|newspaper=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=27 December 2016|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011130632/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/why-alex-ovechkin-could-be-the-best-goal-scorer-in-nhl-history//|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-its-time-we-treat-alex-ovechkin-as-an-nhl-all-time-great|title=It's time we treat Alex Ovechkin as an NHL all-time great|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=21 February 2020|last1=Kelly|first1=Cathal|access-date=8 December 2020|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623024346/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-its-time-we-treat-alex-ovechkin-as-an-nhl-all-time-great/|url-status=live}}</ref> Second only to [[Wayne Gretzky]] in [[List of NHL players with 500 goals|all-time goal scoring]], Ovechkin holds many NHL career records, including the most [[Power play (sporting term)#Ice hockey|power play]] goals, most goals in [[Road (sports)|away games]], most [[Overtime (sports)#Ice hockey|overtime]] goals, and most goals with one team in NHL history. Ovechkin is one of just three players in NHL history to score 800 career goals, along with Gretzky and [[Gordie Howe]]. |
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Ovechkin began his professional career with [[HC Dynamo Moscow|Dynamo Moscow]] of the [[Russian Superleague]] in 2001, playing there for four seasons and returning briefly during the [[2012–13 NHL lockout]]. A highly touted prospect, Ovechkin was selected by the Capitals [[List of first overall NHL draft picks|first overall]] in the [[2004 NHL Entry Draft]]. In the [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06 season]], Ovechkin's first with the Capitals, he scored 52 goals and 54 assists to lead all rookies in points, capturing the [[Calder Memorial Trophy]] as rookie of the year and finishing third overall in league scoring. |
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Ovechkin has won the [[Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy]], awarded annually to the NHL's leading goal scorer, an NHL-record |
Ovechkin has won the [[Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy]], awarded annually to the NHL's leading goal scorer, an NHL-record nine times, first doing so in [[2007–08 NHL season|2007–08]], when his 65 goals and 112 points also earned him the [[Art Ross Trophy]] for most points scored. He holds the NHL record for most 40-goal seasons with thirteen and co-holds, with [[Mike Bossy]] and Gretzky, the record for most [[List of NHL players with 50-goal seasons|50-goal campaigns]] with nine. He has won the [[Hart Memorial Trophy]] for most valuable player three times (in 2008, 2009, and 2013), and the [[Ted Lindsay Award|Lester B. Pearson Award]]/[[Ted Lindsay Award]] for best player as voted on by the [[National Hockey League Players' Association]] three times (2008, 2009, 2010). In [[2018 Stanley Cup Finals|2018]], Ovechkin won the [[Stanley Cup]] for the first time, and was awarded the [[Conn Smythe Trophy]] for most valuable player in the [[2018 Stanley Cup playoffs|2018 playoffs]]. He has also been named to the [[NHL first All-Star team]] eight times, and the second All-Star team four times. In 2017, Ovechkin was named one of the [[100 Greatest NHL Players]] of all time.<ref>{{cite web|title=100 Greatest NHL Players|url=https://www.nhl.com/fans/nhl-centennial/100-greatest-nhl-players|website=NHL.com|access-date=27 January 2017|date=27 January 2017|archive-date=1 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401154609/https://www.nhl.com/fans/nhl-centennial/100-greatest-nhl-players|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Internationally, Ovechkin has represented [[Russia men's national ice hockey team|Russia]] in multiple tournaments. His first [[International Ice Hockey Federation|IIHF]] tournament was the [[2002 IIHF World U18 Championships|2002 World U18 Championship]]. The following [[2003 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|year]] he made his debut at the [[IIHF World Junior Championship|World Junior Championship]], helping Russia win the gold medal. He played two more years at the World Juniors, as well as once more at the World U18 Championships. Ovechkin's first senior tournament was the [[2004 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2004 World Championship]], and he also played in the [[2004 World Cup of Hockey|World Cup]] that year. Ovechkin has also played for Russia at the [[Winter Olympics]] in [[Ice hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympics|2006]], [[Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics|2010]], and [[Ice hockey at the 2014 Winter Olympics|2014]]. Overall, Ovechkin has represented Russia at thirteen World Championships and three Olympics in his career, winning the World Championship three times. |
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After some years of decreased scoring, Ovechkin reclaimed the goal scoring title in [[2012–13 NHL season|2013]], earning the Richard Trophy and his third Hart Trophy. He would repeat as the Richard Trophy winner in [[2013–14 NHL season|2014]], [[2014–15 NHL season|2015]], and [[2015–16 NHL season|2016]], scoring at least 50 goals each season and becoming only the third player to score 50 goals in seven different seasons. Ovechkin reached 600 career NHL goals in [[2017–18 NHL season|2018]] and is considered one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/analytics-say-ovechkin-one-of-top-goal-scorers-ever/c-796548|title=Analytics say Ovechkin one of top goal-scorers ever|website=NHL.com|access-date=27 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/why-alex-ovechkin-could-be-the-best-goal-scorer-in-nhl-history/|title=Why Alex Ovechkin could be the best goal scorer in NHL history – Sportsnet.ca|newspaper=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=27 December 2016}}</ref> In 2017, Ovechkin was named one of the [[100 Greatest NHL Players]] of all-time.<ref>{{cite web|title=100 Greatest NHL Players|url=https://www.nhl.com/fans/nhl-centennial/100-greatest-nhl-players|website=NHL.com|accessdate=27 January 2017|date=27 January 2017}}</ref> After ten playoff runs with the Washington Capitals, Ovechkin won his first [[Stanley Cup]] in [[2018 Stanley Cup Finals|2018]] over the [[Vegas Golden Knights]], as well as the [[Conn Smythe Trophy]] for most valuable player in the [[2018 Stanley Cup playoffs|2018 playoffs]]. |
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Internationally, Ovechkin has represented [[Russia men's national ice hockey team|Russia]] in multiple tournaments. His first [[International Ice Hockey Federation|IIHF]] tournament was the [[2002 IIHF World U18 Championships|2002 World U18 Championship]]. The following [[2003 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|year]] he made his debut at the [[IIHF World U20 Championship|World Junior Championship]], helping Russia win the gold medal. He played two more years at the World Juniors, as well as once more at the World U18 Championships. Ovechkin's first senior tournament was the [[2004 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2004 World Championship]], and he also played in the [[2004 World Cup of Hockey|World Cup]] that year. Ovechkin has also played for Russia at the [[Winter Olympics]] in [[Ice hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympics|2006]], [[Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics|2010]], and [[Ice hockey at the 2014 Winter Olympics|2014]]. Overall, Ovechkin has represented Russia at eleven World Championships and three Olympics in his career, winning the World Championship three times. |
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==Early life== |
==Early life== |
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Ovechkin was born on 17 September 1985 |
Ovechkin was born on 17 September 1985 in [[Moscow]], the son of [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] athletes.<ref name="bio">{{Cite web|url=https://www.biography.com/people/alex-ovechkin-21366863|title=Alex Ovechkin|website=Biography|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026222634/https://www.biography.com/people/alex-ovechkin-21366863|url-status=live}}</ref> His mother, [[Tatyana Ovechkina]], is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (1976, 1980) and world champion (1975) in basketball.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sikids.com/si-kids/2017/01/10/catching-alex-ovechkin|title=Catching Up With Alex Ovechkin|last1=Kohn-Murphy|first1=Aidan|date=10 January 2017|work=[[Sports Illustrated Kids]]|access-date=8 June 2018|quote=The son of soccer star Mikhail Ovechkin and a two-time Olympic medalist in basketball, Tatyana Ovechkina|archive-date=15 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115012010/http://www.sikids.com/si-kids/2017/01/10/catching-alex-ovechkin|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="britannica">{{Cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alex-Ovechkin|title=Alex Ovechkin {{!}} Biography & Facts|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026223153/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alex-Ovechkin|url-status=live}}</ref> His father, Mikhail, was a [[association football|football]] player. He has two older brothers, Sergei and Mikhail.<ref>{{harvnb|Cox|Joyce|2010|p=20}}</ref> His mother sensed her youngest son was destined for "sporting greatness". "From birth, it was obvious," she said. "In a child, it's clear immediately. He was very active and walking and curious."<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/alex-ovechkin--captain-husband-expectant-father--reaches-hockeys-summit/2018/06/11/0a1018f0-6d67-11e8-bf86-a2351b5ece99_story.html|title=Alex Ovechkin — captain, husband, expectant father — reaches hockey's summit|last=Khurshudyan|first=Isabelle|date=11 June 2018|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=12 September 2018|archive-date=12 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912204528/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/alex-ovechkin--captain-husband-expectant-father--reaches-hockeys-summit/2018/06/11/0a1018f0-6d67-11e8-bf86-a2351b5ece99_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Early on, Ovechkin did not have a television growing up, but learned of the NHL and its biggest stars like [[Wayne Gretzky]], [[Mario Lemieux]], and [[Sergei Fedorov]] through videotapes that showed highlights of goals, hits, and fights. His favorite NHL team growing up was the [[San Jose Sharks]] and also was the first NHL jersey he received.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oland |first=Ian |date=2023-12-15 |title=Alex Ovechkin and Capitals players name the first jerseys they had as kids |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2023/12/15/alex-ovechkin-and-capitals-players-name-the-first-jerseys-they-had-as-kids/ |access-date=2024-07-22 |website=RMNB |language=en-US}}</ref> He was two years old when he first picked up a hockey stick. Whenever a hockey game came on television, he would drop whatever he was doing, refusing to allow his parents to change the channel.<ref name=":4" /> |
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In early childhood, he moved with his family to a tall high-rise building surrounded by a "crumbling neighborhood" on the outskirts of Moscow.<ref name="bio" /> There he attended public school #596, infamous for military discipline and a "tyrannical" principal |
In early childhood, he moved with his family to a tall high-rise building surrounded by a "crumbling neighborhood" on the outskirts of Moscow.<ref name="bio" /> There he attended public school #596, infamous for military discipline and a "tyrannical" principal, completing eight and a half grades before starting at [[Dynamo Moscow]]'s sports school.{{refn|group="n"|The development program of Dynamo Moscow of the [[Russian Superleague]] (RSL).<ref name="bio" />}} While he saw his friends "getting high and getting dead," Ovechkin was attending daily training sessions morning and night. "You dive into sport with your head and arms and legs, and there's no time for anything else," he said of this early training.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ovi-takes-gq-magazine-inside-his-russian-childhood/c-541564|title=Ovi takes GQ magazine inside his Russian childhood|website=NHL.com|access-date=27 October 2018|archive-date=27 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027190014/https://www.nhl.com/news/ovi-takes-gq-magazine-inside-his-russian-childhood/c-541564|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Whenever his parents were no longer able to get young Alex to hockey events, his elder brother Sergei stepped up, making sure his little brother got where he needed to go.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://thehockeywriters.com/alexander-the-great-ovechkin-biography/|title=Alexander Ovechkin Biography|date=26 March 2009|work=The Hockey Writers|access-date=26 October 2018}}</ref> When Ovechkin was 10, his brother Sergei died |
Whenever his parents were no longer able to get young Alex to hockey events, his elder brother Sergei stepped up, making sure his little brother got where he needed to go.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://thehockeywriters.com/alexander-the-great-ovechkin-biography/|title=Alexander Ovechkin Biography|date=26 March 2009|work=The Hockey Writers|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119131338/https://thehockeywriters.com/alexander-the-great-ovechkin-biography/|url-status=live}}</ref> When Ovechkin was 10, his brother Sergei died of a blood clot following a car accident. Ovechkin had a youth hockey game the next day, which his parents insisted he play in.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/nhl/story/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-opens-up-about-brother-s-death-100915|title=Alex Ovechkin opens up for first time about brother's death|date=9 October 2015|website=foxsports.com|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529203453/https://www.foxsports.com/nhl/story/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-opens-up-about-brother-s-death-100915|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin credits his elder brother Sergei for introducing him to, and encouraging him to pursue hockey. When he scores, Alex will often kiss his glove and point to the sky in a salute to his brother.<ref name=":4" /> |
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Ovechkin established his reputation within the Dynamo Moscow system by scoring 56 goals at the age of 11, surpassing the previous record held by [[Pavel Bure]], who had scored 53 goals.<ref name=":4" /> Meanwhile, Ovechkin dreamed of playing in the NHL, keeping the cards of star players stashed in his room, especially those of his idol, Mario Lemieux.<ref name="bio" /> "It's the best hockey there is," Ovechkin would say of the NHL.<ref name="bio" /> |
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==Playing career== |
==Playing career== |
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===Dynamo Moscow=== |
===Dynamo Moscow (2001–2005)=== |
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Ovechkin began playing in the [[Russian Super League]] (RSL) |
Ovechkin began playing in the [[Russian Super League]] (RSL) for [[HC Dynamo Moscow|Dynamo Moscow]] at the age of 16. Making his professional debut in the 2001–02 season, he scored four points in 21 games. He would spend three seasons there prior to being drafted by the NHL, and he would rack up 36 goals and 32 assists in 152 career games.<ref name="Biography Today, pp.117">"Biography Today", pp.117</ref> |
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The following off-season, Ovechkin was [[List of first overall NHL draft picks|selected first overall]] in the [[2004 NHL Entry Draft]] by the [[Washington Capitals]]. He had been projected as the first overall pick for nearly two years<ref name="Draft Prospect">{{cite web|url= |
The following off-season, Ovechkin was [[List of first overall NHL draft picks|selected first overall]] in the [[2004 NHL Entry Draft]] by the [[Washington Capitals]]. He had been projected as the first overall pick for nearly two years<ref name="Draft Prospect">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1812737&type=story|title=Ovechkin confident of his arrival|access-date=23 January 2008|work=ESPN|year=2004|author=Joyce, Gare|archive-date=5 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305042407/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=1812737&type=story|url-status=live}}</ref> and had earned comparisons to [[Mario Lemieux]].<ref name="Post-Gazette">{{cite news|title =Inside the NHL: Think Fleury pick was special one? Just wait until next year|url =http://www.post-gazette.com/penguins/20030629nhlnot0629p5.asp|author =Kovacevic, [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date =29 June 2003|access-date =23 January 2008|archive-date =2 March 2009|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090302015647/http://www.post-gazette.com/penguins/20030629nhlnot0629p5.asp|url-status =live}}</ref> He was so highly regarded that the [[Florida Panthers]] attempted to draft him in the [[2003 NHL Entry Draft]] in the ninth round, even though his birthday was two days after the cut-off (15 September 1985). [[Rick Dudley]], the general manager of the Panthers, claimed the pick was legitimate, claiming that Ovechkin was old enough with [[leap year]]s taken into consideration.<ref name="Post-Gazette"/> |
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Due to the [[2004–05 NHL lockout]], Ovechkin remained with Dynamo for one more season. He recorded 27 points in 37 games in 2004–05, while missing nearly two months of play because of a shoulder injury sustained in the gold medal game against [[Canada men's national junior ice hockey team|Canada]] in the [[2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2005 World Junior Championships]]. In the playoffs, he helped Dynamo win the RSL title. |
Due to the [[2004–05 NHL lockout]], Ovechkin remained with Dynamo for one more season. He recorded 27 points in 37 games in 2004–05, while missing nearly two months of play because of a shoulder injury sustained in the gold medal game against [[Canada men's national junior ice hockey team|Canada]] in the [[2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2005 World Junior Championships]]. In the playoffs, he helped Dynamo win the RSL title. |
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With the threat of the lockout |
With the threat of the lockout canceling another NHL season, Ovechkin signed a contract with rival Russian team [[Avangard Omsk]]. In order to maintain his eligibility for the NHL in the event that the lockout ended, the contract contained an out clause with a 20 July 2005, deadline. Although a new NHL [[collective bargaining agreement]] (CBA) had not yet been reached between players and owners, Ovechkin decided to opt out and signed with the Capitals on 5 August 2005. The deal was a three-year, entry-level contract worth the rookie maximum of $984,200 per season with performance-based bonuses to inflate his annual salary to as much as $3.9 million.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/05/AR2005080501149.html |title=Ovechkin Agrees to Contract With Caps |date=6 August 2005 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |first=Tarik |last=El-Bashir |access-date=24 August 2017 |archive-date=10 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110190613/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/05/AR2005080501149.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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===Washington Capitals=== |
===Washington Capitals (2005–present)=== |
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====Early dominance (2005–2007)==== |
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[[File:Ovechkin (44167919).jpg|thumb|Ovechkin at the [[Washington Capitals]] training camp prior to the [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06 season]] |
[[File:Ovechkin (44167919).jpg|thumb|left|Ovechkin in September 2005 at the [[Washington Capitals]] training camp prior to the [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06 season]].]] |
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Two days after signing, the lockout ended with a new CBA. Ovechkin played his first game with the Capitals on 5 October 2005, scoring two goals against goalie [[Pascal Leclaire]] in a 3–2 victory over the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/recap;_ylt=Am9YSoQftwch4fjpu2bkPNUmvLYF?gid=2005100523&prov=ap&print=1|title=Capitals 3, Blue Jackets 2|date=5 October 2005|first=Joseph|last=White|agency=Associated Press|work=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref> On 13 January 2006, in [[Anaheim, California|Anaheim]], Ovechkin scored his first career [[Hat trick#Hockey|hat trick]] against [[Jean-Sébastien Giguère]] of the [[Mighty Ducks of Anaheim]] to help Washington win the game.<ref name=HatTrick>{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/recap;_ylt=An.2iXmgOXGFgHS9yii4dIYmvLYF?gid=2006011325&prov=ap&print=1|title=Capitals 3, Mighty Ducks 2, OT|date=14 January 2006|agency=Associated Press|work=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref> Three days later, on 16 January, he scored a goal that veteran hockey reporter [[Bill Clement]] called "one of the greatest goals of all time."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.athletepromotions.com/athletes/Alexander-Ovechkin-appearance-booking-agent.php |title=Athletepromotions.com |publisher=Athletepromotions.com |date=20 February 2009 | |
Two days after signing, the lockout ended with a new CBA. Ovechkin played his first game with the Capitals in the [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06 season]] opener on 5 October 2005, scoring two goals against goalie [[Pascal Leclaire]] in a 3–2 victory over the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/recap;_ylt=Am9YSoQftwch4fjpu2bkPNUmvLYF?gid=2005100523&prov=ap&print=1|title=Capitals 3, Blue Jackets 2|date=5 October 2005|first=Joseph|last=White|agency=Associated Press|work=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref> On 13 January 2006, in [[Anaheim, California|Anaheim]], Ovechkin scored his first career [[Hat trick#Hockey|hat trick]] against [[Jean-Sébastien Giguère]] of the [[Mighty Ducks of Anaheim]] to help Washington win the game.<ref name=HatTrick>{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/recap;_ylt=An.2iXmgOXGFgHS9yii4dIYmvLYF?gid=2006011325&prov=ap&print=1|title=Capitals 3, Mighty Ducks 2, OT|date=14 January 2006|agency=Associated Press|work=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref> Three days later, on 16 January, he scored a goal that veteran hockey reporter [[Bill Clement]] called "one of the greatest goals of all time."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.athletepromotions.com/athletes/Alexander-Ovechkin-appearance-booking-agent.php |title=Athletepromotions.com |publisher=Athletepromotions.com |date=20 February 2009 |access-date=15 April 2012 |archive-date=7 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707183517/http://www.athletepromotions.com/athletes/Alexander-Ovechkin-appearance-booking-agent.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Knocked down by [[Phoenix Coyotes]] defenceman [[Paul Mara]] and sliding on his back facing away from the net, Ovechkin was able to hook the puck with one hand on his stick and slide it into the net past goalie [[Brian Boucher]] for his second goal of the night. It became referred to as "The Goal."<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Farber|first1=Michael|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1969/12/31/8397447/a-new-goal-standard|title=A New Goal Standard|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=25 December 2006|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031713/https://www.si.com/vault/1969/12/31/8397447/a-new-goal-standard|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Auston Matthews]], a future [[Toronto Maple Leafs]] first overall selection, was in attendance during the game; he said in an interview in November 2016, shortly into the [[2016–17 NHL season|2016–17 season]] that it was the best goal he ever saw live.<ref>{{cite web|title=Matthews was actually there for Ovechkin scoring goal on his back in 2006|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/matthews-actually-ovechkin-scoring-goal-back-2006/|website=sportsnet.ca|access-date=13 March 2018|date=26 November 2016|archive-date=29 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129033320/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/matthews-actually-ovechkin-scoring-goal-back-2006/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 February, Ovechkin was named NHL Rookie of the Month for January 2006 as well as being named Offensive Player of the Month, becoming only the third player in NHL history to earn both honors simultaneously.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=462124|title=Alex Ovechkin Named NHL Offensive Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month|publisher=Washington Capitals|date=1 February 2006|access-date=30 December 2011|archive-date=8 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110108044423/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=462124|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin finished the [[2005–06 Washington Capitals season|2005–06 season]] leading all NHL rookies in goals, points, power play goals and shots. He finished third overall in the NHL in scoring with 106 points and tied for third in goals with 52 and 54 assists. His 425 shots led the league, set an NHL rookie record,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Picarello|first1=Roberts|title=Southeast: Ovechkin's got a goal|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/southeast-ovechkins-got-a-goal/c-369465|website=NHL.com|access-date=1 May 2018|date=5 October 2007|quote=Ovechkin broke Capitals' rookie records for goals (52), assists (54), points (106), power play goals (21) and shots (425), while breaking the NHL rookie record for shots on goal (425)|archive-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227213844/https://www.nhl.com/news/southeast-ovechkins-got-a-goal/c-369465|url-status=live}}</ref> and was the fourth-highest total in NHL history. Ovechkin's point total was the second-best in Washington Capitals history and his goals total tied for third in franchise history. He was also named to the [[NHL first All-Star team]], the first rookie to receive the honor in 15 years.<ref>{{cite web|title=NHL All-Star, All-Rookie Teams|url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/nhl-all-star-all-rookie-teams/c-426534|website=NHL.com|access-date=1 May 2018|date=23 June 2006|quote=Washington Capitals left wing Alexander Ovechkin became the first rookie since Chicago's Ed Belfour in 1990–91 to earn First Team honors|archive-date=3 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503102230/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/nhl-all-star-all-rookie-teams/c-426534|url-status=live}}</ref> After the season ended, Ovechkin received the [[Calder Memorial Trophy]], awarded to the NHL's best rookie.<ref>{{cite web|title=Super Ovie Wins the Calder|url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/super-ovie-wins-the-calder/c-462231|website=NHL.com|access-date=1 May 2018|date=22 June 2006|archive-date=3 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503235617/https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/super-ovie-wins-the-calder/c-462231|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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He was also a finalist in his rookie season for the [[Lester B. Pearson Award]], which ultimately went to [[New York Rangers]] winger [[Jaromír Jágr]].<ref>[https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=4147184 Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Pavel Datsyuk up for Lester B. Pearson Award] . Sports.espn.go.com (6 May 2009). Retrieved on 10 January 2016.</ref> [[EA Sports]] made him one of the cover athletes for ''[[NHL 07]]''. |
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In the [[2006–07 Washington Capitals season|2006–07 season]], Ovechkin appeared in his first [[2007 NHL All-Star Game|NHL All-Star Game]] in on 24 January 2007. He completed his second NHL season with 46 goals, 46 assists and 92 points in all 82 games. |
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Ovechkin finished the 2005–06 season leading all NHL rookies in goals, points, power-play goals and shots. He finished third overall in the NHL in scoring with 106 points and tied for third in goals with 52. His 425 shots led the league, set an NHL rookie record,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Picarello|first1=Roberts|title=Southeast: Ovechkin's got a goal|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/southeast-ovechkins-got-a-goal/c-369465|website=NHL.com|accessdate=1 May 2018|date=5 October 2007|quote=Ovechkin broke Capitals' rookie records for goals (52), assists (54), points (106), power-play goals (21) and shots (425), while breaking the NHL rookie record for shots on goal (425)}}</ref> and was the fourth-highest total in NHL history. Ovechkin's point total was the second-best in Washington Capitals history and his goals total tied for third in franchise history. He was also named to the [[NHL First All-Star Team]], the first rookie to receive the honor in 15 years.<ref>{{cite web|title=NHL All-Star, All-Rookie Teams|url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/nhl-all-star-all-rookie-teams/c-426534|website=NHL.com|accessdate=1 May 2018|date=23 June 2006|quote=Washington Capitals left wing Alexander Ovechkin became the first rookie since Chicago's Ed Belfour in 1990-91 to earn First Team honors}}</ref> After the season ended, Ovechkin received the [[Calder Memorial Trophy]], awarded to the NHL's best rookie.<ref>{{cite web|title=Super Ovie Wins the Calder|url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/super-ovie-wins-the-calder/c-462231|website=NHL.com|accessdate=1 May 2018|date=22 June 2006}}</ref> |
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====Hart Trophy wins, beginning of captaincy (2007–2013)==== |
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[[File:Semin and Ovechkin 2007.jpg|thumb|left|Ovechkin celebrates with teammate [[Alexander Semin]] during the [[2006–07 NHL season|2006–07 season]].]] |
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On 12 October 2007, Ovechkin scored his 100th NHL goal against goaltender [[Henrik Lundqvist]] in a 3–2 loss to the [[New York Rangers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thehockeywriters.com/ovechkin-milestone-goals-goalies-beat/ |title=Ovechkin, His Milestone Goals & the Goalies He Beat |website=thehockeywriters.com |publisher=The Hockey Writers |author=Andrew Forbes |date=12 March 2023 |access-date=26 June 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627011537/https://thehockeywriters.com/ovechkin-milestone-goals-goalies-beat/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Playing in the final season of his rookie contract, in [[2007–08 NHL season|2007–08]], Ovechkin signed a 13-year contract extension worth $124 million with the Capitals on 10 January 2008. The contract, which averages $9.5 million per year, was the richest in NHL history. Working without an agent, Ovechkin negotiated with Capitals owner [[Ted Leonsis]] and former general manager [[George McPhee]].<ref name="13 year contract">{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=3190712|title=Ovechkin, Capitals agree to 13-year, $124 million contract extension|access-date=10 January 2008|work=ESPN|year=2008|agency=Associated Press| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080115093840/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3190712| archive-date= 15 January 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> |
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He was also a finalist in his rookie season for the [[Lester B. Pearson Award]].<ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4147184 Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Pavel Datsyuk up for Lester B. Pearson Award]. Sports.espn.go.com (6 May 2009). Retrieved on 10 January 2016.</ref> [[EA Sports]] made him one of the cover athletes for ''[[NHL 07]]''. The following season, Ovechkin appeared in his first [[2007 NHL All-Star Game|NHL All-Star Game]] in [[Dallas]] on 24 January 2007. He completed his second NHL season with 46 goals and 92 points. |
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Late in the season on 3 March against the [[Boston Bruins]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280303023 |title=Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals – Recap – March 3, 2008 |work=ESPN |date=3 March 2008 |access-date=15 April 2012 |archive-date=5 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105084036/http://espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280303023 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Ovechkin notched his 50th, 51st and 52nd goals of the campaign for his fourth career NHL hat trick and to hit the 50-goal mark for the second time in his career. Later that month, on 21 March, Ovechkin scored his 59th and 60th goals of the season against the [[Atlanta Thrashers]], becoming the first NHL player to score 60 goals in a season since [[Mario Lemieux]] and [[Jaromír Jágr]] in [[1995–96 NHL season|1995–96]]<ref name="Reaches 60">[http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/14533-Ovechkin-becomes-first-NHL-player-in-12-years-to-score-60-Caps-beat-Thrashers-53.html "Ovechkin becomes first NHL player in 12 years to score 60, Caps beat Atlanta 5–3"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106163355/http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/14533-Ovechkin-becomes-first-NHL-player-in-12-years-to-score-60-Caps-beat-Thrashers-53.html |date=6 January 2009 }}. ''The Canadian Press'' (21 March 2008). Retrieved 29 November 2011.</ref> and 19th player overall.<ref name="Historical 60">{{cite web|url=http://capitals.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=357730|title=Historical 60|access-date=1 April 2008|publisher=WashingtonCapitals.com|year=2008|author=Washington Capitals|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328053148/http://capitals.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=357730|archive-date=28 March 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Four days later, on 25 March against the [[Carolina Hurricanes]], Ovechkin scored his 61st goal of the season to break the Washington Capitals' team record for goals in a single season previously held by [[Dennis Maruk]].<ref name="61st Goal">{{cite news|title =Ovechkin Nets Team-Record 61st for Caps|url =http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gm9bLmbNXgQ6Re9jMc_NI6Ty8FFwD8VKR2N82|author =McCreary, Joedy|agency =Associated Press|date =25 March 2008|access-date =1 April 2008}}{{dead link|date=July 2018|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> He also went on to break [[Luc Robitaille]]'s record for most goals by a left winger in one season on 3 April, by scoring two goals for his 64th and 65th of the season.<ref name="64 and 65">{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280403023|title=Ovechkin passes single-season mark as Capitals keep playoff hopes alive|access-date=3 April 2008|work=ESPN|year=2008|agency=Associated Press| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080408055134/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280403023| archive-date= 8 April 2008 | url-status= dead}}</ref> He also became the first NHL player to score at least 40 even-strength goals in one season since [[Pavel Bure]] in [[1999–2000 NHL season|1999–2000]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leaders/goals_ev_season.html |title=NHL & WHA Single Season Leaders and Records for Even Strength Goals |publisher=Hockey-Reference.com |access-date=22 May 2012 |archive-date=25 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525040819/http://www.hockey-reference.com/leaders/goals_ev_season.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Leading the league in scoring with 65 goals, 47 assists and 112 points in all 82 games played, Ovechkin captured both the [[Art Ross Trophy]] and the [[Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy]] in 2007–08. It was the first time in 41 seasons that a left-winger led the NHL in points since [[Bobby Hull]] led the league with 97 points in [[1965–66 NHL season|1965–66]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280403023|title=Ovechkin passes single-season mark as Capitals keep playoff hopes alive|work=ESPN|date=3 April 2008|access-date=9 May 2013|archive-date=5 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105195951/http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280403023|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ovechkin helped lead a rejuvenated Capitals team back to the [[2008 Stanley Cup playoffs|Stanley Cup playoffs]] for the first time since [[2003 Stanley Cup playoffs|2003]] with a stronger supporting cast that included winger and countryman [[Alexander Semin]], rookie center [[Nicklas Bäckström]] and defenceman [[Mike Green (ice hockey, born 1985)|Mike Green]] as the team finished third in the East. He scored the game-winning goal in his NHL playoff debut with less than five minutes left in game 1 of the first round of the 2008 playoffs on 11 April against the sixth-seeded [[Philadelphia Flyers]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ovechkin: NHL fans' PLAN B |url=http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?id=2c4294de-6ccd-4341-82f5-96a9b3b8c9a8 |author=Duthie, James |work=Ottawa Citizen |date=12 April 2008 |access-date=12 April 2008 |author-link=James Duthie (ice hockey) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301084138/http://www2.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?id=2c4294de-6ccd-4341-82f5-96a9b3b8c9a8 |archive-date=1 March 2009 }}</ref> He scored nine points (four goals and five assists) in all seven games against the Flyers as the Capitals were eliminated in the opening round. After the season ended, Ovechkin was awarded the [[Lester B. Pearson Award]] as the most outstanding player voted by the [[National Hockey League Players' Association]] (NHLPA) and the [[Hart Memorial Trophy]] as the league's MVP, becoming the first player in the history of the NHL to win four major regular season awards, including the Art Ross and Rocket Richard trophies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ovechkin receives hero's welcome in Washington|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ovechkin-receives-hero-s-welcome-in-washington-1.740284|website=cbc.ca|access-date=18 April 2018|date=13 June 2009|archive-date=15 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915105801/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ovechkin-receives-hero-s-welcome-in-washington-1.740284|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin was also awarded his third consecutive [[Kharlamov Trophy]], named after Soviet hockey star [[Valeri Kharlamov]] and presented by ''[[Sovetsky Sport]]'' newspaper, as the best Russian NHL player as voted by other Russian NHL players. |
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[[File:Ovechkin reupload.jpg|thumb|right|Ovechkin during the first round of the [[2009 Stanley Cup playoffs]]. He recorded his first playoff [[hat trick]] in the second round that year.]] |
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Playing in the final season of his rookie contract, in [[2007–08 NHL season|2007–08]], Ovechkin signed a 13-year contract extension worth $124 million with the Capitals on 10 January 2008. The contract, which averages $9.5 million per year, was the richest in NHL history. Working without an agent, Ovechkin negotiated with Capitals owner [[Ted Leonsis]] and former general manager [[George McPhee]].<ref name="13 year contract">{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3190712|title=Ovechkin, Capitals agree to 13-year, $124 million contract extension|accessdate=10 January 2008|publisher=ESPN|year=2008|agency=Associated Press| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080115093840/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3190712| archivedate= 15 January 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> |
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On 27 October 2008, shortly into the [[2008–09 NHL season|2008–09 season]], Ovechkin returned home to Moscow to visit his ailing grandfather, missing only the second game of his career up to that point, snapping a consecutive streak of 203 games played.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ovechkin-heads-home-to-russia-to-be-with-grandfather-1.721603|title=Ovechkin heads home to Russia to be with grandfather|last=CBC|first=Sports|date=27 October 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC Sports]]|access-date=27 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081202004232/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/10/27/capitals-ovechkin.html| archive-date= 2 December 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> On 5 February 2009, Ovechkin scored his 200th goal, against [[Jonathan Quick]] of the [[Los Angeles Kings]], becoming only the fourth player in the NHL to reach the milestone in four seasons, joining [[Wayne Gretzky]], [[Mike Bossy]] and Mario Lemieux.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290205023|title=Ovechkin scores 200th NHL goal in Capitals' loss to Kings|date=5 February 2009|agency=Associated Press|access-date=5 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311131039/http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290205023|archive-date=11 March 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 19 March, he scored his 50th goal of the season against the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]], becoming the first Washington Capitals player to reach the 50-goal mark three times.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=271894&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl|title=Capritals' Ovechkin scores 50th Goal of the Season|date=19 March 2009|agency=[[Canadian Press]]|access-date=19 March 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090323042549/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=271894&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl| archive-date= 23 March 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> He finished the campaign with 56 goals to capture his second consecutive Rocket Richard Trophy, joining [[Jarome Iginla]] and Pavel Bure as the third player to win the award twice and the second player after Bure (2000 and 2001) to win the award in back-to-back seasons. With 110 points (56 goals and 54 assists), he finished as runner-up to countryman [[Evgeni Malkin]] of the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] for the Art Ross Trophy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Malkin wins race for Art Ross Trophy|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/malkin-wins-race-for-art-ross-trophy/c-417873|website=NHL.com|access-date=18 April 2018|date=12 April 2009|archive-date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418225517/https://www.nhl.com/news/malkin-wins-race-for-art-ross-trophy/c-417873|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin and the Capitals repeated as division champions en route to meeting the New York Rangers in the opening round. After advancing to the second round in seven games and erasing a 3–1 series deficit against the Rangers, Ovechkin notched his first NHL playoff hat trick on 4 May, in game 2 against the Pittsburgh Penguins to help Washington to a 4–3 win. The Capitals were eventually defeated by Pittsburgh, the fourth seed in the East and eventual Stanley Cup champions, in seven games. Ovechkin finished the 2009 playoffs with a postseason career-high 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) in all 14 games. He went on to win the Hart and Pearson trophies for the second consecutive year, becoming the seventeenth player in league history to win the Hart multiple times. |
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[[File:AlexOvechkin-Warmup.JPG|thumb|upright|left|Ovechkin in January 2010. He was named the captain of the Capitals on 5 January 2010]] |
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Late in the season, on 3 March 2008,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280303023 |title=Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals – Recap – March 3, 2008 |work=ESPN |date=3 March 2008 |accessdate=15 April 2012}}</ref> Ovechkin notched his 50th, 51st and 52nd goals of the campaign for his fourth career NHL hat trick and to hit the 50-goal mark for the second time in his career. Later that month, on 21 March, Ovechkin scored his 59th and 60th goals of the season against the [[Atlanta Thrashers]], becoming the first NHL player to score 60 goals in a season since [[Mario Lemieux]] and [[Jaromír Jágr]] in [[1995–96 NHL season|1995–96]]<ref name="Reaches 60">[http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/14533-Ovechkin-becomes-first-NHL-player-in-12-years-to-score-60-Caps-beat-Thrashers-53.html "Ovechkin becomes first NHL player in 12 years to score 60, Caps beat Atlanta 5–3"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106163355/http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/14533-Ovechkin-becomes-first-NHL-player-in-12-years-to-score-60-Caps-beat-Thrashers-53.html |date=6 January 2009 }}. ''The Canadian Press'' (21 March 2008). Retrieved 29 November 2011.</ref> and 19th player overall.<ref name="Historical 60">{{cite web|url=http://capitals.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=357730|title=Historical 60|accessdate=1 April 2008|publisher=WashingtonCapitals.com|year=2008|author=Washington Capitals|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328053148/http://capitals.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=357730|archivedate=28 March 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Four days later, on 25 March, Ovechkin scored his 61st goal of the season to break the Washington Capitals' team record for goals in a single season previously held by [[Dennis Maruk]].<ref name="61st Goal">{{cite news|title =Ovechkin Nets Team-Record 61st for Caps|url =http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gm9bLmbNXgQ6Re9jMc_NI6Ty8FFwD8VKR2N82|author =McCreary, Joedy|agency =Associated Press|date =25 March 2008|accessdate =1 April 2008|df =dmy-all}}{{dead link|date=July 2018|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> He also went on to break [[Luc Robitaille]]'s record for most goals by a left winger in one season on 3 April, by scoring two goals for his 64th and 65th of the season.<ref name="64 and 65">{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280403023|title=Ovechkin passes single-season mark as Capitals keep playoff hopes alive |
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Just over a month into the [[2009–10 NHL season|2009–10 season]], Ovechkin suffered an upper-body injury during a game against the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]] on 1 November 2009, after a collision with opposing forward [[Raffi Torres]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ovechkin 'week-to-week' with injury |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ovechkin-week-to-week-with-injury-1.780926 |access-date=2 December 2009 |date=2 November 2009 |publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091105165304/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2009/11/02/sp-ovechkin-injury.html |archive-date=5 November 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> After returning, Ovechkin was suspended by the NHL on 1 December for two games (one for the action, and one for a second game misconduct penalty during the season) for a knee-on-knee hit to Carolina Hurricanes defenceman [[Tim Gleason]] during a game the previous day.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=508132 |title= Ovi suspended 2 games; Day-to-day with sore knee |first= Dan |last= Rosen |date= 1 December 2009 |publisher= NHL.com |access-date= 3 December 2009 |archive-date= 3 December 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091203103405/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=508132 |url-status= live }}</ref> Both Gleason and Ovechkin had to be helped off the ice, although Gleason later returned during the game, while Ovechkin did not. Ovechkin was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct at the time. Capitals head coach [[Bruce Boudreau]] commented that Ovechkin's style of play was at times "reckless." The suspension was Ovechkin's first of his career, causing him to forfeit $98,844.16 in salary.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09336/1017742-61.stm |title=Ovechkin suspended for 2 games |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date= 1 December 2009 |access-date=2 December 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091205040854/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09336/1017742-61.stm| archive-date= 5 December 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> |
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|accessdate=3 April 2008|publisher=ESPN|year=2008|agency=Associated Press| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080408055134/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280403023| archivedate= 8 April 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> He also became the first NHL player to score at least 40 even-strength goals in one season since [[Pavel Bure]] in [[1999–2000 NHL season|1999–2000]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leaders/goals_ev_season.html |title=NHL & WHA Single Season Leaders and Records for Even Strength Goals |publisher=Hockey-Reference.com |date= |accessdate=22 May 2012}}</ref> |
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On 5 January 2010, Ovechkin was named [[captain (ice hockey)|captain]] of the Washington Capitals after previous captain [[Chris Clark (ice hockey)|Chris Clark]] was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He became the first European, second-youngest and 14th overall captain in team history.<ref>{{cite web|title=Capitals Named Alex Ovechkin Team Captain|url=http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=512469|access-date=5 January 2010|date=5 January 2010|publisher=Washington Capitals|archive-date=23 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323062304/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=512469|url-status=live}}</ref> On 5 February, at a game against the New York Rangers, Ovechkin, with his second goal and third point of the game, reached the 500-point milestone of his NHL career. He is the fifth player to achieve the milestone in only five seasons, reaching it in 373 career games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=300204013 |title=Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers–Recap–February 4, 2010|work=ESPN |access-date=5 February 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100209023755/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=300204013| archive-date= 9 February 2010 | url-status= dead}}</ref> On 14 March, at a game against the [[Chicago Blackhawks]] at [[United Center]], Ovechkin sent Blackhawks' defenceman [[Brian Campbell]] into the boards after Campbell had dumped the puck to the blue line. Ovechkin was called for boarding, receiving a five-minute major and a game misconduct,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=4994464|title=Ovechkin ejected for hit on Campbell|work=ESPNChicago.com|date=14 March 2010|access-date=18 March 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100323012257/http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=4994464| archive-date= 23 March 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> and was suspended for two games (for a third game misconduct of the season, a two-game suspension is automatic).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=4997843|title=Ovechkin suspended for Campbell hit|publisher=ESPNChicago.com|date=16 March 2010|access-date=18 March 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100318044849/http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=4997843| archive-date= 18 March 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> Campbell suffered a fractured clavicle and fractured rib, and was expected to be out seven-to-eight weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=5000549|title=Blackhawks say Campbell out 7–8 weeks|publisher=ESPNChicago.com|date=17 March 2010|access-date=18 March 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100318072546/http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=5000549| archive-date= 18 March 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> |
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Ovechkin won the [[Ted Lindsay Award]], becoming only the second player in NHL history to win the award in three consecutive years. He also led the NHL in goals per game and points per game for three straight seasons, from 2008 to 2010.<ref name="NHL.com – Stats">NHL.com – "Stats"</ref> Ovechkin is the Capitals' all-time leader in goals. His 50 goals made him the runner up for the Richard Trophy which went to Pittsburgh Penguins forward and captain [[Sidney Crosby]] and Tampa Bay Lightning forward [[Steven Stamkos]] who both had 51 goals for league leader(s) in goals. Ovechkin was also the runner up for the Art Ross Trophy for the second straight season (alongside Crosby with both players having 109 points) only behind [[Vancouver Canucks]] forward [[Henrik Sedin]], who ended with 112 points.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/season-wrap-0/ |title=Surprising Sedin claims Art Ross Trophy |publisher=Sportsnet |website=sportsnet.com |author=Sportsnet Staff |date=12 April 2010 |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref> In 2009–10 Ovechkin surpassed the mark of [[Hockey Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] goaltender [[Bill Durnan]] (first four seasons from 1943–44 through 1946–47) and became the first player in NHL history voted a First Team All-Star in each of his first five seasons.<ref>{{cite web|title=NHL announces 2010–11 all-star teams|url=https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/nhl-announces-2010-11-all-star-teams/c-566847|website=NHL.com|access-date=18 April 2018|date=22 June 2011|quote=Ovechkin made NHL history in 2009–10 by capturing First Team honors in each of his first five NHL seasons|archive-date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418225613/https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/nhl-announces-2010-11-all-star-teams/c-566847|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin also recorded 10 points (five goals and assists) in the [[2010 Stanley Cup playoffs|2010 playoffs]] as the Capitals would lose the series in seven games to the eighth-seeded [[Montreal Canadiens]], surrendering a [[List of teams to overcome 3–1 series deficits|3–1 series lead]] in the process. |
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[[File:2011 NHL Winter Classic Ceremonial Puck Drop 2011-01-01.JPG|thumb|right|Ovechkin takes a ceremonial puck drop at the [[2011 NHL Winter Classic]] against [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] captain [[Sidney Crosby]].]] |
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On 1 January [[2011 NHL Winter Classic|2011]], Ovechkin and the Capitals took part in the New Year's Day [[2011 NHL Winter Classic|NHL Winter Classic]], facing the Pittsburgh Penguins. While Ovechkin did not score any points in his first career outdoor game, the Capitals won 3–1. On 9 March, in a 5–0 victory over the [[Edmonton Oilers]], Ovechkin recorded his 600th career point with an assist on a goal by [[Eric Fehr]]. On 5 April against the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]], Ovechkin scored his 300th career goal against Maple Leafs goaltender [[James Reimer]], becoming the sixth-youngest and seventh-fastest player to do so.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alex Ovechkin scores 300th career goal|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=558413|publisher=NHL|date=5 April 2011|access-date=10 May 2013|archive-date=2 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002052537/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=558413|url-status=live}}</ref> He ended the [[2010–11 NHL season|2010–11 season]] with 32 goals and 53 assists for 85 points in 79 contests. In the [[2011 Stanley Cup playoffs|2011 playoffs]], Ovechkin recorded 10 points (five goals and assists) in all nine games as the top-seeded Capitals defeated the eighth-seeded New York Rangers in five games in the first round before getting swept in the second round by the fifth-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning. |
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On 3 December 2011, Ovechkin played in his 500th NHL game in a 3–2 OT win over the [[Ottawa Senators]] and ended the game with an assist recorded on a goal by [[Troy Brouwer]].<ref name=celebrate>{{cite web|url=http://p.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/dec/5/brooks-laich-celebrates-500th-nhl-game-style/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209044712/http://p.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/dec/5/brooks-laich-celebrates-500th-nhl-game-style/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-02-09|title=Brooks Laich celebrates 500th NHL game in overtime style|work=[[The Washington Times]]|access-date=2012-08-25|date=2011-12-05|last=Whyno|first=Stephen}}</ref> On 23 January 2012, Ovechkin received a three-game suspension for a hit on [[Zbyněk Michálek]] of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The following day, Ovechkin announced he would not attend the [[59th National Hockey League All-Star Game|2012 NHL All-Star Game]] due to the suspension.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1037135-nhl-all-star-game-2012-alex-ovechkin-to-miss-mid-season-classic |title=NHL All Star Game 2012: Alex Ovechkin to Miss Midseason Classic |website=Bleacher Report |date=24 January 2012 |access-date=15 April 2012 |archive-date=28 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128144824/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1037135-nhl-all-star-game-2012-alex-ovechkin-to-miss-mid-season-classic |url-status=live }}</ref> Ovechkin ended the [[2011–12 NHL season|2011–12 season]] with 38 goals and 27 assists for 65 points in 78 games as the Capitals as a team finished as the seventh seed in the East. In the [[2012 Stanley Cup playoffs|2012 playoffs]], Ovechkin and the Capitals would upset the defending Stanley Cup champion and second-seeded Boston Bruins in seven games before getting defeated in the second round by the top-seeded New York Rangers in seven games. He would end the playoffs with five goals and four assists for nine points in all 14 games. |
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Leading the league in scoring with 65 goals and 112 points, Ovechkin captured both the [[Art Ross Trophy]] and the [[Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy]] in 2007–08. It was the first time in 41 seasons that a left-winger led the NHL in points since [[Bobby Hull]] led the league with 97 points in [[1965–66 NHL season|1965–66]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280403023|title=Ovechkin passes single-season mark as Capitals keep playoff hopes alive|publisher=ESPN|date=3 April 2008|accessdate=9 May 2013}}</ref> |
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During the [[2012–13 NHL lockout|lockout]] in the first half of the shortened [[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13 season]], Ovechkin went to play in the [[Kontinental Hockey League|KHL]] and re-joined [[Dynamo Moscow]] with his teammate Nicklas Bäckström. In 31 games for the team, Ovechkin scored 19 goals, 21 assists and 40 points. At the end of the season, the Dynamo would go on to win the [[Gagarin Cup]], albeit after the NHL lockout concluded and Ovechkin and Bäckström returned to North America in January 2013. However, Ovechkin and Bäckström still received championship rings from the team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/04/17/dynamo-moscow-wins-gagarin-cup-will-alex-ovechkin-and-nicklas-backstrom-get-rings/|title=Dynamo Moscow Wins Gagarin Cup; Will Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom Get Rings?|date=17 April 2013|website=russianmachineneverbreaks.com|access-date=18 June 2019|archive-date=27 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027144457/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/04/17/dynamo-moscow-wins-gagarin-cup-will-alex-ovechkin-and-nicklas-backstrom-get-rings/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the abbreviated 2012–13 season, Ovechkin led the NHL in goal scoring with 32, earning him his third Rocket Richard Trophy. He also added 24 assists to give him 56 total points in all 48 games played of the season, good for third-most points in the NHL with only Tampa Bay Lightning stars Steven Stamkos and league leader [[Martin St. Louis]] ahead.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/wp/2013/05/09/alex-ovechkin-a-finalist-for-ted-lindsay-award/|title=Alex Ovechkin a finalist for Ted Lindsay Award|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|author=Katie Carrera|date=9 May 2013|access-date=10 May 2013|archive-date=9 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509164749/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/wp/2013/05/09/alex-ovechkin-a-finalist-for-ted-lindsay-award/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2013 Stanley Cup playoffs|2013 playoffs]], Ovechkin was limited to a goal and an assist for two points in all seven games as the third-seeded Capitals would lose in the first round in seven games by the sixth-seeded New York Rangers and giving up a 3–2 series lead during the series. After the season ended, he was also awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy for the third time in his career. Ovechkin was also a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award for the fifth time in his career, which was eventually given to Pittsburgh Penguins captain and centre Sidney Crosby.<ref>{{cite web|title=2012–13 NHL Awards Recap |url=http://www.nhlpa.com/news/2012-13-nhl-awards-recap |website=nhlpa.com |access-date=July 5, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706074118/http://www.nhlpa.com/news/2012-13-nhl-awards-recap |archive-date=July 6, 2015 }}</ref> After the season, Ovechkin made history by being named to both the first and second [[NHL All-Star team]]s. He had switched to playing right wing that entire season and thus was voted the first All-Star team's right wing, but because some voters were not aware of the change, they voted for him at his traditional left wing position, thereby also landing him at left wing on the second All-Star team.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/m/sports/hockey/nhl/alex-ovechkin-named-to-nhl-s-1st-2nd-all-star-teams-1.1315870 Alex Ovechkin named to NHL's 1st, 2nd All-Star teams] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207031450/http://www.cbc.ca/m/sports/hockey/nhl/alex-ovechkin-named-to-nhl-s-1st-2nd-all-star-teams-1.1315870 |date=7 February 2017 }}. Cbc.ca. Retrieved on 4 April 2017.</ref> |
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[[File:Ovechkin reupload.jpg|thumb|Ovechkin, during the [[2009 Stanley Cup playoffs]]. He recorded his first playoff [[hat trick]] that year.]] |
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Ovechkin helped lead a rejuvenated Capitals team back to the [[Stanley Cup playoffs]] with a stronger supporting cast that included countryman [[Alexander Semin]], rookie center [[Nicklas Bäckström]] and defenseman [[Mike Green (ice hockey b. 1985)|Mike Green]]. He scored the game-winning goal in his NHL playoff debut with less than five minutes left in game 1 against the [[Philadelphia Flyers]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ovechkin: NHL fans' PLAN B |url=http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?id=2c4294de-6ccd-4341-82f5-96a9b3b8c9a8 |author=Duthie, James |work=Ottawa Citizen |date=12 April 2008 |accessdate=12 April 2008 |authorlink=James Duthie (ice hockey) |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301084138/http://www2.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?id=2c4294de-6ccd-4341-82f5-96a9b3b8c9a8 |archivedate=1 March 2009 }}</ref> He scored nine points in seven games against the Flyers as the Capitals were eliminated in the opening round. |
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====Continued success, Stanley Cup championship and Conn Smythe Trophy (2013–2019)==== |
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In the off-season, Ovechkin was awarded the [[Lester B. Pearson Award]] as the most outstanding player voted by the [[National Hockey League Players' Association]] (NHLPA) and the [[Hart Memorial Trophy]] as the league's MVP, becoming the first player in the history of the NHL to win all four major awards, including the Art Ross and Rocket Richard trophies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ovechkin receives hero's welcome in Washington|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ovechkin-receives-hero-s-welcome-in-washington-1.740284|website=cbc.ca|accessdate=18 April 2018|date=13 June 2009}}</ref> Ovechkin was also awarded his third consecutive [[Kharlamov Trophy]], named after Soviet hockey star [[Valeri Kharlamov]] and presented by ''[[Sovetsky Sport]]'' newspaper, as the best Russian NHL player as voted by other Russian NHL players. |
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On 20 December 2013, in a game against the [[Carolina Hurricanes]], Ovechkin scored into an [[Empty net goal|empty net]] for his 400th career goal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=696892 |title=Alex Ovechkin scores 400th career goal, Washington Capitals score three times on power play in 4–2 win over |work=NHL |date=20 December 2013 |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-date=27 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127072144/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=696892 |url-status=live }}</ref> He became the sixth-fastest player to ever reach that mark, getting it in 634 games, one fewer than [[Pavel Bure]]. At the conclusion of the [[2013–14 NHL season|2013–14 season]], Ovechkin had the strange distinction of winning the [[Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy]], scoring 51 goals, while going −35, one of the NHL's worst, in the [[Plus–minus (sports)|plus-minus]] statistic. However, the Capitals missed the [[2014 Stanley Cup playoffs|2014 playoffs]] by three points, marking the first time since [[2006–07 NHL season|2006–07]] where Ovechkin and the Capitals missed the playoffs. |
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[[File:Secretary Kerry Meets Capitals Star Ovechkin Before Olympics Send-Off (12354241463).jpg|thumb|left|Ovechkin meeting U.S. Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] in the Capitals locker room, 6 February 2014]] |
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On 4 November 2014, in a game against the [[Calgary Flames]], Ovechkin recorded his 826th point, a franchise record, surpassing [[Peter Bondra]], who previously held the record with 825 points. On 31 March 2015, in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the year on Hurricanes goaltender [[Cam Ward (ice hockey)|Cam Ward]] and became the sixth player in NHL history to have six 50-goal seasons, joining [[Guy Lafleur]], [[Mike Bossy]], [[Wayne Gretzky]], [[Marcel Dionne]] and [[Mario Lemieux]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Capitals forward Ovechkin scores 50th goal|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-forward-ovechkin-scores-50th-goal/c-760791|website=NHL.com|access-date=1 May 2018|date=31 March 2015|archive-date=3 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503102254/https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-forward-ovechkin-scores-50th-goal/c-760791|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 April, Ovechkin scored his 51st and 52nd goals of the season in a 5–4 shootout win against [[Carey Price]] of the [[Montreal Canadiens]], surpassing Bondra as the franchise leader in goals scored. It was also his 15th multi-goal game of the season, none of which was a hat trick.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caps Today, 4/3/15|url=https://capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/2015/04/03/caps-today-4-3-15|website=capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com|access-date=1 May 2018|archive-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502135907/https://capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/2015/04/03/caps-today-4-3-15|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ovechkin finished the [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15 season]] with 81 games played and 53 goals, 28 assists and 81 points.<ref name="Chris Peters">{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/2015-nhl-awards-show-recap-carey-price-owns-the-night/ |title=2015 NHL Awards show recap: Carey Price owns the night |work=CBS sports |author=Chris Peters |date=24 June 2015 |access-date=26 June 2015 |archive-date=10 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510105409/http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/2015-nhl-awards-show-recap-carey-price-owns-the-night/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His 53 goals once again led the league in goal scoring, capturing his fifth Rocket Richard Trophy as a result.<ref name="Chris Peters"/> Ovechkin was named a finalist for the [[Hart Memorial Trophy]] for the fifth time in his career and the [[Ted Lindsay Award]] for the sixth time, both awards were ultimately awarded to Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/36456/hart-trophy-finalists-ovechkin-price-tavares |title=Hart Trophy finalists: Ovechkin, Price, Tavares |website=espn.com |publisher=ESPN |author=NHL |date=29 April 2015 |access-date=30 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/blog/nhl/post/_/id/36837/ted-lindsay-award-finalists-benn-price-ovechkin |title=Ted Lindsay Award finalists: Benn, Price, Ovechkin |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=ESPN |author=NHLPA |date=May 6, 2015 |access-date=April 9, 2024}}</ref> In the [[2015 Stanley Cup playoffs|2015 playoffs]], Ovechkin recorded five goals and four assists for nine points in all 14 playoff games as the fourth-seeded Capitals defeated the fifth-seeded [[New York Islanders]] in seven games in the first round before getting defeated in the second round in seven games by the [[Presidents' Trophy]]-winning [[New York Rangers]] (despite the Capitals initially having a [[List of teams to overcome 3–1 series deficits|3–1 series lead]] before the eventual 4–3 series defeat). |
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[[File:Ovechkin (24672627026).jpg|thumb|right|Ovechkin at a Capitals practice in October 2015. During the [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16]] season, he became the first Russian player to reach the 500-goal plateau in the NHL.]] |
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On 7 November 2015, shortly into the [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16 season]], in the second period of a game against the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]], Ovechkin scored his eighth goal of the season to tie [[Sergei Fedorov]]'s tally for the most goals among Russian born players, with 483. On 19 November, Ovechkin scored his ninth goal of the season against goaltender [[Kari Lehtonen]] in a 3–2 loss to the [[Dallas Stars]]; that goal broke Fedorov's record. On 10 January 2016, Ovechkin scored his 500th and 501st goals in a 7–1 victory over the [[Ottawa Senators]] against goaltender [[Andrew Hammond (ice hockey)|Andrew Hammond]], becoming the 43rd player to reach the 500-goal plateau, and the fifth-fastest player to do so in his 801st game, as well as the first Russian.<ref>[http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=797019 Capitals' Ovechkin scores 500th NHL goal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112180250/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=797019 |date=12 January 2016 }}. NHL.com. Retrieved on 4 April 2017.</ref> On 9 April, in the 2015–16 season finale against the [[St. Louis Blues]], Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the season and became the third player in NHL history to have seven or more 50-goal seasons.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Masisak|first1=Corey|title=Another 50-goal season puts Ovechkin in elite group|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/another-50-goal-season-puts-ovechkin-in-elite-group/c-760928|website=NHL.com|access-date=14 March 2018|date=1 April 2015|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315070455/https://www.nhl.com/news/another-50-goal-season-puts-ovechkin-in-elite-group/c-760928|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ovechkin nets hat-trick to score seventh 50-goal season|url=http://torontosun.com/2016/04/10/ovechkin-nets-hat-trick-to-score-seventh-50-goal-season/wcm/cb6e22b5-3965-4098-9e12-a873a6e57a4a|access-date=14 March 2018|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=10 April 2016|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315072202/http://torontosun.com/2016/04/10/ovechkin-nets-hat-trick-to-score-seventh-50-goal-season/wcm/cb6e22b5-3965-4098-9e12-a873a6e57a4a|url-status=live}}</ref> During the [[2015–16 Washington Capitals season|2015–16 season]], Ovechkin, for the first time in his career, did not lead the Washington Capitals in points, although he still led the team in goals and the entire league with 50 for his sixth Rocket Richard Trophy, and finished second on the team in points with 71, behind fellow countryman [[Evgeny Kuznetsov]], who finished with 77.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gormley|first1=Chuck|title=2015–16 Capitals Season in Review: Evgeny Kuznetsov|url=http://www.nbcsports.com/washington/washington-capitals/2015-16-capitals-season-review-evgeny-kuznetsov|access-date=14 March 2018|date=15 June 2016|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315133320/http://www.nbcsports.com/washington/washington-capitals/2015-16-capitals-season-review-evgeny-kuznetsov|url-status=live}}</ref> The Capitals would win the Presidents' Trophy as the regular season champions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.berkshireeagle.com/archives/presidents-trophy-brings-mixed-emotions-for-capitals/article_ec30afc5-556d-5974-8d55-46595fc95644.html |title=Presidents' Trophy brings mixed emotions for Capitals |website=the brokshireeasgle.com |agency=The Associated Press |author=Stephen Whyno |date=30 March 2016 |access-date=26 June 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627011539/https://www.berkshireeagle.com/archives/presidents-trophy-brings-mixed-emotions-for-capitals/article_ec30afc5-556d-5974-8d55-46595fc95644.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Ovechkin was named a finalist for the [[Mark Messier Leadership Award]] for his contributions both on and off the ice during the regular season, which was eventually awarded to [[Nashville Predators]] defenceman and captain [[Shea Weber]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2016/05/05/Alex-Ovechkin-John-Tavares-Shea-Weber-named-finalists-for-Messier-Award/1121462424468/ |title=Alex Ovechkin, John Tavares, Shea Weber named finalists for the Messier Award |website=upi.com |publisher=UPI |author=The Sports Xchange |date=5 May 2016 |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref> In the second round of the [[2016 Stanley Cup playoffs|2016 playoffs]] after defeating the [[Philadelphia Flyers]] in six games in the first round, the Capitals lost the series to the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] in game six after a 4–3 overtime defeat. |
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On 11 January 2017, Ovechkin scored his 1,000th career point with a goal on [[Marc-André Fleury]] in a 7–1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, becoming the 37th player in NHL history to reach 1,000 points with only one team.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Chalk|first1=Tommy|title=From No. 1 to 1,000: Ovechkin reaches 1,000 points on home ice|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/11/alex-ovechkin-reaches-1000-career-point-milestone/|website=The Washington Times|access-date=12 January 2017|date=11 January 2017|archive-date=12 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112112957/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/11/alex-ovechkin-reaches-1000-career-point-milestone/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin finished the [[2016–17 Washington Capitals season|2016–17 season]] playing all 82 games with 33 goals, 36 assists and 69 points to help the Capitals clinch their second consecutive Presidents' Trophy and third in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/04/05/capitals-beat-rangers-to-clinch-presidents-trophy-again/100108298/ |title=Washington Capitals clinch a second consecutive Presidents' Trophy |website=usatoday.com |agency=The Associated Press |date=6 April 2017 |access-date=26 June 2023}}</ref> In the [[2017 Stanley Cup playoffs|2017 playoffs]], the Capitals defeated the eighth-seeded Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round. Still, they were defeated in the second round for the second consecutive year by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, this time in seven games.<ref name="Doyle">{{Cite news|url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/ovechkin-is-the-best-player-to-never-make-a-conference-final/|title=Ovechkin Is The Best Player To Never Make A Conference Final|last=Doyle|first=Terrence|date=27 April 2018|work=FiveThirtyEight|access-date=8 October 2018|archive-date=8 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008214128/https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/ovechkin-is-the-best-player-to-never-make-a-conference-final/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the fallout of their playoff loss, Ovechkin was considered among the greatest players to have never won the Stanley Cup.<ref name="Doyle"/> Upon returning to training camp the following season, Ovechkin arrived in Washington two weeks early and predicted: "We're not gonna fucking suck this year {{sic}}." |
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In late October of the [[2008–09 NHL season|2008–09 season]], Ovechkin returned home to Moscow to visit his ailing grandfather, missing only the second game of his career up to that point, snapping a consecutive streak of 203 games played.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/10/27/capitals-ovechkin.html|title=Ovechkin heads home to Russia to be with grandfather|last=CBC|first=Sports|date=27 October 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC Sports]]|accessdate=27 October 2008| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20081202004232/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/10/27/capitals-ovechkin.html| archivedate= 2 December 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> On 5 February 2009, Ovechkin scored his 200th goal, against the [[Los Angeles Kings]], becoming only the fourth player in the NHL to reach the milestone in four seasons, joining [[Wayne Gretzky]], [[Mike Bossy]] and Mario Lemieux.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290205023|title=Ovechkin scores 200th NHL goal in Capitals' loss to Kings|date=5 February 2009|agency=Associated Press|accessdate=5 February 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311131039/http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290205023|archivedate=11 March 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 19 March, he scored his 50th goal of the season, becoming the first Washington Capitals player to reach the 50-goal mark three times.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=271894&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl|title=Capritals' Ovechkin scores 50th Goal of the Season|date=19 March 2009|agency=[[Canadian Press]]|accessdate=19 March 2009| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090323042549/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=271894&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl| archivedate= 23 March 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> He finished the campaign with 56 goals to capture his second consecutive Rocket Richard Trophy, joining [[Jarome Iginla]] and Pavel Bure as the third player to win the award twice and the second player after Bure (2000 and 2001) to win the award in back-to-back seasons. With 110 points, he finished as runner-up to countryman [[Evgeni Malkin]] for the Art Ross.<ref>{{cite web|title=Malkin wins race for Art Ross Trophy|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/malkin-wins-race-for-art-ross-trophy/c-417873|website=NHL.com|accessdate=18 April 2018|date=12 April 2009}}</ref> |
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[[File:Alex Ovechkin with Stanley Cup.jpg|thumb|left|Ovechkin with the [[Stanley Cup]] in June 2018 at the Capitals championship parade following the [[2018 Stanley Cup Finals]]]] |
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Ovechkin broke many NHL and Capitals' records during the [[2017–18 NHL season|2017–18 season]]. On 7 October 2017, he became the first player in 100 years with back-to-back hat tricks to start the season against the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens, respectively.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ovechkin-makes-history-back-back-hat-tricks/|title=Ovechkin makes history with back-to-back hat tricks|work=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008231546/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ovechkin-makes-history-back-back-hat-tricks/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 October, in a game against the [[Detroit Red Wings]], Ovechkin surpassed [[Jaromír Jágr]] for most regular season overtime goals with the 20th of his career.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ovechkin passes Jagr for most regular-season overtime goals|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-passes-jaromir-jagr-morning-report-oct-21/c-292145394|website=NHL.com|access-date=22 March 2018|date=21 October 2017|archive-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322143135/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-passes-jaromir-jagr-morning-report-oct-21/c-292145394|url-status=live}}</ref> On 25 November, Ovechkin passed Peter Bondra as the team's all-time leader in hat tricks with his 20th of his career.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Vogel|first1=Mike|title=#CapsLeafs Postgame Notebook: Hat Trick Of Hat Tricks|url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/capsleafs-postgame-notebook-hat-trick-of-hat-tricks/c-293400688|website=NHL.com|access-date=14 March 2018|date=27 November 2017|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315070429/https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/capsleafs-postgame-notebook-hat-trick-of-hat-tricks/c-293400688|url-status=live}}</ref> On 25 January 2018, Ovechkin recorded his 500th career assist on a [[Nicklas Bäckström]] goal in a 4–2 win over the [[Florida Panthers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-ovechkin-gets-500th-nhl-assist/c-295295430 |title=Capitals Ovechkin gets 500th assist for Capitals |website=NHL.com |publisher=National Hockey League |author=National Hockey League |date=25 January 2018 |access-date=16 July 2023}}</ref> On 12 March, Ovechkin scored his 600th career goal against [[Connor Hellebuyck]] of the [[Winnipeg Jets]], making him the 20th player to do so, and the fourth to do so in fewer than 1,000 games.<ref name="600th">{{cite web|title=Ovechkin scores 600th NHL goal for Capitals|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-scores-600th-nhl-goal/c-296684564|website=NHL.com|access-date=12 March 2018|date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313092823/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-scores-600th-nhl-goal/c-296684564|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 April, Ovechkin would play against the Pittsburgh Penguins in his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the first Capitals player to play 1,000 games and the 54th NHL player to do so with the same franchise.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ovechkin to Play in His 1,000th Career NHL Game Tonight at Pittsburgh|url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/ovechkin-to-play-in-his-1000th-career-nhl-game-tonight-at-pittsburgh/c-297549984|website=NHL.com|access-date=1 April 2018|date=1 April 2018|archive-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402035446/https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/ovechkin-to-play-in-his-1000th-career-nhl-game-tonight-at-pittsburgh/c-297549984|url-status=live}}</ref> At the conclusion of the season, Ovechkin was awarded the Rocket Richard trophy for the seventh time in his career with his league leading 49 goals.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Battaglino|first1=Matt|title=Ovechkin leads NHL in goals for seventh time|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-leads-nhl-in-goals-wins-rocket-richard-trophy/c-297794578|website=NHL.com|access-date=9 April 2018|date=9 April 2018|archive-date=8 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408161754/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-leads-nhl-in-goals-wins-rocket-richard-trophy/c-297794578|url-status=live}}</ref> He became the second player, tied with [[Bobby Hull]], to win the NHL's goal scoring title seven times.<ref name="2017-18 Richard">{{cite web|title=Alex Ovechkin Captures 2017–18 Rocket Richard Trophy|url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/alex-ovechkin-captures-2017-18-rocket-richard-trophy/c-297819484|website=NHL.com|access-date=9 April 2018|date=9 April 2018|archive-date=9 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409171714/https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/alex-ovechkin-captures-2017-18-rocket-richard-trophy/c-297819484|url-status=live}}</ref> Besides his 49 goals, Ovechkin also recorded 38 assists for 87 points in all 82 contests played as the Capitals finished as the second seed in the Eastern Conference. During the [[2018 Stanley Cup playoffs|2018 playoffs]], Ovechkin scored 15 goals, 12 assists and 27 points in all 24 games averaging 20:44 of ice time per game.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/trotz-on-ovechkin-he-s-been-on-a-mission-1.1093891|title=Trotz on Ovechkin: He's 'been on a mission' – Article – TSN|last=Staff|date=24 May 2018|work=TSN|access-date=24 May 2018|archive-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524180639/https://www.tsn.ca/trotz-on-ovechkin-he-s-been-on-a-mission-1.1093891|url-status=live}}</ref> After defeating the seventh-seeded [[Columbus Blue Jackets]] in six games in the first round, the Capitals would once again meet their longtime rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, in the second round for the third straight season; headed by Penguins centre and captain Sidney Crosby, Ovechkin's main rival for the greatest player of their generation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/sidney-crosby-vs-alex-ovechkin-debated-by-nhl-writers/c-298249538|title=Crosby vs. Ovechkin debated by NHL.com writers|website=NHL.com|access-date=8 October 2018|archive-date=9 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009013117/https://www.nhl.com/news/sidney-crosby-vs-alex-ovechkin-debated-by-nhl-writers/c-298249538|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2018/04/26/turn-it-up-to-11-pens-caps-have-a-lot-to-live-up-to/34261281/|title=Turn it up to 11? Pens, Caps have lots of playoff history|date=26 April 2018|work=USA TODAY|access-date=8 October 2018|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=8 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008214129/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2018/04/26/turn-it-up-to-11-pens-caps-have-a-lot-to-live-up-to/34261281/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/04/25/sidney-crosby-alex-ovechkin-penguins-capitals-stanley-cup-playoffs|title=Can Ovechkin finally beat Crosby in the playoffs?|last=Rosenberg|first=Michael|date=25 April 2018|work=SI.com|access-date=8 October 2018|archive-date=27 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927005340/https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/04/25/sidney-crosby-alex-ovechkin-penguins-capitals-stanley-cup-playoffs|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin assisted on Evgeny Kuznetsov's game six overtime goal for 4–2 defeat in the series against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion and fourth-seeded Penguins to clinch his first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 13 seasons.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2018/5/7/17326270/penguins-capitals-game-6-score-results|title=Capitals finally vanquish the Penguins with this OT winner|last=Kirshner|first=Alex|date=7 May 2018|work=SBNation.com|access-date=27 October 2018|archive-date=27 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027232010/https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2018/5/7/17326270/penguins-capitals-game-6-score-results|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2018/05/nhl_stanley_cup_final_2018_vegas_golden_knights_vs.html|title=Stanley Cup Final: Vegas vs. Washington preview, pick|last=Ryan|first=Chris|date=26 May 2018|work=NJ.com|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527030529/http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2018/05/nhl_stanley_cup_final_2018_vegas_golden_knights_vs.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After defeating the Penguins in round two, Ovechkin would face another main rival of his generation in [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] centre and captain [[Steven Stamkos]] in the Eastern Conference Finals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-tampa-bay-lightning-game-7-recap/c-298766662 |title=Capitals shutout Lightning again in game 7, reach Stanley Cup Final |website=NHL.com |publisher=National Hockey League |author=Dan Rosen |date=24 May 2018 |access-date=26 June 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627011537/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-tampa-bay-lightning-game-7-recap/c-298766662 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ovechkin and the Capitals recovered from a 3–2 series deficit to defeat the top-seeded Lightning in seven games and reach the [[2018 Stanley Cup Finals|Stanley Cup Finals]], the second time in franchise history (they previously did in [[1998 Stanley Cup Finals|1998]] before Ovechkin came to the team),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-tampa-bay-lightning-game-7-recap/c-298766662|title=Capitals shut out Lightning again in Game 7, reach Stanley Cup Final|last=Rosen|first=Dan|date=23 April 2018|website=NHL.com|access-date=24 April 2018|archive-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524151651/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-tampa-bay-lightning-game-7-recap/c-298766662|url-status=live}}</ref> and defeated the second-seeded [[Vegas Golden Knights]] in five games to win the [[Stanley Cup]] for the first time in franchise history and first in Ovechkin's career.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/07/sports/stanley-cup-washington-capitals-vegas-golden-knights.html|title=The Washington Capitals, After Years of Frustration, Win the Stanley Cup|last=Shpigel|first=Ben|date=7 June 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=1 October 2018|archive-date=8 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608045538/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/07/sports/stanley-cup-washington-capitals-vegas-golden-knights.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin won the [[Conn Smythe Trophy]], awarded to the most valuable player for his team in the playoffs by NHL commissioner [[Gary Bettman]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-conn-smythe-trophy-winners-complete-list/c-287709808 | title=NHL Conn Smythe Trophy Winners | access-date=11 September 2018 | archive-date=18 November 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118205110/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-conn-smythe-trophy-winners-complete-list/c-287709808 | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 6 December 2018, Ovechkin became the fastest player in NHL history and ninth overall to take 5,000 shots on goal, reaching that mark in 1,031 career games. Marcel Dionne, the previous holder of the record, required 184 more games than Ovechkin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/gametracker/recap/NHL_20181206_WAS@ARI|title=Recaps|website=CBSSports.com|access-date=7 December 2018}}</ref> He scored the 21st hat trick of his NHL career in a 6–2 win over Detroit Red Wings on 11 December, passing Pavel Bure for most by a Russian-born player in league history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://novacapsfans.com/2018/12/11/capitals-thump-red-wings-6-2-alex-ovechkin-scores-hat-trick-t-j-oshie-scores-in-return/|title=Capitals Thump Red Wings 6–2; Alex Ovechkin Scores Hat Trick; T.J. Oshie Scores in Return|last=Sorensen|first=Jon|date=12 December 2018|website=NoVa Caps|access-date=12 December 2018|archive-date=13 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213131159/https://novacapsfans.com/2018/12/11/capitals-thump-red-wings-6-2-alex-ovechkin-scores-hat-trick-t-j-oshie-scores-in-return/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 December in a 6–5 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin recorded his 23rd career hat trick with one of those goals being the 237th power play goal of his career on Hurricanes goaltender [[Scott Darling]] to pass Mario Lemieux for most power play goals with one franchise.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/news/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-pass-wayne-gretzky-empty-net-record |title=Ovechkin Breaks Another All-Time Record, Passes Gretzky For Most Empty-Net Goals In NHL History |author=Sammi Sibler |website=thehockeywriters.com |publisher=The Hockey Writers |date=10 February 2024 |access-date=9 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/401044811 |title=Ovechkin, Vrana lead Caps over Hurricanes 6-5 in shootout |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=14 December 2018 |access-date=9 April 2024}}</ref> Ovechkin had a career-best 14 game point streak from 16 November to 15 December,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/12/15/capitals-alex-ovechkin-scores-point-streak-sabres|title=Ovechkin scores, extends point streak as Caps beat Sabres|date=15 December 2018|website=SI.com|access-date=16 December 2018|archive-date=17 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217014933/https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/12/15/capitals-alex-ovechkin-scores-point-streak-sabres|url-status=live}}</ref> which included back-to-back hat tricks against the Red Wings on 10 December and Hurricanes on 15 December, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/alex-ovechkin-joins-rare-nhl-club-second-straight-hat-trick/2tuy844jolye1vnl1lmmriav7|title=Alex Ovechkin joins rare NHL club with second straight hat trick|last=Weinstein|first=Arthur|date=15 December 2018|website=Sporting News|access-date=17 December 2018|archive-date=18 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218010407/http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/alex-ovechkin-joins-rare-nhl-club-second-straight-hat-trick/2tuy844jolye1vnl1lmmriav7|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{refn|group="n"|The first player to score two back-to-back hat tricks in his NHL career since [[Alexei Kovalev]] in 2001.}} On 2 January 2019, Ovechkin was named a captain for the upcoming [[2019 National Hockey League All-Star Game]], but announced that he was choosing to skip the game to rest, forcing him to serve an automatic one game suspension as a result.<ref>{{cite web |title=Capitals' Alex Ovechkin to skip NHL All-Star Game |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/report-alex-ovechkin-skip-nhl-star-game/ |website=sportsnet.ca |access-date=3 January 2019 |date=2 January 2019 |archive-date=3 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103110230/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/report-alex-ovechkin-skip-nhl-star-game/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Ovechkin ended the [[2018–19 NHL season|2018–19 season]] with 51 goals, 38 assists and 89 points in 81 games played while the Capitals as a team finished as the Metropolitan division champions for the fourth consecutive season and the second seed in the Eastern Conference overall for the second consecutive season. His 51 goals earned him the Rocket Richard Trophy for the eighth time in his NHL career.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2019/04/07/alex-ovechkin-wins-rocket-richard-trophy-for-8th-time/ |title=Alex Ovechkin wins Rocket Richard Trophy for 8th time |work=RMNB |author=Peter Hassett |date=7 April 2019 |access-date=26 June 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627011538/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2019/04/07/alex-ovechkin-wins-rocket-richard-trophy-for-8th-time/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Ovechkin would also record four goals and five assists for nine points in all seven playoff games as the defending Stanley Cup champion Capitals were upset in seven games in the first round of the [[2019 Stanley Cup playoffs|2019 playoffs]] by the seventh-seeded Carolina Hurricanes, despite having a 3–2 series lead at one point. |
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Ovechkin and the Capitals repeated as division champions en route to meeting the [[New York Rangers]] in the opening round. After advancing to the second round in seven games, Ovechkin notched his first NHL playoff hat trick on 4 May, in game 2 against the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] to help Washington to a 4–3 win. The Capitals were eventually defeated by Pittsburgh, the eventual Stanley Cup champions, in seven games. Ovechkin finished the 2009 playoffs with a post-season career-high 21 points in 14 games. He went on to win the Hart and Pearson trophies for the second consecutive year, becoming the seventeenth player to win the Hart multiple times. |
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====Recent years, goal-record pursuit (2019–present)==== |
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[[File:AlexOvechkin-Warmup.JPG|thumb|upright|left|Ovechkin was named the captain of the Capitals on 5 January 2010.]] |
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On 30 November 2019, in a 5–2 win over the [[Detroit Red Wings]] at [[Little Caesars Arena]], Ovechkin recorded his 24th career hat trick which passed [[Jari Kurri]] for 10th most hat tricks in NHL history.<ref name="Dave Hogg">{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-detroit-red-wings-game-recap/c-311981476 |title=Ovechkin's four points help Capitals top sliding Red Wings |website=NHL.com |publisher=National Hockey League |author=Dave Hogg |date=30 November 2019 |access-date=26 June 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627011536/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-detroit-red-wings-game-recap/c-311981476 |url-status=live }}</ref> In that same game, he also recorded an assist on a goal by [[Tom Wilson (ice hockey)|Tom Wilson]] for a four point night.<ref name="Dave Hogg"/> Ovechkin would be named captain for the [[2020 National Hockey League All-Star Game]], and again chose to skip the game to rest, and would serve another automatic one game suspension.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-wont-play-in-2020-nhl-all-star-game/c-313108674|title=Ovechkin won't play in NHL All-Star Game, Capitals forward was captain|website=NHL.com|access-date=30 December 2019|archive-date=28 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228091943/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-wont-play-in-2020-nhl-all-star-game/c-313108674|url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 February 2020, Ovechkin scored his 700th career goal in the third period of a 3–2 loss against the [[New Jersey Devils]] at [[Prudential Center]], making him the eighth player in NHL history to accomplish the feat.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-700th-nhl-goal/c-314805220 |title=Ovechkin scores 700th NHL goal for Capitals|website=NHL.com|access-date=23 February 2020|archive-date=18 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318143828/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-700th-nhl-goal/c-314805220 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[2019–20 NHL season|2019–20 season]] ended three weeks early due to restriction surrounding the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], so Ovechkin and [[Boston Bruins]] forward [[David Pastrňák]] were named co-winners of the [[Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy|Rocket Richard Trophy]], with each having 48 goals at the time.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McNally |first1=Brian |title=Ovechkin shares ninth Rocket Richard Trophy, but Capitals miss other milestones |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/alex-ovechkin-shares-ninth-rocket-richard-trophy-capitals-miss-some-other-milestones |website=NBC Sports Washington |access-date=27 May 2020 |date=26 May 2020 |archive-date=7 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607212325/https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/alex-ovechkin-shares-ninth-rocket-richard-trophy-capitals-miss-some-other-milestones |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Just over a month into the [[2009–10 NHL season|2009–10 season]], Ovechkin suffered an upper-body injury during a game against the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]] on 1 November 2009, after a collision with opposing forward [[Raffi Torres]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ovechkin 'week-to-week' with injury |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2009/11/02/sp-ovechkin-injury.html |accessdate=2 December 2009 |date=2 November 2009 |publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091105165304/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2009/11/02/sp-ovechkin-injury.html |archivedate=5 November 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> After returning, Ovechkin was suspended by the NHL on 1 December for two games (one for the action, and one for a second game misconduct penalty during the season) for a knee-on-knee hit to [[Carolina Hurricanes]] defenseman [[Tim Gleason]] during a game the previous day.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=508132 |title= Ovi suspended 2 games; Day-to-day with sore knee |first= Dan |last= Rosen |date= 1 December 2009 |publisher= NHL.com }}</ref> Both Gleason and Ovechkin had to be helped off the ice, although Gleason later returned during the game, while Ovechkin did not. Ovechkin was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct at the time. Capitals Coach [[Bruce Boudreau]] commented that Ovechkin's style of play was at times "reckless." The suspension was Ovechkin's first of his career, causing him to forfeit $98,844.16 in salary.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09336/1017742-61.stm |title=Ovechkin suspended for 2 games |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date= 1 December 2009 |accessdate=2 December 2009 | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20091205040854/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09336/1017742-61.stm| archivedate= 5 December 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> |
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The [[2020–21 NHL season|2020–21 season]] would mark the first time in Ovechkin's NHL career where he would not score at least 30 goals and having finished with 24 goals mainly due to the season being shortened due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2021/06/24/alex-ovechkin-2020-21-season-review/ |title=Alex Ovechkin: 2020-21 season review |website=russianmachineneverbreaks.com |publisher=Russian Machine Never Breaks |author=Peter Hassett |date=24 June 2021 |access-date=5 July 2023 |archive-date=5 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705233050/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2021/06/24/alex-ovechkin-2020-21-season-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 5 January 2010, Ovechkin was named [[captain (ice hockey)|captain]] of the Washington Capitals after previous captain [[Chris Clark (ice hockey)|Chris Clark]] was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He became the first European, second-youngest and 14th overall captain in team history.<ref>{{cite web|title=Capitals Named Alex Ovechkin Team Captain|url=http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=512469&navid=DL|accessdate=5 January 2010 |date= 5 January 2010 |publisher=Washington Capitals}}</ref> On 5 February, at a game against the New York Rangers, Ovechkin, with his second goal and third point of the game, reached the 500-point milestone of his NHL career. He is the fifth player to achieve the milestone in only five seasons, reaching it in 373 career games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=300204013 |title=Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers–Recap–February 4, 2010–ESPN |work=ESPN |accessdate=5 February 2010 | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100209023755/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=300204013| archivedate= 9 February 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> On 14 March, at a game against the [[Chicago Blackhawks]] at the [[United Center]], Ovechkin sent 'Hawks defenseman [[Brian Campbell]] into the boards after Campbell had dumped the puck to the blue line. Ovechkin was called for boarding, receiving a five-minute major and a game misconduct,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=4994464|title=Ovechkin ejected for hit on Campbell|work=ESPNChicago.com|date=14 March 2010|accessdate=18 March 2010| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100323012257/http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=4994464| archivedate= 23 March 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> and was suspended for two games (for a third game misconduct of the season, a two-game suspension is automatic).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=4997843|title=Ovechkin suspended for Campbell hit|publisher=ESPNChicago.com|date=16 March 2010|accessdate=18 March 2010| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100318044849/http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=4997843| archivedate= 18 March 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> Campbell suffered a fractured clavicle and fractured rib, and was expected to be out seven-to-eight weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=5000549|title=Blackhawks say Campbell out 7–8 weeks|publisher=ESPNChicago.com|date=17 March 2010|accessdate=18 March 2010| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100318072546/http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=5000549| archivedate= 18 March 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> |
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Ovechkin signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract extension with the Capitals on 27 July 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-signs-5-year-deal-with-washington/c-325824224|title=Ovechkin signs five-year, $47.5 million contract with the Capitals|publisher=NHL.com|accessdate=27 July 2021|archive-date=27 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727172532/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-signs-5-year-deal-with-washington/c-325824224|url-status=live}}</ref> He scored his 28th career [[hat trick]], tying [[Marcel Dionne]] and [[Bobby Hull]] for sixth most in NHL history, on 26 November against the [[Florida Panthers]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Harvey |date=2021-11-26 |title=Ovechkin scores hat trick, Capitals edge Panthers |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-washington-capitals-game-recap/c-328136378 |access-date=2022-01-01 |website=NHL.com |archive-date=1 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101192619/https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-washington-capitals-game-recap/c-328136378 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 31 December, Ovechkin scored his 275th power play goal against the Detroit Red Wings, breaking [[Dave Andreychuk]]'s all-time record.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=2021-12-31 |title=Ovechkin breaks NHL power-play goals record with No. 275, tops Andreychuk |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-ovechkin-nhl-power-play-goals-record/c-329359994 |access-date=2022-01-01 |website=NHL.com |archive-date=1 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101192400/https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-ovechkin-nhl-power-play-goals-record/c-329359994 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 15 March 2022, Ovechkin scored his 767th career NHL goal in a 4–3 win over the [[New York Islanders]], moving him into third place for goals scored all-time in the NHL, passing [[Jaromír Jágr]];<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/nhl-roundup-alex-ovechkin-makes-history-with-767th-goal-2022-03-16/|title=NHL roundup: Alex Ovechkin makes history with 767th goal|newspaper=Reuters|date=16 March 2022|accessdate=26 March 2022|archive-date=16 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316175242/https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/nhl-roundup-alex-ovechkin-makes-history-with-767th-goal-2022-03-16/|url-status=live}}</ref> he achieved the feat in 477 fewer games than Jagr, yet had also taken 400 more shots on goal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=2022-03-15 |title=Ovechkin passes Jagr with 767 goals |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-alex-ovechkin-moves-into-third-in-nhl-goals/c-331867912 |access-date=2022-03-26 |website=NHL.com |archive-date=26 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326170307/https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-alex-ovechkin-moves-into-third-in-nhl-goals/c-331867912 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 20 April, in a 4–3 overtime loss against the [[Vegas Golden Knights]], he scored his 50th goal of the season for the ninth time in his career, tying [[Mike Bossy]] and [[Wayne Gretzky]] for having the most 50-goal seasons in NHL history. At 36 years and 215 days of age, he is the oldest player to score 50 goals in a season; the previous oldest was [[Johnny Bucyk]], doing so at the age of 35 years and 308 days.<ref name="Gulitti">{{Cite web |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=2022-04-21 |title=Ovechkin scores twice, ties Gretzky, Bossy with nine 50-goal NHL seasons |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-scores-50-goals-in-season-for-ninth-time/c-333235844 |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=NHL.com |archive-date=21 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421050822/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-scores-50-goals-in-season-for-ninth-time/c-333235844 |url-status=live }}</ref> He ended the [[2021–22 NHL season|2021–22 season]] with 50 goals, 40 assists and 90 points in 77 games played as the Capitals finished the season as the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference.<ref name="Gulitti"/> Ovechkin would also record a goal and five assists for six points in all six playoff games in the Capitals first round loss in the [[2022 Stanley Cup playoffs|2022 playoffs]] by the [[Presidents' Trophy]]-winning Florida Panthers. |
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Ovechkin won the 2009–10 [[Ted Lindsay Award]], becoming only the second player in NHL history to win the award in three consecutive years. He also led the NHL in goals per game and points per game for three straight seasons, from 2008 to 2010.<ref name="NHL.com – Stats">NHL.com – "Stats"</ref> Ovechkin is the Capitals all time leader in goals. |
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[[File:Winnipeg Jets at Washington Capitals - January 18, 2022 - Alexander Ovechkin (51833884185).jpg|thumb|right|Ovechkin in January 2022]] |
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In 2009–10 Ovechkin surpassed the mark of [[Hockey Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] goaltender [[Bill Durnan]] (first four seasons from 1943–44 through 1946–47) and became the first player in NHL history voted a First Team All-Star in each of his first five seasons.<ref>{{cite web|title=NHL announces 2010-11 all-star teams|url=https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/nhl-announces-2010-11-all-star-teams/c-566847|website=NHL.com|accessdate=18 April 2018|date=22 June 2011|quote=Ovechkin made NHL history in 2009-10 by capturing First Team honors in each of his first five NHL seasons}}</ref>[[File:2011 NHL Winter Classic Ceremonial Puck Drop 2011-01-01.JPG|thumb|[[Franco Harris]], [[Jerome Bettis]] and [[Mario Lemieux]] perform a ceremonial puck drop with an American soldier at the [[2011 NHL Winter Classic]]. Ovechkin took the draw against [[Sidney Crosby]] of the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]].]] |
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On 5 November 2022, Ovechkin scored his 787th goal with the Washington Capitals against the [[Arizona Coyotes]], setting a new NHL record for most goals with one team, a record previously held by [[Gordie Howe]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wyshynski |first1=Greg |title=Alex Ovechkin sets NHL record for most goals with one team |url=https://www.espn.com.sg/nhl/story/_/id/34957472/alex-ovechkin-sets-nhl-record-most-goals-one-team |access-date=2022-11-05 |agency=ESPN |date=2022-11-05 |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106003027/https://www.espn.com.sg/nhl/story/_/id/34957472/alex-ovechkin-sets-nhl-record-most-goals-one-team |url-status=live }}</ref> He set another NHL best on 29 November, surpassing Gretzky for most road goals with 403, after scoring two goals against the [[Vancouver Canucks]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karstens-Smith |first=Gemma |date=30 November 2022 |title=Ovechkin scores twice, makes history as Capitals down Canucks 5-1 |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2022/11/30/ovechkin-scores-twice-makes-history-as-capitals-down-canucks-5-1.html |access-date=30 November 2022 |website=Toronto Star |archive-date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130094339/https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2022/11/30/ovechkin-scores-twice-makes-history-as-capitals-down-canucks-5-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Ovechkin became the third player in NHL history to score 800 regular season goals, behind Howe and Gretzky, by scoring a hat trick against the [[Chicago Blackhawks]] at [[United Center]] on 13 December.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-12-14 |title=Alex Ovechkin scores 800th NHL goal to complete hat trick against Chicago - Daily Faceoff |work=Daily Faceoff |url=https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/alex-ovechkin-scores-800th-nhl-goal-to-complete-hat-trick-against-chicago-washington-capitals/ |access-date=2022-12-14 |archive-date=14 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214070204/https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/alex-ovechkin-scores-800th-nhl-goal-to-complete-hat-trick-against-chicago-washington-capitals/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was also his 29th hat trick in the NHL, giving him the sixth most hat tricks by any player in the league's history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miles |first=Bruce |date=13 December 2022 |title=Ovechkin gets No. 800 in Capitals win against Blackhawks |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-chicago-blackhawks-game-recap/c-338497528 |access-date=14 December 2022 |website=NHL.com |archive-date=14 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214073229/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-chicago-blackhawks-game-recap/c-338497528 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 23 December, Ovechkin scored his 801st and 802nd career goals in a 4–1 win against the [[Winnipeg Jets]], passing Gordie Howe for the second most goals in NHL history, behind only Wayne Gretzky.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Whyno |first=Stephen|date=23 December 2022 |title=Ovechkin scores 801st goal, ties Howe for 2nd in NHL history |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nhl/ovechkin-scores-801st-goal-ties-howe-for-2nd-in-nhl-history/2022/12/23/d7501752-8324-11ed-8738-ed7217de2775_story.html|access-date=23 December 2022|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref><ref name="second">{{Cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/12/24/1145436994/alex-ovechkin-nhl-goals-gordie-howe |title=Alex Ovechkin moves to 2nd in NHL goals with 802, passing Gordie Howe |date=2022-12-24 |accessdate=2022-12-24 |publisher=[[NPR]] |archive-date=25 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225001351/https://www.npr.org/2022/12/24/1145436994/alex-ovechkin-nhl-goals-gordie-howe |url-status=live }}</ref> Ovechkin tied [[Mike Gartner]] for having the most 30-goal seasons upon recording a 30-goal season for the 17th time on 14 January 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=2023-01-14 |title=Ovechkin reaches 30 goals for 17th time with Capitals |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-reaches-30-goals-for-17th-time-with-capitals/c-339949056 |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=NHL.com |archive-date=15 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115025203/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-reaches-30-goals-for-17th-time-with-capitals/c-339949056 |url-status=live }}</ref> in a 3–1 loss to the [[Philadelphia Flyers]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Harvey |date=2023-01-14 |title=Ovechkin ties NHL record for 30-goal seasons in Capitals loss to Flyers |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/philadelphia-flyers-washington-capitals-game-recap/c-339531616 |access-date=2023-01-15 |website=NHL.com |archive-date=15 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115025853/https://www.nhl.com/news/philadelphia-flyers-washington-capitals-game-recap/c-339531616 |url-status=live }}</ref> He surpassed Gretzky to set a new NHL record for most 40-goal seasons after securing his 13th on 21 March, in a 7–6 overtime loss to the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=21 March 2023 |title=Ovechkin reaches 40 goals for NHL-record 13th season: Capitals forward scores against Columbus Blue Jackets to break tie with Gretzky |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-passes-wayne-gretzky-for-most-40-goal-seasons/c-342529574 |access-date=21 March 2023 |website=NHL.com |archive-date=22 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322130422/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-passes-wayne-gretzky-for-most-40-goal-seasons/c-342529574 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Capitals would miss the [[2023 Stanley Cup playoffs|2023 playoffs]] by 12 points in the standings mainly due to injuries to other players on the team, marking the first time since [[2013–14 NHL season|2014]] where the Capitals missed the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-miss-stanley-cup-playoffs-1st-time-in-9-seasons/c-343151802 |title=Capitals 'weren't good enough' missing playoffs 1st time in 9 seasons |website=NHL.com |publisher=National Hockey League |author=Tom Gulitti |date=5 April 2023 |access-date=16 July 2023 |archive-date=17 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717002322/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-miss-stanley-cup-playoffs-1st-time-in-9-seasons/c-343151802 |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite the team difficulties, Ovechkin still continued his individual success by having ended the [[2022–23 NHL season|2022–23 season]] with 42 goals, 33 assists and 75 points in 73 games played.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2023/06/18/alex-ovechkin-2022-23-season-review/ |title=Alex Ovechkin 2022-23 season review |website=russianmachineneverbreaks.com |publisher=Russian Machine Never Breaks |author=Peter Hassett |date=18 June 2023 |access-date=18 July 2023 |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719020343/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2023/06/18/alex-ovechkin-2022-23-season-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In [[2011 NHL Winter Classic|2011]], Ovechkin and the Capitals took part in the New Year's Day [[NHL Winter Classic]], facing the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]]. Ovechkin did not score any points, but the Capitals won 3–1. On 8 March 2011, in a 5–0 victory over the [[Edmonton Oilers]], Ovechkin recorded his 600th career point. On 5 April, Ovechkin scored his 300th career goal, becoming the sixth-youngest and seventh-fastest player to do so.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alex Ovechkin scores 300th career goal|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=558413|publisher=NHL|date=5 April 2011|accessdate=10 May 2013}}</ref> |
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On 7 December 2023, Ovechkin recorded his 1,500th point with an assist on a goal scored by [[Dylan Strome]] in a 5–4 shootout loss to the [[Dallas Stars]] to become the 16th player in NHL history to reach the mark.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/capitals-ovechkin-gets-1500th-point-in-shootout-loss-to-stars/ |publisher=Sportsnet |title=Capitals' Ovechkin gets 1,500th point in shootout loss to Stars |agency=Associated Press |date=7 December 2023 |access-date=9 December 2023}}</ref> Ovechkin later scored his 57th career empty-net goal in a 3–0 Capitals win over the Boston Bruins on 10 February 2024, passing Wayne Gretzky for the most all-time.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pohoryles |first=Joe |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-boston-bruins-game-recap-february-10 |title=Ovechkin scores in 4th straight, Capitals shut out Bruins to end 6-game skid |website=nhl.com |date=10 February 2024 |access-date=10 February 2024}}</ref> On 9 April, Ovechkin scored his 30th goal of the season on Detroit Red Wings goaltender [[Alex Lyon (ice hockey)|Alex Lyon]] for his 18th 30-goal campaign, passing Mike Gartner for most 30-goal seasons in NHL history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-alex-ovechkin-nhl-record-18th-30-goal-season |title=Ovechkin reaches 30 goals for NHL-record 18th season |author=Tom Gulitti |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |date=9 April 2024 |access-date=9 April 2024}}</ref> He finished the [[2023–24 Washington Capitals season|2023–24 season]] with 31 goals, 34 assists and 65 points in 79 games played. Ovechkin and the Capitals narrowly got back into the playoffs as the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference, however, Ovechkin did not record a single goal or assist as the Capitals were swept in four games by the Presidents' Trophy-winning [[New York Rangers]] in the first round of the [[2024 Stanley Cup playoffs|2024 playoffs]]. |
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On 23 January 2012, Ovechkin received a three-game suspension for a hit on [[Zbyněk Michálek]] of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The following day, Ovechkin announced he would not attend the [[59th National Hockey League All-Star Game|2012 NHL All-Star Game]] due to the suspension.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1037135-nhl-all-star-game-2012-alex-ovechkin-to-miss-mid-season-classic |title=NHL All Star Game 2012: Alex Ovechkin to Miss Midseason Classic |website=Bleacher Report |date=24 January 2012 |accessdate=15 April 2012}}</ref> |
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On 15 October 2024, Ovechkin recorded his 700th career assist on a goal by [[Aliaksei Protas]] in a 4–2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights, becoming the 60th player in NHL history to reach the mark.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/capitals-alex-ovechkin-becomes-the-60th-nhl-player-to-record-700-career-assists/article_990a6c0d-a468-577a-bf9d-c5aca2f6e2f4.html |title=Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin becomes the 60th NHL player to record 700 career assists |website=thestar.com |publisher=Toronto Star |author=Stephen Whyno |date=15 October 2024}}</ref> On 2 November, he became the fourth player in NHL history 39 years of age or older to record three points in consecutive games (a goal and two assists in a 6–3 win against the [[Montreal Canadiens]] on 31 October and a goal and two assists in a 7–2 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets on 2 November) after [[Tim Horton]] (1968–69), [[Gordie Howe]] (1968–69) and [[Jean Ratelle]] (1980–81).<ref>{{Cite web |last=NHL.com |date=November 2, 2024 |title=#NHLStats: Live Updates |url=https://media.nhl.com/public/live-updates?date=2024-11-02 |access-date=November 3, 2024 |website=NHL.com}}</ref> On 18 November, in a 6–2 win over the [[Utah Hockey Club]], Ovechkin sustained a broken [[fibula]] as a result of a knee-on-knee collision with Utah forward [[Jack McBain]], sidelining him for four-to-six weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/takes/washington-capitals-equipped-cope-without-alex-ovechkin-tough-day-hockey-world |title=Greatness Has Been Put On Pause On A Heavy Day For The Hockey World. But The Show Goes On, And This Year's Capitals Are Well-Equipped To Cope |website=thehockeynews.com |publisher=The Hockey News |author=Sammi Silber |date=20 November 2024 |access-date=21 November 2024}}</ref> At the time of this injury, Ovechkin had a league-leading 15 goals (including two goals earlier in the game against Utah prior to the injury) along with 10 assists for 25 points in the first 18 games of the [[2024–25 NHL season|2024–25 season]]. |
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====2012–2017==== |
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During the NHL lockout in the first half of the shortened [[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13 season]], Ovechkin went to play in the [[Kontinental Hockey League|KHL]] and re-joined [[Dynamo Moscow]] with his teammate [[Nicklas Bäckström]]. In 31 games for the team, Ovechkin scored 19 goals and 40 points. At the end of the season, the Dynamo would go on to win the [[Gagarin Cup]], albeit after the NHL lockout concluded and Ovechkin and Backstrom returned to North America. However, Ovechkin still received a championship ring from the team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/04/17/dynamo-moscow-wins-gagarin-cup-will-alex-ovechkin-and-nicklas-backstrom-get-rings/|title=Dynamo Moscow Wins Gagarin Cup; Will Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom Get Rings?|date=17 April 2013|website=russianmachineneverbreaks.com|language=en-US|access-date=18 June 2019}}</ref> |
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In the remainder lockout-shortened 2012–13 NHL season, Ovechkin led the NHL in goal-scoring with 32, earning him his third [[Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy|Rocket Richard Trophy]]. He combined his 32 goals with 24 assists, giving him 56 points, good for third most points in the NHL.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/wp/2013/05/09/alex-ovechkin-a-finalist-for-ted-lindsay-award/|title=Alex Ovechkin a finalist for Ted Lindsay Award|work=[[The Washington Post]]|author=Katie Carrera|date=9 May 2013|accessdate=10 May 2013}}</ref> He was also awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy for the third time in his career. Ovechkin only scored two points in a first round exit of the [[2013 Stanley Cup playoffs]] against the New York Rangers, during which he played with a hairline fracture in his foot. After the 2013 season, Ovechkin made history by being named to both the First and Second [[NHL All-Star Team]]s. He had switched to playing right wing that entire season so was voted to the First All-Star Team's right wing, but because some voters were not aware of the change, voted for him at his traditional left wing position, therefore also landing him left wing on the Second All-Star Team.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/m/sports/hockey/nhl/alex-ovechkin-named-to-nhl-s-1st-2nd-all-star-teams-1.1315870 Alex Ovechkin named to NHL's 1st, 2nd All-Star teams]. Cbc.ca. Retrieved on 4 April 2017.</ref> |
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[[File:Alexander Ovechkin 2012-12-21.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Ovechkin with Dynamo Moscow in 2012. He played 31 games in the [[Kontinental Hockey League|KHL]] during the [[2012–13 NHL lockout]].]] |
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On 20 December 2013, in a game against the [[Carolina Hurricanes]], Ovechkin scored his 400th career goal.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=696892 |title=Alex Ovechkin scores 400th career goal, Washington Capitals score three times on power play in 4–2 win over |work=NHL |date=20 December 2013 |accessdate=15 July 2014}}</ref> He became the sixth fastest player to ever reach that mark, getting it in 634 games, one less than [[Pavel Bure]]. |
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At the conclusion of the [[2013–14 NHL season|2013–14 season]], Ovechkin had the strange distinction of winning the Rocket Richard Trophy, scoring 51 goals, while going −35, one of the NHL's worst, in the [[plus-minus]] statistic. However, the Capitals missed the playoffs for the first time since [[2006–07 NHL season|2006–07]]. |
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On 4 November 2014, in a game against the [[Calgary Flames]], Ovechkin recorded his 826th point, a franchise record, surpassing [[Peter Bondra]], who previously held the record with 825 points. However, the Flames won the game 4–3 in overtime. On 31 March 2015, in a game against the [[Carolina Hurricanes]], Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the year and became the sixth player in NHL history to have six 50-goal seasons, joining [[Guy Lafleur]], [[Mike Bossy]], [[Wayne Gretzky]], [[Marcel Dionne]] and [[Mario Lemieux]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Capitals forward Ovechkin scores 50th goal|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-forward-ovechkin-scores-50th-goal/c-760791|website=NHL.com|accessdate=1 May 2018|date=31 March 2015}}</ref> On 2 April, Ovechkin scored his 51st and 52nd goals of the season in a 5–4 shootout win against the [[Montreal Canadiens]], surpassing Bondra as the franchise leader in goals scored. It was also his 15th multi-goal game of the season, none of which were hat-tricks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caps Today, 4/3/15|url=https://capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/2015/04/03/caps-today-4-3-15|website=capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com|accessdate=1 May 2018}}</ref> |
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During the [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16 season]], in the second period of a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ovechkin scored his eighth goal of the season to tie [[Sergei Fedorov]]'s tally for the most goals among Russian born players, with 483. On 19 November 2015, Ovechkin scored his ninth goal of the season in a 3–2 loss to the Dallas Stars; that goal broke Fedorov's record. On 10 January 2016, Ovechkin scored his 500th and 501st goals in a 7–1 victory over the Ottawa Senators, becoming the 43rd player to reach the 500-goal plateau, and the fifth-fastest player to do so, as well as the first Russian.<ref>[http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=797019 Capitals' Ovechkin scores 500th NHL goal]. NHL.com. Retrieved on 4 April 2017.</ref> On 9 April, Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the season and became the third player in NHL history to have seven or more 50-goal seasons.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Masisak|first1=Corey|title=Another 50-goal season puts Ovechkin in elite group|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/another-50-goal-season-puts-ovechkin-in-elite-group/c-760928|website=NHL.com|accessdate=14 March 2018|date=1 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ovechkin nets hat-trick to score seventh 50-goal season|url=http://torontosun.com/2016/04/10/ovechkin-nets-hat-trick-to-score-seventh-50-goal-season/wcm/cb6e22b5-3965-4098-9e12-a873a6e57a4a|accessdate=14 March 2018|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=10 April 2016}}</ref> |
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[[File:Ovechkin (24672627026).jpg|thumb|Ovechkin at Capitals practice during the [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16]] season. During that season, he became the first Russian player to reach the 500-goal plateau in the NHL.]] |
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During the [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16 season]], Ovechkin, for the first time in his career, did not lead the Washington Capitals in points, although he still led the team in goals with 50, and finished second on the team in points with 71, behind fellow countryman [[Evgeny Kuznetsov]], who finished with 77.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gormley|first1=Chuck|title=2015-16 Capitals Season in Review: Evgeny Kuznetsov|url=http://www.nbcsports.com/washington/washington-capitals/2015-16-capitals-season-review-evgeny-kuznetsov|accessdate=14 March 2018|date=15 June 2016}}</ref> In the second round of the [[2016 Stanley Cup playoffs]], the Washington Capitals lost the series to the Pittsburgh Penguins in game 6 after a 4–3 overtime defeat. |
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On 11 January 2017, Ovechkin scored his 1,000th career point, becoming the 37th player in NHL history to reach 1,000 points with only one team.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Chalk|first1=Tommy|title=From No. 1 to 1,000: Ovechkin reaches 1,000 points on home ice|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/11/alex-ovechkin-reaches-1000-career-point-milestone/|website=The Washington Times|accessdate=12 January 2017|date=11 January 2017}}</ref> |
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====2017–present==== |
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As the "face of the Capitals" for over a decade, Ovechkin had taken "the lion's share of the blame" for the team's failing record postseason — which had included three straight exits during the second round, two of them dealt by the Pittsburgh Penguins. The loss to the Penguins in the 2017 playoffs was particularly devastating to the Capitals. And while Crosby had won three Stanley Cups with the Penguins, Ovechkin was being considered the greatest hockey player never to have won one — with his main nemesis being largely to blame.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/ovechkin-is-the-best-player-to-never-make-a-conference-final/|title=Ovechkin Is The Best Player To Never Make A Conference Final|last=Doyle|first=Terrence|date=27 April 2018|work=FiveThirtyEight|access-date=8 October 2018}}</ref> Advancing age, consideration of his legacy, and the desire to beat Crosby's Penguins in the postseason combined to change Ovechkin's approach to hockey in the 2017–18 season and beyond.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/04/25/sidney-crosby-alex-ovechkin-penguins-capitals-stanley-cup-playoffs|title=Can Ovechkin finally beat Crosby in the playoffs?|last=Rosenberg|first=Michael|date=25 April 2018|work=SI.com|access-date=8 October 2018}}</ref> After engaging in a more intense pre-season fitness training than usual — focusing more on speed work and condition — Ovechkin returned to training camp in Washington two weeks early and predicted: "We're not gonna be fucking suck this year {{sic}}." He then scored seven times in the team's first two games<ref name=":2" /> — performing a hat trick in both games.<ref name=":1" /> |
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The [[2017–18 NHL season|2017–18 season]] appeared to be historic for Ovechkin, who broke many NHL and Capitals' records during the regular season. On 7 October 2017, he became the first player in 100 years with back-to-back hat-tricks to start the season.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ovechkin-makes-history-back-back-hat-tricks/|title=Ovechkin makes history with back-to-back hat tricks - Sportsnet.ca|work=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=8 October 2017}}</ref> As well, on 25 November, Ovechkin passed Bondra as the team's all-time leader in hat-tricks with his 20th of his career.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Vogel|first1=Mike|title=#CapsLeafs Postgame Notebook: Hat Trick Of Hat Tricks|url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/capsleafs-postgame-notebook-hat-trick-of-hat-tricks/c-293400688|website=NHL.com|accessdate=14 March 2018|date=27 November 2017}}</ref> On 21 October, in a game against the [[Detroit Red Wings]], Ovechkin surpassed Jaromír Jágr for most regular season overtime goals with the 20th of his career.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ovechkin passes Jagr for most regular-season overtime goals|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-passes-jaromir-jagr-morning-report-oct-21/c-292145394|website=NHL.com|accessdate=22 March 2018|date=21 October 2017}}</ref> He extended the record again in December in an overtime win against the [[Anaheim Ducks]].<ref>{{cite web|title=5 things we learned: Ovechkin extends NHL OT record|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/5-things-learned-ovechkin-extends-nhl-ot-record/|website=sportsnet.ca|accessdate=22 March 2018|date=17 December 2017}}</ref> |
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On 12 March 2018, Ovechkin scored his 600th career goal, making him the 20th player to ever reach such a feat, and the fourth to do so in less than 1,000 games.<ref name="600th">{{cite web|title=Ovechkin scores 600th NHL goal for Capitals|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-scores-600th-nhl-goal/c-296684564|website=NHL.com|accessdate=12 March 2018|date=12 March 2018}}</ref> On 1 April 2018 Ovechkin would play against the Pittsburgh Penguins in his 1,000th regular season NHL game, becoming the first Capitals player to play 1,000 games and the 54th NHL player to do so within the same franchise.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ovechkin to Play in His 1,000th Career NHL Game Tonight at Pittsburgh|url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/ovechkin-to-play-in-his-1000th-career-nhl-game-tonight-at-pittsburgh/c-297549984|website=NHL.com|accessdate=1 April 2018|date=1 April 2018}}</ref> At the conclusion of the regular season, Ovechkin was awarded the Rocket Richard trophy for the seventh time in his career.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Battaglino|first1=Matt|title=Ovechkin leads NHL in goals for seventh time|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-leads-nhl-in-goals-wins-rocket-richard-trophy/c-297794578|website=NHL.com|accessdate=9 April 2018|date=9 April 2018}}</ref> He became the second player, tied with Bobby Hull, to win the NHL's goal scoring title seven times.<ref name="2017-18 Richard">{{cite web|title=Alex Ovechkin Captures 2017-18 Rocket Richard Trophy|url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/alex-ovechkin-captures-2017-18-rocket-richard-trophy/c-297819484|website=NHL.com|accessdate=9 April 2018|date=9 April 2018}}</ref> |
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During the playoffs, Ovechkin was "in the midst of the most dominant postseason of his career," with 12 goals and 22 points over 19 games, and averaging 21:14 of ice time per game.<ref name=":0" /> Once again the Capitals would meet their longtime rivals in the Eastern Conference semifinals — headed up by Sidney Crosby, 33-year-old Ovechkin's main rival as player of his generation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/sidney-crosby-vs-alex-ovechkin-debated-by-nhl-writers/c-298249538|title=Crosby vs. Ovechkin debated by NHL.com writers|website=NHL.com|access-date=8 October 2018}}</ref> The Penguins had been victorious in nine of the previous 10 encounters.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2018/04/26/turn-it-up-to-11-pens-caps-have-a-lot-to-live-up-to/34261281/|title=Turn it up to 11? Pens, Caps have lots of playoff history|last=|first=|date=26 April 2018|work=USA TODAY|access-date=8 October 2018|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> He fed the puck to Kuznetsov for the overtime goal that beat the Pittsburgh Penguins on 7 May to advance the Capitals to the Eastern Conference finals.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2018/5/7/17326270/penguins-capitals-game-6-score-results|title=Capitals finally vanquish the Penguins with this OT winner|last=Kirshner|first=Alex|date=7 May 2018|work=SBNation.com|access-date=27 October 2018}}</ref> After 13 seasons in the NHL, Ovechkin competed in his first conference finals.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2018/05/nhl_stanley_cup_final_2018_vegas_golden_knights_vs.html|title=Stanley Cup Final: Vegas vs. Washington preview, pick|last=Ryan|first=Chris|date=26 May 2018|work=NJ.com|access-date=26 May 2018}}</ref> |
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[[File:Alex Ovechkin 2018-05-21.jpg|thumb|Ovechkin with the Capitals during Game 6 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals.]] |
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On 23 May 2018, Ovechkin helped lead the Capitals to the [[2018 Stanley Cup Finals|Stanley Cup Finals]] for their first time since [[1998 Stanley Cup Finals|1998]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-tampa-bay-lightning-game-7-recap/c-298766662|title=Capitals shut out Lightning again in Game 7, reach Stanley Cup Final|last=Rosen|first=Dan|date=23 April 2018|website=NHL.com|accessdate=24 April 2018}}</ref> — going on to help them win their first championship in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/07/sports/stanley-cup-washington-capitals-vegas-golden-knights.html|title=The Washington Capitals, After Years of Frustration, Win the Stanley Cup|last=Shpigel|first=Ben|date=7 June 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=1 October 2018}}</ref> He won the Conn Smythe trophy, awarded to the most valuable player for his team in the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-conn-smythe-trophy-winners-complete-list/c-287709808 | title=NHL Conn Smythe Trophy Winners}}</ref> |
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In the 2018 playoffs, according to then Capitals coach Barry Trotz:{{quote|Ovi's been on a mission. There were a lot of people doubting if he still had what it took. The great players take exception to that. . . I think he took it personally. He said, 'I'm going to show you I'm still a great player.' And he did.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/trotz-on-ovechkin-he-s-been-on-a-mission-1.1093891|title=Trotz on Ovechkin: He's 'been on a mission' - Article - TSN|last=Staff|first=|date=24 May 2018|work=TSN|access-date=24 May 2018}}</ref>}} |
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On 7 June 2018 Ovechkin won his first Stanley Cup, leading his team to victory over the Vegas Golden Knights 4–3 in game 5 of the finals. The Stanley Cup victory was the first in the Capitals 44-year franchise history.{{refn|group="n"|The Capitals winning the 2018 Stanley Cup was the first major sports championship by a Washington, D.C. sports team since 1992.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/06/07/2018-nhl-stanley-cup-finals-capitals-golden-knights-game-5/|title=Capitals win Stanley Cup, Washington's first major sports championship since 1992|last=Khurshudyan|first=Isabelle|display-authors=et al|date=8 June 2018|website=Washington Post|access-date=1 October 2018}}</ref>}} He scored the first Stanley Cup Finals goal of his 13-year, 1,121-game NHL career on 30 May 2018, in game 2 against the [[Vegas Golden Knights]] at [[T-Mobile Arena]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nj.com/sports/index.ssf/2018/05/nhl_playoffs_on_tv_today_what_time_channel_is_wash.html|title=Capitals vs. Golden Knights RECAP, score and stats Game 2|last=Manahan|first=Kevin|date=31 May 2018|work=NJ.com|access-date=31 May 2018}}</ref> He is the first Russian to captain a team to the Stanley Cup.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theringer.com/2018/6/8/17442668/alexander-ovechkin-stanley-cup-washington-capitals-conn-smythe-playoff-mvp|title=Alexander Ovechkin Thoroughly Earned His Stanley Cup Moment|last=Baker|first=Katie|date=8 June 2018|work=The Ringer|access-date=12 September 2018}}</ref>{{refn|group="n"|"[A]ll while displaying the ridiculous, characteristic zeal that has been differentiating him for more than a decade."<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theringer.com/2018/6/8/17442668/alexander-ovechkin-stanley-cup-washington-capitals-conn-smythe-playoff-mvp|title=Alexander Ovechkin Thoroughly Earned His Stanley Cup Moment|last=Baker|first=Katie|date=8 June 2018|work=The Ringer|access-date=12 September 2018}}</ref>}} |
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In the Capitals' third game of the 2018–19 season against the Vegas Golden Knights on 10 October 2018, Ovechkin scored the 610th and 611th goals of his NHL career to pass [[Bobby Hull]] for 17th on the all-time goal list as the Capitals defeated the Golden Knights 5–2.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20181011-ovechkin-passes-hull-capitals-win-stanley-cup-rematch|title=Ovechkin passes Hull as Capitals win Stanley Cup rematch|date=11 October 2018|work=France 24|access-date=11 October 2018}}</ref> Ovechkin became eighth on the all-time list for power play goals, passing [[Marcel Dionne]], scoring his 235th career with a one-timer against the Pittsburgh Penguins in a 2–1 win on 7 November 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alex Ovechkin rockets home PPG to pass Dionne for eighth all time|date=7 November 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AbX1EZeEXk|access-date=8 November 2018}}</ref> His 236th power play goal, scored against the Canadiens during a 19 November 2018 game tied him with seventh-placed [[Mario Lemieux]] on the all-time list.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2018/11/20/alex-ovechkin-scores-twice-against-canadiens-ties-mario-lemieux-in-career-power-play-goals/|title=Alex Ovechkin scores twice against Canadiens, ties Mario Lemieux in career power-play goals|date=20 November 2018|work=Russian Machine Never Breaks|access-date=20 November 2018}}</ref> Ovechkin scored his 626th career goal in a 6–3 victory over the [[New Jersey Devils]] on 30 November, moving him past [[Joe Sakic]] and [[Jarome Iginla]] for 15th on the NHL all-time goal-scoring list. He accomplished this feat in his 1,028th career game, while Sakic needed 1,378 games to collect his 625 goals and Iginla needed 1,554 games.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Valentine |first1=Harvey |title=Backstrom hat trick helps Capitals top Devils, win seventh straight |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/new-jersey-devils-washington-capitals-game-recap/c-302478140 |website=NHL.com |accessdate=3 December 2018 |date=1 December 2018 |quote=Ovechkin passed Joe Sakic and Jarome Iginla for sole possession of 15th place on the NHL goals list with 626.}}</ref> |
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On 6 December 2018, Ovechkin became the fastest player in NHL history—and ninth overall—to take 5,000 shots on goal, reaching that mark in only 1,031 career games. [[Marcel Dionne]], the previous holder of the record, required 184 more games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/gametracker/recap/NHL_20181206_WAS@ARI|title=Recaps|website=CBSSports.com|access-date=7 December 2018}}</ref> He scored the 21st hat-trick of his NHL career in a 6–2 win over [[Detroit Red Wings]] on 11 December, passing [[Pavel Bure]] for most by a Russian-born player in league history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://novacapsfans.com/2018/12/11/capitals-thump-red-wings-6-2-alex-ovechkin-scores-hat-trick-t-j-oshie-scores-in-return/|title=Capitals Thump Red Wings 6-2; Alex Ovechkin Scores Hat Trick; T.J. Oshie Scores in Return|last=Sorensen|first=Jon|date=12 December 2018|website=NoVa Caps|access-date=12 December 2018}}</ref> Ovechkin extended his point streak to a career-best 14 games in a 4–3 shootout win over the [[Buffalo Sabres]] on 15 December.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/12/15/capitals-alex-ovechkin-scores-point-streak-sabres|title=Ovechkin scores, extends point streak as Caps beat Sabres|date=15 December 2018|website=SI.com|access-date=16 December 2018}}</ref> — including back-to-back hat tricks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/alex-ovechkin-joins-rare-nhl-club-second-straight-hat-trick/2tuy844jolye1vnl1lmmriav7|title=Alex Ovechkin joins rare NHL club with second straight hat trick|last=Weinstein|first=Arthur|date=15 December 2018|website=Sporting News|access-date=17 December 2018}}</ref>{{refn|group="n"|The first player to score two back-to-back hat tricks in his NHL career since [[Alexei Kovalev]] in 2001.}} Ovechkin was named a captain for the [[2019 National Hockey League All-Star Game]], but announced that he was choosing to skip the game to rest, forcing him to serve an automatic one game suspension as a result.<ref>{{cite web |title=Capitals' Alex Ovechkin to skip NHL All-Star Game |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/report-alex-ovechkin-skip-nhl-star-game/ |website=sportsnet.ca |accessdate=3 January 2019 |date=2 January 2019}}</ref> Ovechkin would be named captain again the next year, and again chose to skip the game to rest, and would serve another one game suspension.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-wont-play-in-2020-nhl-all-star-game/c-313108674|title=Ovechkin won't play in NHL All-Star Game, Capitals forward was captain|website=NHL.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref> |
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==Player profile== |
==Player profile== |
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{{Quote box|width=31%|align=right|quote="When (other) guys shoot it, it goes in somewhat of a straight line. His is dipping, diving, rising, sinking. It just comes at you. It's not like any other shot.|source=-[[Dallas Stars]] goaltender [[Ben Bishop]] on Ovechkin, February 2019.<ref name=DR>[https://www.nhl.com/news/the-history-of-alex-ovechkins-famous-one-timer/c-304324662] {{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/the-history-of-alex-ovechkins-famous-one-timer/c-304324662 |title=How Ovechkin's one-timer became unstoppable on Capitals power play |website=NHL.com |publisher=National Hockey League |author=Tom Gulitti |date=1 February 2019 |archive-url=https://www.nhl.com/news/the-history-of-alex-ovechkin-s-famous-one-timer-304324662 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=24 July 2023 }}, nhl.com Retriever May 2, 2024</ref>}} |
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Ovechkin is considered by many as the greatest goal scorer in NHL history,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2016/03/02/alex-ovechkin-washington-capitals-greatest-nhl-goal-scorers|title=The case for Ovechkin: greatest goal scorer ever|last=Fleming|first=Colin|date=2 March 2016|work=SI.com|access-date=25 October 2018}}</ref> with what some consider a real chance at overtaking [[Wayne Gretzky]] in total career goals (894).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/22669138/nhl-alex-ovechkin-top-wayne-gretzky-record-894-goals|title=Can Alex Ovechkin top Wayne Gretzky's NHL record of 894 goals?|last=|first=|date=12 March 2018|work=ESPN.com|access-date=25 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fancy-stats/wp/2016/01/11/alex-ovechkin-on-track-to-surpass-wayne-gretzky-as-greatest-goal-scorer-ever/|title=Alex Ovechkin on track to surpass Wayne Gretzky as greatest goal scorer ever|last=Greenberg|first=Neil|date=11 January 2016|website=Washington Post|access-date=25 October 2018}}</ref> He's famous<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadspin.com/alex-ovechkins-bullet-one-timers-will-never-get-old-1821638555|title=Alex Ovechkin's Bullet One-Timers Will Never Get Old|last=Theisen|first=Lauren|date=28 December 2017|work=Deadspin|access-date=25 October 2018}}</ref> for his deadly [[One timer|one-timer]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nhlspecialteams.com/blog/2016/2/1/statistically-analyzing-hockeys-one-timer|title=Statistically Analyzing Hockey's One-Timer|last=Parnass|first=Arik|date=2 February 2016|work=Special Teams Project|access-date=25 October 2018}}</ref> which he typically fires from the left faceoff circle<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/ovechkin-at-work-you-know-its-going-there-and-you-still-cant-stop-him/2014/10/08/b78054ec-4d0d-11e4-aa5e-7153e466a02d_story.html|title=Power at play: Alex Ovechkin flexes his one-time shot with man-advantage|last=Prewitt|first=Alex|date=8 October 2014|website=Washington Post|access-date=25 October 2018}}</ref> — an area known as his "office".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2017/03/31/alex-ovechkin-is-busy-scoring-goals-from-his-office-please-hold-all-his-calls/|title=Alex Ovechkin is busy scoring goals from his office. Please hold all his calls.|last=Khurshudyan|first=Isabelle|date=31 March 2017|website=Washington Post|access-date=25 October 2018}}</ref> Former teammate [[Brooks Orpik]] said of his one-timer, "You know it's going there, and you still can't stop him."<ref name=":3" /> Ovechkin proves "the exception rather than the rule when it comes to success" on one-timers, which "can be very difficult to pull off" — involving as they do "taking a hard pass and timing a shot perfectly, when the puck may be rolling or on end, while also aiming at a small net, particularly from far distances."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nhlspecialteams.com/blog/2016/2/1/statistically-analyzing-hockeys-one-timer|title=Statistically Analyzing Hockey's One-Timer|work=Special Teams Project|access-date=21 November 2018}}</ref> |
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[[File:Alexander Ovechkin (5506027424).jpg|thumb|Ovechkin takes a shot during warm-ups before a game in March 2011]] |
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[[File:Alexander Ovechkin 3 2016-03-01.JPG|thumb|Ovechkin waits for the pass for a [[one-timer]] from the inside of the faceoff circle during a game in March 2016]] |
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Ovechkin has been awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy honoring the most valuable player in the league three times (2008, 2009, 2013). Ovechkin's most enduring nickname is "Great 8".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://wtop.com/washington-capitals/2016/01/column-ovechkin-has-always-been-the-great-8/slide/1/|title=Column: Ovechkin has always been the Great 8|last=Warner|first=Jonathan|date=14 January 2016|work=WTOP|access-date=25 October 2018}}</ref>{{refn|group="n"|His nickname "Great 8" refers to the Capitals uniform number he wears.}} |
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{{quote|text=The truth is that we are witnessing one of the most amazing players in NHL history, even if not all of us understand that yet.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2015/11/11/alex-ovechkin-greatness-washington-capitals/75574876/|title=Alex Ovechkin is simply one of the most amazing players in NHL history|last=Allen|first=Kevin|date=11 November 2015|work=USA TODAY|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref>|sign=Kevin Allen|source=''[[USA Today]]'', November 2015}} |
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{{quote|There are so many good players in the league you can find comparables to. Ovie is different than everybody in the league. I could find a lot of guys that are more similar to Sid. Ovie is one of a kind.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/23695108/washington-capitals-brooks-orpik-not-alex-ovechkin-sidney-crosby-comparisons|title=Washington Capitals' Brooks Orpik not into Alex Ovechkin-Sidney Crosby comparisons|date=4 June 2018|first=Greg|last=Wyshynski|work=[[ESPN]]}}</ref>|sign=[[Brooks Orpik]] on Ovechkin vs. [[Sidney Crosby]]|source=[[ESPN]], June 2018}} |
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Ovechkin is widely considered a generational talent and one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2016/03/02/alex-ovechkin-washington-capitals-greatest-nhl-goal-scorers|title=The case for Ovechkin: greatest goal scorer ever|last=Fleming|first=Colin|date=2 March 2016|work=SI.com|access-date=25 October 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025185912/https://www.si.com/nhl/2016/03/02/alex-ovechkin-washington-capitals-greatest-nhl-goal-scorers|url-status=live}}</ref> and the NHL player who stands as having a realistic chance at overtaking [[Wayne Gretzky]] in total career goals (894).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/22669138/nhl-alex-ovechkin-top-wayne-gretzky-record-894-goals|title=Can Alex Ovechkin top Wayne Gretzky's NHL record of 894 goals?|date=12 March 2018|work=ESPN.com|access-date=25 October 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025225522/http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/22669138/nhl-alex-ovechkin-top-wayne-gretzky-record-894-goals|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fancy-stats/wp/2016/01/11/alex-ovechkin-on-track-to-surpass-wayne-gretzky-as-greatest-goal-scorer-ever/|title=Alex Ovechkin on track to surpass Wayne Gretzky as greatest goal scorer ever|last=Greenberg|first=Neil|date=11 January 2016|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=25 October 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025190125/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fancy-stats/wp/2016/01/11/alex-ovechkin-on-track-to-surpass-wayne-gretzky-as-greatest-goal-scorer-ever/|url-status=live}}</ref> Gretzky said himself in April 2019 when asked about it that he wants to be the first one to shake Ovechkin's hand if he were to do so.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2019/05/04/wayne-gretzky-alex-ovechkin-goals-record-washington-capitals/ |title=WAYNE GRETZKY My Goals Record??? |website=tmz.com |publisher=TMZ |author=TMZ Sports |date=4 May 2019 |access-date=29 July 2023 |archive-date=30 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730022842/https://www.tmz.com/2019/05/04/wayne-gretzky-alex-ovechkin-goals-record-washington-capitals/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/wayne-gretzky-alex-ovechkin-goals-record-1.5096364 |title=Wayne Gretzky says Alex Ovechkin 'absolutely' can break his goal record |website=cbcsports.com |publisher=CBC Sports |author=Cole Shelton |date=17 April 2019 |access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref> He is famous<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadspin.com/alex-ovechkins-bullet-one-timers-will-never-get-old-1821638555|title=Alex Ovechkin's Bullet One-Timers Will Never Get Old|last=Theisen|first=Lauren|date=28 December 2017|work=Deadspin|access-date=25 October 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025185951/https://deadspin.com/alex-ovechkins-bullet-one-timers-will-never-get-old-1821638555|url-status=live}}</ref> for his deadly [[One timer|one-timer]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nhlspecialteams.com/blog/2016/2/1/statistically-analyzing-hockeys-one-timer|title=Statistically Analyzing Hockey's One-Timer|last=Parnass|first=Arik|date=2 February 2016|work=Special Teams Project|access-date=25 October 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025225528/http://www.nhlspecialteams.com/blog/2016/2/1/statistically-analyzing-hockeys-one-timer|url-status=live}}</ref> which he typically fires from the left faceoff circle,<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/ovechkin-at-work-you-know-its-going-there-and-you-still-cant-stop-him/2014/10/08/b78054ec-4d0d-11e4-aa5e-7153e466a02d_story.html|title=Power at play: Alex Ovechkin flexes his one-time shot with man-advantage|last=Prewitt|first=Alex|date=8 October 2014|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=25 October 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025190154/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/ovechkin-at-work-you-know-its-going-there-and-you-still-cant-stop-him/2014/10/08/b78054ec-4d0d-11e4-aa5e-7153e466a02d_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> an area known as his "office."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2017/03/31/alex-ovechkin-is-busy-scoring-goals-from-his-office-please-hold-all-his-calls/|title=Alex Ovechkin is busy scoring goals from his office. Please hold all his calls.|last=Khurshudyan|first=Isabelle|date=31 March 2017|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=25 October 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025190118/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2017/03/31/alex-ovechkin-is-busy-scoring-goals-from-his-office-please-hold-all-his-calls/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2006, [[New York Rangers]] forward [[Jaromír Jágr]] expressed admiration for Ovechkin's goal scoring productivity by quoting "All his goals, they are not flukes. Most of the time, he beats guys one-on-one, then you get your highlight".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/25/alex-ovechkin-interview |author=Jon Robinson |website=ign.com |publisher=IGN |title=Alex Ovechkin Interview |date=25 August 2006 |access-date=23 March 2024}}</ref> Teammate [[Brooks Orpik]] said of his one-timer to The Washington Post in October 2014, "You know it's going there, and you still can't stop him."<ref name=":3" /> Ovechkin proves "the exception rather than the rule when it comes to success" on one-timers, which "can be very difficult to pull off," involving as they do "taking a hard pass and timing a shot perfectly, when the puck may be rolling or on end, while also aiming at a small net, particularly from far distances."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nhlspecialteams.com/blog/2016/2/1/statistically-analyzing-hockeys-one-timer|title=Statistically Analyzing Hockey's One-Timer|work=Special Teams Project|access-date=21 November 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025225528/http://www.nhlspecialteams.com/blog/2016/2/1/statistically-analyzing-hockeys-one-timer|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2014, [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] captain [[Steven Stamkos]] said of Ovechkin’s playing style, "He’s a guy that not only uses his skill set, but his physicality, that’s what sets him apart. He’s willing to go to those areas and has one of the best shots in the league."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/steven-stamkos-alex-ovechkin-have-hunger-to-score/2204649/|title=Steven Stamkos, Alex Ovechkin have hunger to score|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|author=Joe Smith|date=31 October 2014|access-date=19 July 2023|archive-date=19 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719120339/https://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/steven-stamkos-alex-ovechkin-have-hunger-to-score/2204649/|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2015, [[Los Angeles Kings]] goaltender [[Jonathan Quick]] quoted Ovechkin's powerful shooting skills by saying "Guys like Ovi shoot it so hard that it's almost like you're a batter in baseball. You see the blur of the puck coming at you in frames."<ref>Quick, Jonathan (29 July 2015). [http://www.theplayerstribune.com/jonathan-quick-kings-snipers/ Elite Snipers 101], theplayerstribune.com; accessed 29 December 2015.</ref> |
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Ovechkin's ability to shoot heavily as a [[Power forward (ice hockey)|power forward]]<ref>Drance, Thomas (4 January 2015). [https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/673118 "Roberto Luongo 'fine' after being steamrolled by Ovechkin"], thescore.com; accessed 3 June 2016.</ref><ref>Stubits, Brian (25 March 2014). [http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24500770/gifs-alex-ovechkin-jack-hillen-collide-in-overtime "GIFS: Alex Ovechkin, Jack Hillen collide in overtime"], cbssports.com; accessed 3 June 2016.</ref><ref>Richards, George (4 January 2015). [http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nhl/florida-panthers/article5417898.html "Florida Panthers’ rally falls short as misery in Washington continues"], miamiherald.com; accessed 3 June 2016.</ref> has been well documented. After clinching the hardest shot title at the 2018 NHL All-Star game skills competition with a 98.8 mph first attempt, he became the only player in the 2018 All Star game to break the century mark — surpassing 100 mph on his second shot<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2018/01/27/alex-ovechkin-has-hardest-shot-at-skills-competition/109882472/|title=Alex Ovechkin has hardest shot at NHL All-Star skills competition|last=|first=|date=27 January 2018|work=USA TODAY|access-date=23 October 2018}}</ref>—stepping "up to plate and delivered a blistering 101.3 MPH blast."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bardown.com/hockey-fans-will-love-marc-andre-fleury-s-comments-on-trying-to-stop-ovechkin-s-one-timer-1.1096383|title=Hockey fans will love Marc-Andre Fleury's comments on trying to stop Ovechkin's one-timer - Article - BARDOWN|date=27 May 2018|work=BARDOWN|access-date=21 November 2018}}</ref> |
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Ovechkin's ability to shoot heavily as a [[Power forward (ice hockey)|power forward]]<ref>Drance, Thomas (4 January 2015). [https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/673118 "Roberto Luongo 'fine' after being steamrolled by Ovechkin"], thescore.com; accessed 3 June 2016.</ref><ref>Stubits, Brian (25 March 2014). [http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24500770/gifs-alex-ovechkin-jack-hillen-collide-in-overtime "GIFS: Alex Ovechkin, Jack Hillen collide in overtime"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219123348/http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24500770/gifs-alex-ovechkin-jack-hillen-collide-in-overtime |date=19 February 2015 }}, cbssports.com; accessed 3 June 2016.</ref><ref>Richards, George (4 January 2015). [http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nhl/florida-panthers/article5417898.html "Florida Panthers’ rally falls short as misery in Washington continues"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219123256/http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nhl/florida-panthers/article5417898.html |date=19 February 2015 }}, miamiherald.com; accessed 3 June 2016.</ref> has been well documented. After clinching the hardest shot title at the [[2018 National Hockey League All-Star Game]] skills competition with a 98.8 mph first attempt, he became the only player in the 2018 All Star game to break the century mark, surpassing 100 mph on his second shot,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2018/01/27/alex-ovechkin-has-hardest-shot-at-skills-competition/109882472/|title=Alex Ovechkin has hardest shot at NHL All-Star skills competition|date=27 January 2018|work=USA TODAY|access-date=23 October 2018|archive-date=23 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023235833/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2018/01/27/alex-ovechkin-has-hardest-shot-at-skills-competition/109882472/|url-status=live}}</ref> stepping "up to plate and delivered a blistering 101.3 MPH blast."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bardown.com/hockey-fans-will-love-marc-andre-fleury-s-comments-on-trying-to-stop-ovechkin-s-one-timer-1.1096383|title=Hockey fans will love Marc-Andre Fleury's comments on trying to stop Ovechkin's one-timer – Article – BARDOWN|date=27 May 2018|work=BARDOWN|access-date=21 November 2018|archive-date=22 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122005551/https://www.bardown.com/hockey-fans-will-love-marc-andre-fleury-s-comments-on-trying-to-stop-ovechkin-s-one-timer-1.1096383|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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{{quote|But I tell you, when you get on the ice with him and you see his shot for the first time, it's crazy. It's so, so hard. When I shoot, I can see my puck. When he shoots ... Oh, come on. Where's the puck?<ref>Kuznetsov, Evgeny (28 December 2015). [http://www.theplayerstribune.com/evgeny-kuznetsov-capitals-russia-hockey/ "How We Play Hockey in Russia"], theplayerstribune.com; accessed 29 December 2015.</ref>|[[Evgeny Kuznetsov]] on Ovechkin, December 2015|}} |
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Ovechkin has been awarded the [[Hart Memorial Trophy]] honoring the most valuable player in the league three times (2008, 2009, 2013). Ovechkin's most enduring nickname is "The Great 8."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://wtop.com/washington-capitals/2016/01/column-ovechkin-has-always-been-the-great-8/slide/1/|title=Column: Ovechkin has always been the Great 8|last=Warner|first=Jonathan|date=14 January 2016|work=WTOP|access-date=25 October 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025190218/https://wtop.com/washington-capitals/2016/01/column-ovechkin-has-always-been-the-great-8/slide/1/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{refn|group="n"|His nickname "Great 8" refers to the Capitals uniform number he wears.}} |
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[[File:Alexander Ovechkin 3 2016-03-01.JPG|thumb|Ovechkin awaits the pass for a [[one-timer]] from the inside of the faceoff circle during a game.]] |
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While Ovechkin has been well known for being a prolific goal-scorer with his powerful shooting skills, he has also been shown to be a proficient passer and setting up goals scored by teammates.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thehockeywriters.com/capitals-ovechkin-criticism-elite-leadership/ |title=Alex Ovechkin Has Become an Elite Leader |author=Ben Little |website=thehockeywriters.com |publisher=The Hockey Writers |date=14 August 2021 |access-date=23 March 2024}}</ref> On 25 January 2018, when Ovechkin recorded his 500th assist on a [[Nicklas Bäckström]] goal in a 4–2 win over the [[Florida Panthers]], then–Capitals head coach [[Barry Trotz]] said after the game, "He's a legendary player. He's getting the points, the goals, the assists. Everybody thinks of Alex as a pure goal-scorer, which he is, and he's got to those numbers hundreds of games before other people have reached that number but you always tend to forget he's a pretty good playmaker as well."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-ovechkin-gets-500th-nhl-assist/c-295295430 |title=Capitals Ovechkin gets 500th assist for Capitals |website=NHL.com |publisher=National Hockey League |author=National Hockey League |date=25 January 2018 |access-date=16 July 2023}}</ref> On 22 October 2018, in a game against the [[Vancouver Canucks]], after Vancouver had pulled their goalie, Ovechkin passed the puck to teammate [[T. J. Oshie]] rather than score the easy [[Hat-trick|hat trick]] for himself since he had scored twice earlier in the game. "[Oshie asked] 'Why did you pass me the puck?'" Ovechkin said. "But he was so wide open and I try to give him pass. Save mine for next time."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/washington-capitals-vancouver-canucks-1.4873981|title=Ovechkin dominant as Capitals overwhelm Canucks {{!}} CBC Sports|last=Karstens-Smith|first=Gemma|date=23 October 2018|work=CBC|access-date=23 October 2018|archive-date=23 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023051241/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/washington-capitals-vancouver-canucks-1.4873981|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcsportswashington.com/nhl/the-goal-that-no-one-wanted-alex-ovechkin-gives-up-hat-trick-to-set-up-t-j-oshie/305766/ |title=The goal that no one wanted: Alex Ovechkin gives up hat trick to set up T.J. Oshie |website=nbcswashington.com |publisher=nbcswashington |author=J.J. Regan |date=23 October 2018 |access-date=6 July 2023 |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162208/https://www.nbcsportswashington.com/nhl/the-goal-that-no-one-wanted-alex-ovechkin-gives-up-hat-trick-to-set-up-t-j-oshie/305766/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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{{quote|Guys like Ovi shoot it so hard that it's almost like you're a batter in baseball. You see the blur of the puck coming at you in frames.<ref>Quick, Jonathan (29 July 2015). [http://www.theplayerstribune.com/jonathan-quick-kings-snipers/ Elite Snipers 101], theplayerstribune.com; accessed 29 December 2015.</ref>|[[Jonathan Quick]], July 2015}} |
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Ovechkin has also been recognized for showing opposing players respect and admiration for either returning to their team after overcoming hard obstacles off the ice or by their performance on the ice.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://novacapsfans.com/2022/04/17/alex-ovechkin-and-lars-eller-welcome-carey-price-back-to-nhl-after-stint-in-residential-treatment-facility-for-substance-use/ |title=Alex Ovechkin And Lars Eller Welcome Carey Price Back To NHL After Stint In Residential Treatment Facility For Substance Use |author=Jon Sorensen |website=novacapsfans.com |publisher=NOVACAPSFANS |date=16 April 2022 |access-date=23 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/alex-ovechkin-greets-kris-letang-pittsburgh-penguins-washington-capitals |author=Nick Horwat |title=Alex Ovechkin Greets Kris Letang Prior to Penguins vs Capitals |website=thehockeynews.com |publisher=The Hockey News |date=27 January 2023 |access-date=23 March 2024}}</ref> For example, In a game against the [[Montreal Canadiens]] on 19 November 2018, early in to the [[2018–19 NHL season|2018–19 season]], Canadiens goaltender [[Carey Price]] made a sprawling stop on Ovechkin’s signature left circle slapshot in the dying seconds of the third period with both teams tied 4–4 and once he covered up the puck he skated over to Price and applauded him for his effort in denying him a hat trick and the game winner.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bardown.com/alex-ovechkin-applauded-and-high-fived-carey-price-after-he-robbed-him-of-a-game-winning-goal-1.1212858 |author=Barstool Staff |website=bardwown.com |title=Ovechkjn applauded and high-fived Carey Price after he robbed him of a game-winning goal |publisher=Bardown |date=19 November 2018 |access-date=18 January 2024}}</ref> The Capitals would go on to defeat the Canadiens in OT 5–4 with former Canadien [[Lars Eller]] scoring the winning goal for the Capitals but if Ovechkin had scored it would’ve been a regulation 5–4 win for the Capitals and a hat trick for Ovechkin himself since he already had two goals earlier in that same game.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bardown.com/alex-ovechkin-applauded-and-high-fived-carey-price-after-he-robbed-him-of-a-game-winning-goal-1.1212858 |author=Barstool Staff |website=bardwown.com |title=Ovechkjn applauded and high-fived Carey Price after he robbed him of a game-winning goal |publisher=Bardown |date=19 November 2018 |access-date=31 May 2024}}</ref> Also, in a game against the Montreal Canadiens on 16 April 2022, towards the end of the [[2021–22 NHL season|2021–22 season]], Ovechkin showed respect and admiration for Canadiens goaltender Price by giving him a fist bump from across their respective benches during a stoppage of play. The Canadiens game previous day against the [[New York Islanders]] was Price’s first game back from a knee injury he sustained the previous summer in the [[2021 Stanley Cup Finals]] against the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] in which Price and the Canadiens lost the series in five games and had multiple setbacks in his recovery that was also followed by a brief stint in the NHL Players Assistance Program to get help with his mental health after coming forward about his struggles from [[alcoholism |alcohol abuse]]. When asked about this welcome back gesture in a post-game interview, Ovechkin responded by saying "Obviously, he's one of the best players in the league. He was in a tough situation. He's a warrior and good for him, his organization, his family and the game of hockey."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/alex-ovechkin-welcomes-carey-price-back-to-the-nhl |author=Jonathan Larrievee |publisher=Hockey Feed |website=hockeyfeed.com |title=Alex Ovechkin welcomes Carey Price back to the NHL |date=15 April 2022 |access-date=18 January 2024}}</ref> |
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{{quote|When he gets to the left faceoff circle, good luck to the opposing goaltender. He still is one of the most dangerous players with the puck on the rush and in the high-slot. His one-timer is still the best in the league.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://lastwordonhockey.com/2017/12/27/appreciating-greatness-ageless-wonder-alex-ovechkin/|title=Appreciating the Greatness of the Ageless Wonder Alex Ovechkin|last=Jacquez|first=Joe|date=27 December 2017|work=Last Word on Hockey|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref>|Joe Jacquez|''Last Word on Hockey'', December 2017}} |
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The Capitals' morning skate ritually begins with Ovechkin "sprinting around the rink, a solo lap to the sound of sticks tapping from his teammates." Once he's made it all the way around, the rest of the team jumps onto the ice to join him.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/05/13/2018-nhl-playoffs-capitals-lightning-game-2-analysis/|title=Capitals-Lightning Game 2: Washington crushes Tampa, takes 2–0 series lead back to D.C.|last1=Khurshudyan|first1=Isabelle|date=13 May 2018|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=14 May 2018|last2=Pell|first2=Samantha|issn=0190-8286|last3=Allen|first3=Scott|last4=Greenberg|first4=Neil|archive-date=13 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513224158/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/05/13/2018-nhl-playoffs-capitals-lightning-game-2-analysis/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin is known as a durable player, losing little time to injuries, illnesses, or suspensions. After being struck on the foot by a teammate's wrist shot during an 26 October 2006 practice in Vancouver, he "crumpled to the ice and had to be helped to the locker room." Exhibiting no ill effects in practice the next day, Ovechkin famously told reporters, "I'm okay; Russian machine never breaks."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/26/AR2006102601518.html|title=Caps' 'Russian Machine' Fine After Puck Hits Foot|journal=The Washington Post and Times-Herald|last=El-Bashir|first=Tarik|date=27 October 2006|access-date=7 June 2018|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=5 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605215301/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/26/AR2006102601518.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In an October 2018 game against the [[Vancouver Canucks|Canucks]], after Vancouver had pulled their goalie, Ovechkin passed the puck to teammate T. J. Oshie rather than score the easy [[Hat-trick|hat trick]] for himself. "[Oshie asked] 'Why you pass me the puck?'" Ovechkin said. "But he was so wide open and I try to give him pass. Save mine for next time."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/washington-capitals-vancouver-canucks-1.4873981|title=Ovechkin dominant as Capitals overwhelm Canucks {{!}} CBC Sports|last=Karstens-Smith|first=Gemma|date=23 October 2018|work=CBC|access-date=23 October 2018}}</ref> |
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Late in the [[2008–09 NHL season|2008–09 season]], Ovechkin garnered some criticism over his exuberant after-goal celebrations. On 28 February 2009, during a segment of ''[[Hockey Night in Canada]]'''s Coach's Corner, Canadian hockey analyst [[Don Cherry (ice hockey)|Don Cherry]] likened Ovechkin's celebrations of jumping into the boards and his teammates to that of soccer players, concluding that this was not the Canadian way and advising Canadian kids to ignore Ovechkin's example. Then–Capitals head coach [[Bruce Boudreau]] came to Ovechkin's defence, stating Cherry "doesn't know Alex like we know Alex", and Ovechkin himself stated that he "doesn't care" about Cherry.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/don-t-care-about-cherry-ovechkin-1.836098|title='Don't care' about Cherry: Ovechkin|date=1 March 2009|access-date=20 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307033813/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2009/03/01/hockey-cherry-boudreau.html|archive-date=7 March 2009|url-status=live|publisher=[[CBC Sports]]}}</ref> The next notable incident happened on 19 March 2009, in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After scoring his 50th goal of the season, Ovechkin put his stick on the ice, pretending to warm his hands over it because it was "hot." The incident sparked an immediate response from then-Tampa Bay head coach [[Rick Tocchet]], who said that "[Ovechkin] went down a notch in my books." Boudreau had also stated that he would discuss the incident with Ovechkin, and then-teammate [[Mike Green (ice hockey, born 1985)|Mike Green]], despite being the first to celebrate with Ovechkin afterwards, commented that he did not wish to join in the pre-meditated celebration.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=271894&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_nhl%27|title=Ovechkin Scores 50th goal of the Season in Caps' Win|date=20 March 2009|access-date=20 March 2009|agency=[[Canadian Press]]|archive-date=16 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090516015216/http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=271894&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_nhl%27|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ovechkin himself was unapologetic, and said about Don Cherry in particular, "He's going to be pissed off for sure...I love it!".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bryanafloyd.blogspot.com/2009/03/quest-for-fire-ends-at-hockey-supremacy.html|title=The Quest For Fire Ends at Hockey Supremacy|date=25 March 2009|access-date=28 December 2010|archive-date=8 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708025944/http://bryanafloyd.blogspot.com/2009/03/quest-for-fire-ends-at-hockey-supremacy.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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The Capitals' morning skate ritually begins with captain Ovechkin "sprinting around the rink, a solo lap to the sound of sticks tapping from his teammates." Once he's made it all the way around, the rest of the team jumps onto the ice to join him.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/05/13/2018-nhl-playoffs-capitals-lightning-game-2-analysis/|title=Capitals-Lightning Game 2: Washington crushes Tampa, takes 2-0 series lead back to D.C.|last=Khurshudyan|first=Isabelle|date=13 May 2018|work=Washington Post|access-date=14 May 2018|last2=Pell|first2=Samantha|issn=0190-8286|last3=Allen|first3=Scott|last4=Greenberg|first4=Neil}}</ref> Ovechkin is known as a durable player, losing little time to injuries. After being struck on the foot by a teammate's wrist shot during a 2006 game in Vancouver, he "crumpled to the ice and had to be helped to the locker room." Exhibiting no ill effects in practice the next day, Ovechkin famously told reporters, "I'm okay; Russian machine never breaks."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/26/AR2006102601518.html|title=Caps' 'Russian Machine' Fine After Puck Hits Foot|journal=The Washington Post and Times-Herald|last=El-Bashir|first=Tarik|date=27 October 2006|access-date=7 June 2018|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> |
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[[File:Secretary Kerry Meets Capitals Star Ovechkin Before Olympics Send-Off (12354241463).jpg|thumb|left|Ovechkin meeting U.S. Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] on 6 February 2014]] |
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Late in the [[2008–09 NHL season|2008–09 season]], Ovechkin garnered some criticism over his exuberant after-goal celebrations. On 28 February 2009, during a segment of ''[[Hockey Night in Canada]]'''s Coach's Corner, Canadian hockey analyst [[Don Cherry]] likened Ovechkin's celebrations of jumping into the boards and his teammates to that of soccer players, concluding that this was not the Canadian way and advising Canadian kids to ignore Ovechkin's example. Capitals coach [[Bruce Boudreau]] came to Ovechkin's defense, stating Cherry "doesn't know Alex like we know Alex", and Ovechkin himself stated that he "doesn't care" about Cherry.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2009/03/01/hockey-cherry-boudreau.html|title='Don't care' about Cherry: Ovechkin|date=1 March 2009|accessdate=20 March 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307033813/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2009/03/01/hockey-cherry-boudreau.html|archivedate=7 March 2009|url-status=live|publisher=[[CBC Sports]]}}</ref> The next notable incident happened on 19 March 2009, in a game against the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]]. After scoring his 50th goal of the season, Ovechkin put his stick on the ice, pretending to warm his hands over it because it was "hot." The incident sparked an immediate response from Tampa Bay coach [[Rick Tocchet]], who said that "[Ovechkin] went down a notch in my books." Boudreau had also stated that he would discuss the incident with Ovechkin, and teammate [[Mike Green (ice hockey, born 1985)|Mike Green]], despite being the first to celebrate with Ovechkin afterwards, commented that he did not wish to join in the pre-meditated celebration.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=271894&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_nhl%27|title=Ovechkin Scores 50th goal of the Season in Caps' Win|date=20 March 2009|accessdate=20 March 2009|agency=[[Canadian Press]]}}</ref> Ovechkin himself was unapologetic, and said about Don Cherry in particular, "He's going to be pissed off for sure...I love it!."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bryanafloyd.blogspot.com/2009/03/quest-for-fire-ends-at-hockey-supremacy.html|title=The Quest For Fire Ends at Hockey Supremacy|date=25 March 2009|accessdate=28 December 2010}}</ref> |
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After using and endorsing [[CCM (ice hockey)|CCM]] equipment for most of his career, Ovechkin made the move to [[Bauer Hockey]] in August 2011 |
After using and endorsing [[CCM (ice hockey)|CCM]] equipment for most of his career, Ovechkin made the move to [[Bauer Hockey]] in August 2011 following a decline in his point production in the [[2010–11 Washington Capitals season|2010–11 season]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ovi-believes-bauer-switch-is-necessary-move/c-587749|title=Ovi believes Bauer switch is necessary move|last1=Masisak|first1=Corey|date=6 September 2011|website=NHL.com|access-date=4 June 2018|archive-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720165523/https://www.nhl.com/news/ovi-believes-bauer-switch-is-necessary-move/c-587749|url-status=live}}</ref> He continued to use Bauer equipment until the Stanley Cup-winning [[2017–18 NHL season|2017–18]] season, when he switched back to CCM.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/hot-start-alex-ovechkin-signs-165853880.html|title=After a hot start, Alex Ovechkin signs with CCM|last1=El-Bashir|first1=Tarik|date=11 October 2017|website=sports.yahoo.com|access-date=4 June 2018|archive-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720135752/https://sports.yahoo.com/hot-start-alex-ovechkin-signs-165853880.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ovechkin currently{{when|date=June 2023}} uses the Ribcor Trigger stick and Super Tacks AS1 skates. |
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==International play== |
==International play== |
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{{MedalTableTop|name = |Alexander Ovechkin Russia vs Latvia 2010.jpg|180px|Ovechkin |
{{MedalTableTop|name = |Alexander Ovechkin Russia vs Latvia 2010.jpg|180px|Ovechkin at the [[Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Men's tournament|2010 Winter Olympics]]}} |
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{{MedalSport| [[ |
{{MedalSport|Men's [[ice hockey]]}} |
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{{MedalCountry|{{ |
{{MedalCountry|{{ih|Russia}}}} |
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{{MedalCompetition|[[Ice Hockey World Championships|World Championships]]}} |
{{MedalCompetition|[[Ice Hockey World Championships|World Championships]]}} |
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{{MedalGold|[[2008 IIHF World Championship|2008 Canada]]|}} |
{{MedalGold|[[2008 IIHF World Championship|2008 Canada]]|}} |
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{{MedalBronze|[[2016 IIHF World Championship|2016 Russia]]|}} |
{{MedalBronze|[[2016 IIHF World Championship|2016 Russia]]|}} |
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{{MedalBronze|[[2019 IIHF World Championship|2019 Slovakia]]|}} |
{{MedalBronze|[[2019 IIHF World Championship|2019 Slovakia]]|}} |
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{{MedalCompetition|[[IIHF World |
{{MedalCompetition|[[IIHF World Junior Championship|World Junior Championships]]}} |
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{{MedalGold|[[2003 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2003 Canada]]|}} |
{{MedalGold|[[2003 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2003 Canada]]|}} |
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{{MedalSilver|[[2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2005 United States]]|}} |
{{MedalSilver|[[2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2005 United States]]|}} |
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{{MedalBronze|[[2003 IIHF World U18 Championships|2003 Russia]]|}} |
{{MedalBronze|[[2003 IIHF World U18 Championships|2003 Russia]]|}} |
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{{MedalBottom}} |
{{MedalBottom}} |
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At the age of 16, Ovechkin |
At the age of 16, Ovechkin played at the 2002 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, where he scored two hat tricks, one against Switzerland and one against the United States, and an assist.<ref>{{harvnb|Cox|Joyce|2010|pp=38–39}}</ref> |
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At the age of 17, when he was selected by Russian coach [[Viktor Tikhonov (ice hockey, born 1930)|Viktor Tikhonov]] to play in the [[Česká Pojišťovna Cup]] EuroTour tournament, Ovechkin became the youngest skater ever to play for the Russian national team. In that tournament, he also became the youngest player ever to score for the national team. He also was selected to play at the [[2002 IIHF World U18 Championships]], in which he amassed 14 goals and four assists in eight games, leading Russia to a silver medal.<ref name="Biography Today, pp.117"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.russianprospects.com/public/tournament.php?tour_id=1 |title=RussianProspects Tournament Coverage: 2002 U18 World Junior Championships (Czech Republic – 04/11/2002-04/21/2002) |publisher=Russianprospects.com | |
At the age of 17, when he was selected by Russian coach [[Viktor Tikhonov (ice hockey, born 1930)|Viktor Tikhonov]] to play in the [[Česká Pojišťovna Cup]] EuroTour tournament, Ovechkin became the youngest skater ever to play for the Russian national team. In that tournament, he also became the youngest player ever to score for the national team. He also was selected to play at the [[2002 IIHF World U18 Championships]], in which he amassed 14 goals and four assists in eight games, leading Russia to a silver medal.<ref name="Biography Today, pp.117"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.russianprospects.com/public/tournament.php?tour_id=1 |title=RussianProspects Tournament Coverage: 2002 U18 World Junior Championships (Czech Republic – 04/11/2002-04/21/2002) |publisher=Russianprospects.com |access-date=15 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823015430/http://www.russianprospects.com/public/tournament.php?tour_id=1 |archive-date=23 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Ovechkin now shares the single tournament goals record with [[Cole Caufield]], who scored as many in seven games at the [[2019 IIHF World U18 Championships]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.quanthockey.com/wjc-u18/en/records/most-goals-in-one-season-by-wjc-u18-players.html |title=QuantHockey – IIHF U18 World Championship records |publisher=QuantHockey.com |access-date=12 May 2019 |archive-date=12 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512172149/https://www.quanthockey.com/wjc-u18/en/records/most-goals-in-one-season-by-wjc-u18-players.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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At the age of 18, Ovechkin was named captain of the junior Russian national team. Russia finished fifth in the tournament. In 2003, the team would go on to win a gold medal in the [[IIHF World |
At the age of 18, Ovechkin was named captain of the junior Russian national team. Russia finished fifth in the tournament. In 2003, the team would go on to win a gold medal in the [[IIHF World Junior Championship|World Junior Championships]]. |
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At the age of 19, Ovechkin was named to the [[Russia men's national ice hockey team|Russian national team]] for the [[2004 World Cup of Hockey]], making him the youngest player to play in the tournament.<ref>"Biography Today", p.117</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Alex Ovechkin healthy, preparing for World Cup|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-healthy-ready-for-world-cup/c-281302378|website=NHL.com| |
At the age of 19, Ovechkin was named to the [[Russia men's national ice hockey team|Russian national team]] for the [[2004 World Cup of Hockey]], making him the youngest player to play in the tournament.<ref>"Biography Today", p.117</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Alex Ovechkin healthy, preparing for World Cup|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-healthy-ready-for-world-cup/c-281302378|website=NHL.com|access-date=16 April 2018|date=9 August 2016|quote=At 19, he was the youngest player in the tournament.|archive-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416200605/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-healthy-ready-for-world-cup/c-281302378|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Also at 19, Ovechkin was named captain of the junior team in the [[2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships]]. The tournament, lasting from 25 December 2004 to 4 January 2005, was Ovechkin's third and last. At the conclusion of the tournament, he had collected seven goals, tied for the tournament lead. His team received the silver medal after losing the gold medal game to Canada on 4 January, and Ovechkin was named the Best Forward of the tournament as well as selected to the tournament All-Star |
Also at 19, Ovechkin was named captain of the junior team in the [[2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships]]. The tournament, lasting from 25 December 2004 to 4 January 2005, was Ovechkin's third and last. At the conclusion of the tournament, he had collected seven goals, tied for the tournament lead. His team received the silver medal after losing the gold medal game to Canada on 4 January, and Ovechkin was named the Best Forward of the tournament as well as selected to the tournament All-Star team. In 2005, Ovechkin played in his first [[2005 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|IIHF men's World Championships]]. He scored five goals and three assists, landing eighth in the top scorers list and sharing third place in goal scoring. |
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In 2005, Ovechkin played in his first [[2005 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|IIHF men's World Championships]]. He scored five goals and three assists, landing eighth in the top scorers list and sharing third place in goal scoring. |
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In 2006, Ovechkin played in his first Winter Olympic Games. Although Russia came away from the games without a medal, Ovechkin scored five goals in the tournament, including the game-winner against Canada's [[Martin Brodeur]], eliminating Canada from the tournament. Ovechkin was the only player not on the Swedish (gold medal winners) or Finnish (silver medal winners) teams to be named to the all-tournament team. |
In 2006, Ovechkin played in his first Winter Olympic Games. Although Russia came away from the games without a medal, Ovechkin scored five goals in the tournament, including the game-winner against Canada's [[Martin Brodeur]], eliminating Canada from the tournament. Ovechkin was the only player not on the Swedish (gold medal winners) or Finnish (silver medal winners) teams to be named to the all-tournament team. |
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At the [[2006 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2006 IIHF World Championships]], Ovechkin scored six goals and three assists (nine points) in seven games before Russia lost 4–3 to the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals. For his efforts, Ovechkin was one of six players selected to the Media All-Star |
At the [[2006 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2006 IIHF World Championships]], Ovechkin scored six goals and three assists (nine points) in seven games before Russia lost 4–3 to the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals. For his efforts, Ovechkin was one of six players selected to the Media All-Star team. |
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At the [[2008 IIHF World Championships]], Ovechkin helped lead Russia to the gold medal by finishing with 12 points (six goals, six assists) in nine games. He was selected to the Media All-Star |
At the [[2008 IIHF World Championships]], Ovechkin helped lead Russia to the gold medal by finishing with 12 points (six goals, six assists) in nine games. He was selected to the Media All-Star team for the second time in five tournament appearances. |
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[[File: |
[[File:OvechkinKuba2010WinterOlympics.jpg|thumb|left|Ovechkin with the [[Russian national men's ice hockey team]] skates the puck forward during the [[2010 Winter Olympics]]]] |
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In the [[2010 Winter Olympics]], Ovechkin and Team Russia were one of the |
In the [[2010 Winter Olympics]], Ovechkin and Team Russia were one of the favorites to win the Gold Medal. Despite high expectations, Russia lost to Canada 7–3 in the quarterfinals. Ovechkin finished with two goals and two assists in Russia's four games.<ref>{{cite web |author=Pierre LeBrunNHLFollowArchive |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/winter/2010/icehockey/columns/story?columnist=lebrun_pierre&id=4944674 |title=2010 Winter Olympics – Alex Ovechkin and Russia collapse mightily in Vancouver |work=ESPN |date=25 February 2010 |access-date=15 April 2012 |archive-date=12 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812004231/http://sports.espn.go.com/olympics/winter/2010/icehockey/columns/story?columnist=lebrun_pierre&id=4944674 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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After being eliminated in the first round of the NHL playoffs, Ovechkin joined Russia for the [[2010 IIHF World Championship]]s along with many other Russian stars, such as [[Evgeni Malkin]], [[Pavel Datsyuk]] and [[Ilya Kovalchuk]]. Despite being heavily |
After being eliminated in the first round of the NHL playoffs, Ovechkin joined Russia for the [[2010 IIHF World Championship]]s along with many other Russian stars, such as [[Evgeni Malkin]], [[Pavel Datsyuk]] and [[Ilya Kovalchuk]]. Despite being heavily favored to win the tournament, Russia lost to the Czech Republic in the finals. |
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Ovechkin also joined the Russian team for the [[2011 IIHF World Championship]]s after the Capitals were eliminated from the [[2011 Stanley Cup playoffs|NHL playoffs]]. He played in five games for the Russian team, but did not manage to score any points, the first time he failed to score any points in a World Championship tournament. |
Ovechkin also joined the Russian team for the [[2011 IIHF World Championship]]s after the Capitals were eliminated from the [[2011 Stanley Cup playoffs|NHL playoffs]]. He played in five games for the Russian team, but did not manage to score any points, the first time he failed to score any points in a World Championship tournament. |
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In the [[2014 Winter Olympics]], Ovechkin represented Russia under enormous pressure as the tournament was hosted on home ice in [[Sochi]]. Russia lost to arch-rivals Finland 3–1 in the quarter-final round. |
In the [[2014 Winter Olympics]], Ovechkin represented Russia under enormous pressure as the tournament was hosted on home ice in [[Sochi]]. Russia lost to arch-rivals Finland 3–1 in the quarter-final round. |
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Ovechkin participated in the [[2014 IIHF World Championship]]s where Russia won gold. After the tournament, he asked [[Vladimir Putin]] to reward the Russian hockey team on an equal basis with the [[2014 Winter Olympics|2014 Olympic]] champions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Овечкин попросил Путина подарить хоккеистам сборной России автомобили за победу на чемпионате мира|url=https://www.sports.ru/hockey/1020876899.html|website=sports.ru| |
Ovechkin participated in the [[2014 IIHF World Championship]]s where Russia won gold. After the tournament, he asked [[Vladimir Putin]] to reward the Russian hockey team on an equal basis with the [[2014 Winter Olympics|2014 Olympic]] champions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Овечкин попросил Путина подарить хоккеистам сборной России автомобили за победу на чемпионате мира|url=https://www.sports.ru/hockey/1020876899.html|website=sports.ru|access-date=13 March 2018|language=ru-RU|date=12 March 2014|archive-date=15 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215055349/https://www.sports.ru/hockey/1020876899.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=ЧЕМПИОНАТ МИРА|url=https://www.sport-express.ru/hockey/world/news/692433/|website=sport-express.ru|date=27 May 2014|access-date=13 March 2018|language=ru-RU|archive-date=5 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305232446/http://www.sport-express.ru/hockey/world/news/692433/|url-status=live}}</ref> That was criticized as the World Championship was considered insignificant compared to Olympic gold, which Russia had failed to win earlier that year in Sochi.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bullitt|first1=Rud|title="Дольше Путина он любит только Америку". Навальный против Овечкина|url=https://www.sports.ru/tribuna/blogs/rudnev/1467880.html|website=sports.ru|access-date=13 March 2018|language=ru-RU|date=10 November 2017|archive-date=15 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215000547/https://www.sports.ru/tribuna/blogs/rudnev/1467880.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He also joined the Russian team late in the [[2015 IIHF World Championship]]s, where Russia won the silver medal. |
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==Off the ice== |
==Off the ice== |
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Ovechkin was the cover athlete of [[2K Sports]] hockey simulation video game ''[[NHL 2K10]]'', as well as the cover athlete of [[EA Sports]]' ''[[NHL 07]] and [[NHL 21]]''. On 11 June 2008, Ovechkin launched his own line of designer [[streetwear]] with [[CCM (ice hockey)|CCM]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2008/29/c5651.html |title=CNW Group | Reebok-CCM Hockey | Media Alert/Photo Opportunity – NHL Superstar Alexander Ovechkin and CCM Bring Together Sports and Style at Official Launch of New Designer Str |publisher=Newswire.ca |access-date=15 April 2012 |archive-date=17 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917133418/http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2008/29/c5651.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 6 July 2009, Ovechkin was named an ambassador for the [[2014 Winter Olympics]] in [[Sochi]], Russia.<ref>{{cite news|title=Brief|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=7 July 2009|page=S6|quote=Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin...will serve as an "official ambassador" for the 2014 Sochi Games, officials said yesterday.}}</ref> In late 2009, he was named ''[[GQ]]'''s 48th most powerful person in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gq.com/news-politics/politics/200911/50-most-powerful-people-in-dc#slide=48=|title=The 50 Most Powerful People in D.C.|date=November 2009|magazine=GQ|access-date=9 September 2017|archive-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610225933/http://www.gq.com/news-politics/politics/200911/50-most-powerful-people-in-dc#slide=48=|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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[[File:Alexander Ovechkin on September 16, 2011.jpg|thumb|upright|On 16 September 2011, Ovechkin threw out the [[ceremonial first pitch]] for a [[Baltimore Orioles]] game at [[Oriole Park at Camden Yards|Camden Yards]].]] |
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Ovechkin was the cover athlete of [[2K Sports]] hockey simulation video game ''[[NHL 2K10]]'', as well as the cover athlete of [[EA Sports]]' ''[[NHL 07]]''. On 11 June 2008, Ovechkin launched his own line of designer [[streetwear]] with [[CCM (ice hockey)|CCM]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2008/29/c5651.html |title=CNW Group | Reebok-CCM Hockey | Media Alert/Photo Opportunity – NHL Superstar Alexander Ovechkin and CCM Bring Together Sports and Style at Official Launch of New Designer Str |publisher=Newswire.ca |accessdate=15 April 2012}}</ref> On 6 July 2009, Ovechkin was named an ambassador for the [[2014 Winter Olympics]] in [[Sochi]], Russia.<ref>{{cite news|title=Brief|newspaper=The Toronto Star|date=7 July 2009|page=S6|quote=Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin...will serve as an "official ambassador" for the 2014 Sochi Games, officials said yesterday.}}</ref> In late 2009, he was named ''[[GQ]]'''s 48th most powerful person in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gq.com/news-politics/politics/200911/50-most-powerful-people-in-dc#slide=48=|title=The 50 Most Powerful People in D.C.|date=November 2009|magazine=GQ}}</ref> |
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On 4 January 2011, halfway into the 2010–11 season, Ovechkin was featured in one of [[ESPN]]'s ''[[This is SportsCenter]]'' commercials, in which he laughed off a question by ESPN personality [[Steve Levy]] accusing him of being a Russian spy before being pulled upward by a line through an open ceiling tile by countryman and then-Capitals teammate [[Semyon Varlamov]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/04/alex-ovechkin-sportscenter-commercial_n_804331.html|title=Alex Ovechkin's New SportsCenter Commercial: Capitals Star Pretends To Be Russian Spy (VIDEO)|work=[[The Huffington Post]]|date=4 January 2011|access-date=2 January 2013|first=Michael|last=Klopman|archive-date=13 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313022258/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/04/alex-ovechkin-sportscenter-commercial_n_804331.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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[[File:The 2018 Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals (33598201908).jpg|thumb|Ovechkin and United States President [[Donald Trump]] at a White House ceremony celebrating the Capitals' Stanley Cup championship, March 2019]] |
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Ovechkin is a dedicated car enthusiast, owning many fine automobiles, such as a [[Mercedes-Benz SL-Class|Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG]] Black Series and a custom [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class|Mercedes S63]] AMG.{{Citation needed|date=June 2018}} In January 2015, at the [[2015 NHL All-Star Game]], Ovechkin lobbied [[Honda]] for a new car, and brought an element of fun silliness to the "draft" where he was chosen third to last; the last two players selected, [[Ryan Nugent-Hopkins]] and [[Filip Forsberg]], each received a new car, but Ovechkin would not give up. When Honda representatives asked his agent why he wanted a car so badly, they were told that he planned to donate it to the American Special Hockey Association, and at the end of the event, he was handed the keys to a new [[Honda Accord (ninth generation)|Honda Accord]]. That Accord was auctioned off, and the proceeds used to benefit the charity Ovechkin highlighted and brought attention to with his antics.<ref>{{cite web|author=Adam Vignan|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=752542|title=Capitals captain Ovechkin donates new car to charity|access-date=9 February 2015|archive-date=10 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210021322/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=752542|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Following the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup victory, Ovechkin participated in a number of memorable celebrations, including an incident on 9 June 2018, two days after the Capitals' victory, where he and teammates [[T. J. Oshie]], [[Braden Holtby]], [[Lars Eller]] and [[Tom Wilson (ice hockey)|Tom Wilson]] swam in the fountains at the [[Georgetown (Washington, D.C.)|Georgetown]] waterfront with the Cup.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 February 2019 |title='Ok, let's do it, we're champions': Alex Ovechkin on being convinced to swim in fountains after winning Stanley Cup |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2019/02/26/ok-lets-do-it-were-champions-alex-ovechkin-on-being-convinced-to-swim-in-fountains-after-winning-stanley-cup/ |access-date=18 June 2019 |website=russianmachineneverbreaks.com |archive-date=23 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523195426/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2019/02/26/ok-lets-do-it-were-champions-alex-ovechkin-on-being-convinced-to-swim-in-fountains-after-winning-stanley-cup/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The summer of 2018 was dubbed by the Washington media as "The Summer of Ovi."<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 September 2018 |title=Remembering the Summer of Ovi and the Caps |url=https://wtop.com/washington-capitals/2018/09/remembering-the-summer-of-ovi-and-the-caps/ |access-date=18 June 2019 |website=WTOP |archive-date=23 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123210117/https://wtop.com/washington-capitals/2018/09/remembering-the-summer-of-ovi-and-the-caps/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Ovechkin is a dedicated car enthusiast, owning many fine automobiles, such as a [[Mercedes-Benz SL-Class|Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG]] Black Series and a custom [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class|Mercedes S63]] AMG.{{Citation needed|date=June 2018}} At the [[2015 NHL All-Star Game]], Ovechkin lobbied [[Honda]] for a new car, and brought an element of fun silliness to the "draft" where he was chosen third to last; the last two players selected, [[Ryan Nugent-Hopkins]] and [[Filip Forsberg]], each received a new car, but Ovechkin would not give up. When Honda representatives asked his agent why he wanted a car so badly, they were told that he planned to donate it to the American Special Hockey Association, and at the end of the event, he was handed the keys to a new [[Honda Accord]]. That Accord was auctioned off, and the proceeds used to benefit the charity Ovechkin highlighted and brought attention to with his antics.<ref>{{cite web|author=Adam Vignan|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=752542&navid=nhl:topheads|title=Capitals captain Ovechkin donates new car to charity}}</ref> |
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Ovechkin is a keen [[Association football|football]] fan and an avid supporter of [[Liverpool F.C.]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 September 2018 |title=Capitals get some quality time with Premier League Trophy |website=NHL |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-pose-with-premier-league-trophy/c-300453526 |access-date=22 January 2021 |archive-date=29 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129204815/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-pose-with-premier-league-trophy/c-300453526 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2021, he was reportedly also an investor in the [[Washington Spirit]], a professional team in the [[National Women's Soccer League]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 May 2021 |title=Ovechkin becoming investor in NWSL's Spirit |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/31415661/washington-capitals-star-alex-ovechkin-becoming-investor-nwsl-washington-spirit |access-date=12 May 2021 |archive-date=9 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509130745/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/31415661/washington-capitals-star-alex-ovechkin-becoming-investor-nwsl-washington-spirit |url-status=live }}</ref> but [[Sportico]] reported in June 2022 that he might not have formally completed the process to acquire the stake, and that even if he had, it was unclear whether he retained his stake after the club was sold in February 2022.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2022/capitals-alex-ovechkin-washington-spirit-investment-1234680026/ |title=Alex Ovechkin's Touted NWSL D.C. Buy In, Payout Never Came to Be |date=30 June 2022 |access-date=5 April 2023 |work=[[Sportico]] |first1=Emily |last1=Caron |first2=Eben |last2=Novy-Williams |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406013349/https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2022/capitals-alex-ovechkin-washington-spirit-investment-1234680026/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2022, he signed a one-game contract with [[FC Dynamo Moscow]], the club his father played for, in a friendly against FC Amkal Moscow.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2022-06-24 |title=Alex Ovechkin signs one-day contract with Dynamo Moscow to play in a soccer game |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2022/06/24/alex-ovechkin-signs-one-day-contract-with-dynamo-moscow-to-play-in-a-soccer-game/ |access-date=2022-06-25 |website=RMNB |archive-date=25 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625204600/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2022/06/24/alex-ovechkin-signs-one-day-contract-with-dynamo-moscow-to-play-in-a-soccer-game/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He wore the number 3 jersey in honor of his father, who wore the number when he played football for the club.<ref name=":0" /> Ovechkin scored a goal in the match.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-25 |title=Extremely excited Alex Ovechkin scores goal in Dynamo Moscow soccer game |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2022/06/25/extremely-excited-alex-ovechkin-scores-goal-in-dynamo-moscow-soccer-game/ |access-date=2022-06-25 |website=RMNB |archive-date=25 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625204545/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2022/06/25/extremely-excited-alex-ovechkin-scores-goal-in-dynamo-moscow-soccer-game/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Ovechkin said: "I have a good relationship with Russians and with Americans. So, I'm neutral."<ref>{{cite news |title=Alex Ovechkin on being a Russian living in Washington area: 'I'm neutral' |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/01/17/alex-ovechkin-donald-trump-president-politics/96664318/ |work=USA Today |date=17 January 2017}}</ref> In November 2017 Ovechkin started a movement called [[PutinTeam]] in support of Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] during the [[2018 Russian presidential election]] with the support of Russian actors, sportsmen, musicians and NHL players including [[Evgeni Malkin]], [[Ilya Kovalchuk]] and others.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/penguins/2017/11/17/penguins-evgeni-malkin-joins-vladimir-putin-team/873638001/|title=Penguins' Evgeni Malkin joins 'Putin Team'|last1=Gleeson|first1=Scott|date=17 November 2017|accessdate=30 May 2018|newspaper=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/alex-ovechkin-is-one-of-putins-biggest-fans-the-question-is-why/2017/11/25/c5f8bb2e-ce36-11e7-9d3a-bcbe2af58c3a_story.html|title=Alex Ovechkin is one of Putin's biggest fans. The question is, why?|last1=Maese|first1=Rick|last2=Khurshudyan|first2=Isabelle|date=25 November 2017|website=www.washingtonpost.com|publisher=Washington Post|access-date=26 November 2017|quote=|last3=Roth|first3=Andrew}}</ref> Of his participation in PutinTeam, Ovechkin said: |
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Ovechkin has appeared in three films: ''Zaytsev, zhgi! Istoriya shoumena'' (2010) as an actor, and ''NHL: Just Like Me'' (2008) and ''Boys to the Bigs'' (2008) as himself.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alexander Ovechkin |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2307140/bio |access-date=26 October 2018 |website=IMDb |archive-date=1 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201223038/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2307140/bio |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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{{quote|I'm not a politic. I don't know what's happening out there. I know it's a hard situation, but it is what it is. You know, I play here, and this is my second home. I don't want to fight between two countries, because it's going to be a mess.}} |
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===Philanthropy=== |
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PutinTeam was first announced in a 2 November 2017 post on Ovechkin’s Instagram account, which has over one million followers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba_72RJBE8h/ |title=instagram post |last=Ovechkin |first=Alexander |date=2 November 2017 |website=www.instragam.com |publisher=Instagram |access-date=26 November 2017 |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rt.com/sport/410811-putin-team-website-join/ |title=NHL star Ovechkin invites you to join the #Putinteam as website goes up |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=24 November 2017 |website=www.rt.com |publisher=RT |access-date=26 November 2017 |quote=}}</ref> On 23 November, Ovechkin announced on his Instagram that the group's official website had been launched.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}} On the soft launch of the site, visitors were encouraged to sign up for the team, track related news, participate in contests and attend and organize events.<ref name=washingtonpost1/> Ovechkin has claimed that the idea for Putin Team was all his and that the group is non-political in its nature. [[Vedomosti]], a Russian financial newspaper, reported that Kremlin sources have said that [[IMA-Consulting]] were behind the creation of the organization.<ref name="washingtonpost1" /> A Kremlin-supported public-relations firm, IMA-Consulting reportedly holds a $600,000 contract to promote the [[2018 Russian presidential election]]s. The Kremlin spoke in support of the movement after its announcement.<ref name="malkinjoins1">{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/penguins/2017/11/17/penguins-evgeni-malkin-joins-vladimir-putin-team/873638001/ |title=Penguins' Evgeni Malkin joins 'Putin Team' |last=Gleeson |first=Scott |date=17 November 2017 |website=www.usatoday.com |publisher=USA Today |access-date=26 November 2017 |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/capitals/2017/11/03/kremlin-pleased-alex-ovechkin-capitals-support-vladimir-putin-russia/828678001/ |title=Kremlin pleased with Alex Ovechkin's support of Vladimir Putin |last=Gleeson |first=Scott |date=3 November 2017 |website=www.usatoday.com |publisher=USA Today |access-date=26 November 2017 |quote=}}</ref> According to ''The Washington Post'', Ovechkin has a personal relationship with Putin.<ref name="washingtonpost1">{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/alex-ovechkin-is-one-of-putins-biggest-fans-the-question-is-why/2017/11/25/c5f8bb2e-ce36-11e7-9d3a-bcbe2af58c3a_story.html |title=Alex Ovechkin is one of Putin's biggest fans. The question is, why? |last1=Maese |first1=Rick |last2=Khurshudyan |first2=Isabelle |last3=Roth |first3=Andrew |date=25 November 2017 |website=www.washingtonpost.com |publisher=Washington Post |access-date=26 November 2017 |quote=}}</ref> Ovechkin has a personal phone number for Putin and received Putin's present at his 2016 wedding.<ref name="washingtonpost1" /> |
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In 2006, Ovechkin created a program called Ovi's Crazy 8's, a program through which he purchases and donates eight Capitals season tickets to Most Valuable Kids which allows fans who normally wouldn’t have access to tickets the opportunity to attend Capitals home games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://capitalsoutsider.com/2014/12/13/alex-ovechkin-grants-wish/ |title=Alex Ovechkin Grants a Wish |author=Barbra Banks |website=capitalsoutsider.com |publisher=Capitals Outsider |date=13 December 2014 |access-date=23 March 2024}}</ref> As of 2024, more than 5,700 individuals have had a chance to see a game free of charge through this program.<ref name="2024arlnow">{{cite web |url=https://www.arlnow.com/2024/01/11/photos-alex-ovechkin-leads-youth-hockey-clinic-for-kids-with-disabilities/ |title=Photos: Alex Ovechkin leads youth hockey clinic for kids with disabilities |author=James Jarvis |website=arlnow.com |publisher=ARLNOW |date=11 January 2024 |access-date=23 March 2024}}</ref> |
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Since 2014, Ovechkin has been an ambassador for the American Special Hockey Association, a charity which supports individuals with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities and the mission to give them a chance to learn and grow by playing ice hockey.<ref name="2024arlnow" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/article/Ovechkin-hosts-his-seventh-American-Special-Hockey-Association-clinic |title=Ovechkin hosts his seventh American Special Hockey Association clinic |author=Ethan Cadeaux |website=monumentalsprots.com |publisher=Monumental Sports |date=10 January 2024 |access-date=23 March 2024}}</ref> |
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Following the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup victory, Ovechkin would participate in a number of memorable celebrations, including an incident where he and teammates [[T. J. Oshie]], [[Braden Holtby]], [[Lars Eller]] and [[Tom Wilson (ice hockey)|Tom Wilson]] swam in the fountains at the [[Georgetown (Washington, D.C.)|Georgetown]] waterfront with the Cup.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2019/02/26/ok-lets-do-it-were-champions-alex-ovechkin-on-being-convinced-to-swim-in-fountains-after-winning-stanley-cup/|title='Ok, let's do it, we're champions': Alex Ovechkin on being convinced to swim in fountains after winning Stanley Cup|date=26 February 2019|website=russianmachineneverbreaks.com|language=en-US|access-date=18 June 2019}}</ref> The summer after the championship was dubbed by the Washington media as "The Summer of Ovi."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wtop.com/washington-capitals/2018/09/remembering-the-summer-of-ovi-and-the-caps/|title=Remembering the Summer of Ovi and the Caps|date=14 September 2018|website=WTOP|language=en-US|access-date=18 June 2019}}</ref> |
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===Russian politics=== |
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Ovechkin has appeared in three films: Zaytsev, zhgi! Istoriya shoumena (2010) as an actor, NHL: Just Like Me (2008), and Boys to the Bigs (2008).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2307140/bio|title=Alexander Ovechkin|website=IMDb|access-date=26 October 2018}}</ref> |
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In January 2017, Ovechkin said: "I have a good relationship with Russians and with Americans. So, I'm neutral."<ref>{{cite news |title=Alex Ovechkin on being a Russian living in Washington area: 'I'm neutral' |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/01/17/alex-ovechkin-donald-trump-president-politics/96664318/ |work=USA Today |date=17 January 2017 |access-date=22 December 2018 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112001048/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/01/17/alex-ovechkin-donald-trump-president-politics/96664318/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2017, Ovechkin started a movement called [[PutinTeam]] in support of Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] during the [[2018 Russian presidential election]].<ref name="WP">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/alex-ovechkin-is-one-of-putins-biggest-fans-the-question-is-why/2017/11/25/c5f8bb2e-ce36-11e7-9d3a-bcbe2af58c3a_story.html|title=Alex Ovechkin is one of Putin's biggest fans. The question is, why?|last1=Maese|first1=Rick|last2=Khurshudyan|first2=Isabelle|date=25 November 2017|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=26 November 2017|last3=Roth|first3=Andrew|archive-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126050057/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/alex-ovechkin-is-one-of-putins-biggest-fans-the-question-is-why/2017/11/25/c5f8bb2e-ce36-11e7-9d3a-bcbe2af58c3a_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Asked whether it was political, Ovechkin described his actions as a show of support for [[Russia]], "I just support my country, you know? That's where I'm from, my parents live there, all my friends. Like every human from different countries, they support their president. It's not about political stuff."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/11/02/capitals-alex-ovechkin-voices-support-for-vladimir-putin/107273716/ |title=Capitals' Alex Ovechkin voices support for Vladimir Putin |date=2 November 2017 |newspaper=USA Today |access-date=17 September 2020 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109012618/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/11/02/capitals-alex-ovechkin-voices-support-for-vladimir-putin/107273716/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Of his participation in PutinTeam, Ovechkin also said: |
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{{blockquote|I'm not a politic. I don't know what's happening out there. I know it's a hard situation, but it is what it is. You know, I play here, and this is my second home. I don't want to fight between two countries, because it's going to be a mess.<ref name="washingtonpost1">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/alex-ovechkin-is-one-of-putins-biggest-fans-the-question-is-why/2017/11/25/c5f8bb2e-ce36-11e7-9d3a-bcbe2af58c3a_story.html |title=Alex Ovechkin is one of Putin's biggest fans. The question is, why? |last1=Maese |first1=Rick |last2=Khurshudyan |first2=Isabelle |last3=Roth |first3=Andrew |date=25 November 2017 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=26 November 2017 |archive-date=26 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126050057/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/alex-ovechkin-is-one-of-putins-biggest-fans-the-question-is-why/2017/11/25/c5f8bb2e-ce36-11e7-9d3a-bcbe2af58c3a_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>}} |
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==Malkin feud== |
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[[File:Putin Ovechkin.jpg|thumb|left|Ovechkin with [[Vladimir Putin]] during an award ceremony for the Russian national ice hockey team at the [[Grand Kremlin Palace]], May 2014]] |
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Ovechkin was reportedly involved in a feud with [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] forward [[Evgeni Malkin]], who was drafted second behind Ovechkin in the [[2004 NHL Entry Draft]]. Though the two were reported to be good friends when they roomed together during the [[2006 Winter Olympics]] in [[Turin]], Italy, this friendship quickly cooled.<ref name="Ovechkin/Malkin Feud">{{cite web|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_597246.html|title=Ovechkin Malkin Feud Festering|last=Starkey|first=Joe|date=30 November 2008|work=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323090159/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_597246.html|archivedate=23 March 2009|url-status=dead|accessdate=3 February 2009}}</ref> The feud may have started in August 2007 when Ovechkin supposedly punched Malkin's Russian agent, Gennady Ushakov, at a Moscow nightclub. Ovechkin has denied that version of events, while Malkin confirmed it. On 21 January 2008, in Pittsburgh, Ovechkin took a run at Malkin, which would have seemingly resulted in a devastating hit had Malkin not ducked out of the way just in time. The two would also not make eye contact at the 2008 NHL Awards Ceremony. Ovechkin has repeatedly denied "having it out" for Malkin.<ref name="Ovechkin/Malkin Feud" /> |
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PutinTeam was first announced in a 2 November 2017 post on Ovechkin’s Instagram account, which has over one million followers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba_72RJBE8h/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/aleksandrovechkinofficial/1639292003386937121 |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription|title=instagram post |last=Ovechkin |first=Alexander |date=2 November 2017 |website=www.instragam.com |publisher=Instagram |access-date=26 November 2017 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 23 November, Ovechkin announced on his Instagram that the group's official website had been launched.<ref>{{Cite Instagram |postid=Bb2mHX7BZGe |user=aleksandrovechkinofficial |title=Сайт движения Putin Team открыт - www.putinteam.ru! С его помощью вы сможете стать частью огромной команды. Команды Путина, объединяющей людей, которые гордятся страной и хотят сделать Россию сильной. В нашем лидере мы ценим доверие и уважение к людям, справедливость, порядочность и неравнодушие. Все кто поддерживают эти ценности и есть PutinTeam. Если вы хотите вместе с нами участвовать в мероприятиях - присоединяйтесь! Регистрируйтесь на сайте, следите за новостями, будет интересно! Ну и, конечно, делитесь этим постом с друзьями! Добро пожаловать в Putin Team! @putin__team #putinteam |date=23 November 2017 |first=Alexander |last=Ovechkin |access-date=2 June 2024 |language=ru |trans-title=The website of the Putin Team movement is open - www.putinteam.ru! With its help you can become part of a huge team. Putin's team, uniting people who are proud of the country and want to make Russia strong. In our leader we value trust and respect for people, fairness, decency and caring. Everyone who supports these values is PutinTeam. If you want to participate in events with us, join us! Register on the site, follow the news, it will be interesting! And, of course, share this post with your friends! Welcome to Putin Team!}}</ref> On the soft launch of the site, visitors were encouraged to sign up for the team, track related news, participate in contests and attend and organize events.<ref name=washingtonpost1/> Ovechkin has claimed that the idea for PutinTeam was all his and that the group is non-political in its nature. [[Vedomosti]], a Russian financial newspaper, reported that Kremlin sources have said that IMA-Consulting were behind the creation of the organization.<ref name="washingtonpost1" /> A Kremlin-supported public-relations firm, IMA-Consulting reportedly held a $600,000 contract to promote the [[2018 Russian presidential election]]s. The Kremlin spoke in support of the movement after its announcement.<ref name="malkinjoins1">{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/penguins/2017/11/17/penguins-evgeni-malkin-joins-vladimir-putin-team/873638001/ |title=Penguins' Evgeni Malkin joins 'Putin Team' |last=Gleeson |first=Scott |date=17 November 2017 |website=www.usatoday.com |publisher=USA Today |access-date=26 November 2017 |archive-date=23 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123013453/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/penguins/2017/11/17/penguins-evgeni-malkin-joins-vladimir-putin-team/873638001/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/capitals/2017/11/03/kremlin-pleased-alex-ovechkin-capitals-support-vladimir-putin-russia/828678001/ |title=Kremlin pleased with Alex Ovechkin's support of Vladimir Putin |last=Gleeson |first=Scott |date=3 November 2017 |website=www.usatoday.com |publisher=USA Today |access-date=26 November 2017 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201075133/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/capitals/2017/11/03/kremlin-pleased-alex-ovechkin-capitals-support-vladimir-putin-russia/828678001/ |url-status=live }}</ref> According to ''The Washington Post'', Ovechkin has a personal relationship with Putin.<ref name="washingtonpost1" /> Ovechkin has a personal phone number for Putin, who is a big hockey fan, and received a gift from Putin at his 2016 wedding.<ref name="washingtonpost1" /> Ovechkin said that he and Putin don't have much in common: "We talk about hockey and all that stuff. That's it."<ref name="WP"/> |
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On 25 February 2022, following the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russian invasion of Ukraine]], Ovechkin called for peace and no more war without mentioning Russia or Ukraine directly.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/02/25/alex-ovechkin-russia-ukraine-putin/ |title=Alex Ovechkin, the Russian star of the Capitals, says, 'Please, no more war' |newspaper=The Washington Post |last=Pell |first=Samantha |date=25 February 2022 |access-date=15 March 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225231528/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/02/25/alex-ovechkin-russia-ukraine-putin/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.startribune.com/no-war-russian-athletes-rublev-ovechkin-call-for-peace/600150642/|title='No war': Russian athletes Rublev, Ovechkin call for peace|agency=Associated Press|website=Star Tribune|date=25 February 2022|access-date=25 February 2022|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225223943/https://www.startribune.com/no-war-russian-athletes-rublev-ovechkin-call-for-peace/600150642/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In May 2022, he reiterated his support for Putin, as well as retaining the Russian president on his Instagram profile photo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/05/17/alex-ovechkin-putin-ukraine/|title=Alex Ovechkin's situation isn't as simple as Putin is 'my president'|work=Barry Svrluga|publisher=[[The Washington Post]]|date=17 May 2022|access-date=4 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://awinninghabit.com/2022/03/01/ovechkin-sports-outside-world-separate/ |title=Reflecting On Ovechkin: Sports And Outside World Need To Be Separate |website=awinninghabit.com |publisher=A Winning Habit |author=Patrick Lortie |date=1 March 2022 |access-date=15 October 2024}}</ref> |
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The feud raised many concerns as to its effect on the league,<ref name="Ovechkin/Malkin Feud" /> and the Russian national team at the [[2010 Winter Olympics]] in [[Vancouver]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.canadaeast.com/qmjhl/article/article/539330|title=Ovechkin Malkin feud turns nasty|date=14 January 2009|accessdate=3 February 2009|agency=Associated Press}}{{dead link|date=July 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> On 24 January 2009, at the [[NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition|SuperSkills Competition]], Malkin assisted Ovechkin in his stunt during the [[NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition#Breakaway Challenge|Breakaway Challenge]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_608711.html|title=Malkin, Ovechkin put feud to rest|date=25 January 2009|work=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review|accessdate=3 February 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203132149/http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_608711.html|archivedate=3 February 2009|url-status=dead|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Malkin handed Ovechkin his props for the stunt as well as handing him his stick and pouring some sports drink down Ovechkin's throat. Though there is no final word on the nature and status of the feud, considering their past interactions, this incident appears to show that the feud has effectively ended. It has been reported that [[Ilya Kovalchuk]], who was then the [[Atlanta Thrashers]]' captain and is also a teammate of Ovechkin and Malkin on the Russian national team, brokered the peace between the two.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/2009/01/kovalchuk_brokers_ovechkin-mal.html|title=Kovalchuk Brokers Ovechkin-Malkin Peace|date=25 January 2009|work=Washington Post|accessdate=12 February 2009}}</ref> |
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===Feud with Evgeni Malkin=== |
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[[File:2011-10-13 Capitals vs Penguins Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Game.JPG|thumb|[[Evgeni Malkin]] and Ovechkin take a ceremonial face-off with [[Mario Lemieux]] dropping the puck for the face-off in October 2011, nearly three years after their feud had ended]] |
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Ovechkin was involved in a feud with [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] forward [[Evgeni Malkin]], who was drafted second behind Ovechkin in the [[2004 NHL Entry Draft]]. Though the two were reported to be good friends when they roomed together during the [[2006 Winter Olympics]] in [[Turin]], Italy, this friendship quickly saw tension arise.<ref name="Ovechkin/Malkin Feud">{{cite web|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_597246.html|title=Ovechkin Malkin Feud Festering|last=Starkey|first=Joe|date=30 November 2008|work=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323090159/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_597246.html|archive-date=23 March 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=3 February 2009}}</ref> The feud may have started in August 2007 when Ovechkin punched Malkin's Russian agent, Gennady Ushakov, at a Moscow nightclub. Ovechkin has denied that version of events, while Malkin has confirmed it. On 21 January 2008, in Pittsburgh, Ovechkin took a run at Malkin, which would have seemingly resulted in a devastating hit had Malkin not ducked out of the way just in time. The two would also not make eye contact at the 2008 NHL Awards Ceremony. Ovechkin has repeatedly denied "having it out" for Malkin.<ref name="Ovechkin/Malkin Feud" /> In 2009, in an interview with RT, Ovechkin would confirm that the event in which he punched Malkin's agent was true, while also stating "but is okay".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Little |first1=Benjamin |title=Washington Capitals: When Alexander Ovechkin Hit Evgeni Malkin's Agent in the Face |url=https://starsandsticks.com/2020/07/01/washington-capitals-alexander-ovechkin-hit-evgeni-malkins-agent-face/ |website=Stars & Sticks |date=July 2020 |access-date=26 June 2023 |archive-date=26 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626125138/https://starsandsticks.com/2020/07/01/washington-capitals-alexander-ovechkin-hit-evgeni-malkins-agent-face/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The feud raised many concerns as to its effect on the league,<ref name="Ovechkin/Malkin Feud" /> and the Russian national team at the [[2010 Winter Olympics]] in [[Vancouver]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.canadaeast.com/qmjhl/article/article/539330|title=Ovechkin Malkin feud turns nasty|date=14 January 2009|access-date=3 February 2009|agency=Associated Press}}{{dead link|date=July 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> On 24 January 2009, at the [[NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition|SuperSkills Competition]], Malkin assisted Ovechkin in his stunt during the [[NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition#Breakaway Challenge|Breakaway Challenge]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_608711.html|title=Malkin, Ovechkin put feud to rest|date=25 January 2009|work=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review|access-date=3 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203132149/http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_608711.html|archive-date=3 February 2009|url-status=dead|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Malkin handed Ovechkin his props for the stunt as well as handing him his stick and pouring some sports drink down Ovechkin's throat. It has been reported that [[Ilya Kovalchuk]], who was then the [[Atlanta Thrashers]]' captain and a teammate of Ovechkin and Malkin on the Russian national team, brokered the peace between the two.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/2009/01/kovalchuk_brokers_ovechkin-mal.html|title=Kovalchuk Brokers Ovechkin-Malkin Peace|date=25 January 2009|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=12 February 2009|archive-date=7 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007172802/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/2009/01/kovalchuk_brokers_ovechkin-mal.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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Malkin gave a speech at Ovechkin's 35th birthday party in September 2020. The two are reportedly very close friends again, with the feud long in the past.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2020/09/25/evgeni-malkins-kind-speech-for-alex-ovechkin-during-birthday-party/|title=Evgeni Malkin's kind speech for Alex Ovechkin during his birthday party|date=25 September 2020|website=RMNB|access-date=14 May 2022|archive-date=1 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701181553/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2020/09/25/evgeni-malkins-kind-speech-for-alex-ovechkin-during-birthday-party/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Personal life== |
==Personal life== |
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Ovechkin was formerly engaged to [[tennis]] player [[Maria Kirilenko]]. On 21 July 2014, Kirilenko announced that the wedding was called off and that the two were no longer seeing each other.<ref>{{cite news|agency=[[Associated Press]]|url= |
Ovechkin was formerly engaged to [[tennis]] player [[Maria Kirilenko]]. On 21 July 2014, Kirilenko announced that the wedding was called off and that the two were no longer seeing each other.<ref>{{cite news|agency=[[Associated Press]]|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/11242201/maria-kirilenko-ends-engagement-washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin|title=Capitals' Ovechkin Engaged to Tennis Star Kirilenko|publisher=[[The Sports Network]]|date=31 December 2012|access-date=2 January 2013|archive-date=22 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722141255/http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/11242201/maria-kirilenko-ends-engagement-washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin|url-status=live}}</ref> On 11 September 2015, Ovechkin announced his engagement to Nastya Shubskaya, the daughter of Russian actress [[Vera Glagoleva]],<ref>[http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2015/09/11/alex-ovechkin-and-nastya-shubskaya-are-engaged/#more-90292 Alex Ovechkin and Nastya Shubskaya Are Engaged] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915025215/http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2015/09/11/alex-ovechkin-and-nastya-shubskaya-are-engaged/#more-90292 |date=15 September 2015 }}. Russianmachineneverbreaks.com (11 September 2015). Retrieved on 10 January 2016.</ref> whom he subsequently married.<ref>{{cite news|title=NHLer Ovechkin, model Shubskaya announce marriage|url=http://torontosun.com/2016/08/28/nhler-ovechkin-model-shubskaya-announce-marriage-on-twitter/wcm/faef7bd4-8a5d-4201-bd27-d5bbcfd26ce2|access-date=4 April 2017|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=28 August 2017|archive-date=19 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119021821/http://torontosun.com/2016/08/28/nhler-ovechkin-model-shubskaya-announce-marriage-on-twitter/wcm/faef7bd4-8a5d-4201-bd27-d5bbcfd26ce2|url-status=live}}</ref> |
||
Ovechkin and his wife have two children. In August 2018, the couple had a son, whom they named after Ovechkin's late brother.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-shares-news-of-birth-of-son/c-299795388|title=Ovechkin announces birth of baby Sergei|website=NHL.com|date=18 August 2018|access-date=18 August 2018|archive-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819114408/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-shares-news-of-birth-of-son/c-299795388|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2020, the couple had a second son.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, wife Nastya announce birth of second son |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/capitals-star-alex-ovechkin-wife-nastya-announce-birth-of-second-son/ |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=CBSSports.com |date=27 May 2020 |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226171345/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/capitals-star-alex-ovechkin-wife-nastya-announce-birth-of-second-son/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
By June 2021, Ovechkin was studying for and close to obtaining a [[Doctor of Sciences]],<ref name="sovsport.ru">{{cite web |url=https://www.sovsport.ru/hockey/articles/2:995710 |title=Ovechkin is about to settle down. Alexander the Great is going to defend his thesis |date=16 July 2021|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716175722/https://www.sovsport.ru/hockey/articles/2:995710|url-status=live}}</ref> the Russian equivalent of a PhD or higher doctorate.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2015/02/17/dr-ovechkin-tatyana-ovechkina-says-son-alex-will-soon-have-advanced-degree/|title=Dr. Ovechkin? Tatyana Ovechkina Says Son Alex Will Soon Have Advanced Degree|date=17 February 2015|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=13 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413045626/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2015/02/17/dr-ovechkin-tatyana-ovechkina-says-son-alex-will-soon-have-advanced-degree/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin's field of study is [[Pedagogy|Pedagogical Sciences]].<ref name="sovsport.ru"/> |
|||
==Career statistics== |
==Career statistics== |
||
===Regular season and playoffs=== |
===Regular season and playoffs=== |
||
<!-- DO NOT UPDATE STATS DURING THE SEASON. This is not meant to be an up to date stats database and it clutters up the edit history--> |
|||
<small>'''Bold''' indicates led league</small> |
<small>'''Bold''' indicates led league</small> |
||
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:60em" |
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:60em" |
||
|- |
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" |
||
! colspan="3" |
! colspan="3" bgcolor="#ffffff"| |
||
! rowspan=" |
! rowspan="100" bgcolor="#ffffff"| |
||
! colspan="5"|[[Regular season]] |
! colspan="5"|[[Regular season]] |
||
! rowspan=" |
! rowspan="100" bgcolor="#ffffff"| |
||
! colspan="5"|[[Playoffs]] |
! colspan="5"|[[Playoffs]] |
||
|- |
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" |
||
! [[Season (sports)|Season]] |
! [[Season (sports)|Season]] |
||
! Team |
! Team |
||
! League |
! League |
||
! GP !! [[Goal (ice hockey)|G]] !! [[Assist (ice hockey)|A]] !! [[Point (ice hockey)|Pts]] !! [[Penalty (ice hockey)|PIM]] |
|||
! GP |
|||
! GP !! G !! A !! Pts !! PIM |
|||
! [[Goal (ice hockey)|G]] |
|||
! [[Assist (ice hockey)|A]] |
|||
! [[Point (ice hockey)|Pts]] |
|||
! [[Penalty (ice hockey)|PIM]] |
|||
! GP |
|||
! G |
|||
! A |
|||
! Pts |
|||
! PIM |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| 2001–02 |
| 2001–02 |
||
| Dynamo |
| Dynamo Moscow-2 |
||
| [[Supreme Hockey League Championship|RUS-3]] |
|||
| RUS-3 |
|||
| 19 || 18 || 8 || 26 || 20 |
| 19 || 18 || 8 || 26 || 20 |
||
| — || — || — || — || — |
| — || — || — || — || — |
||
|- |
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
||
| 2001–02 |
| [[2001–02 Russian Superleague season|2001–02]] |
||
| [[HC Dynamo Moscow|Dynamo Moscow]] |
| [[HC Dynamo Moscow|Dynamo Moscow]] |
||
| [[Russian Superleague|RSL]] |
| [[Russian Superleague|RSL]] |
||
Line 279: | Line 251: | ||
| 3 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |
| 3 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| 2002–03 |
| [[2002–03 Russian Superleague season|2002–03]] |
||
| Dynamo Moscow |
| Dynamo Moscow |
||
| RSL |
| RSL |
||
| 40 || 8 || 7 || 15 || 29 |
| 40 || 8 || 7 || 15 || 29 |
||
| 5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 |
| 5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 |
||
|- |
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
||
| 2003–04 |
| [[2003–04 Russian Superleague season|2003–04]] |
||
| Dynamo Moscow |
| Dynamo Moscow |
||
| RSL |
| RSL |
||
Line 291: | Line 263: | ||
| 3 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 |
| 3 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| 2004–05 |
| [[2004–05 Russian Superleague season|2004–05]] |
||
| Dynamo Moscow |
| Dynamo Moscow |
||
| RSL |
| RSL |
||
| 37 || 13 || 13 || 26 || 32 |
| 37 || 13 || 13 || 26 || 32 |
||
| 10 || 2 || 4 || 6 || 31 |
| 10 || 2 || 4 || 6 || 31 |
||
|- |
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
||
| [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06]] |
| [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06]] |
||
| [[Washington Capitals]] |
| [[Washington Capitals]] |
||
Line 308: | Line 280: | ||
| 82 || 46 || 46 || 92 || 52 |
| 82 || 46 || 46 || 92 || 52 |
||
| — || — || — || — || — |
| — || — || — || — || — |
||
|- |
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
||
| [[2007–08 NHL season|2007–08]] |
| [[2007–08 NHL season|2007–08]] |
||
| Washington Capitals |
| Washington Capitals |
||
| NHL |
| NHL |
||
| 82 || '''65''' || 47 || '''112''' || 40 |
| 82 || '''65''' || 47 || '''112''' || 40 |
||
| 7 || 4 || 5 || 9 || |
| 7 || 4 || 5 || 9 || 2 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[2008–09 NHL season|2008–09]] |
| [[2008–09 NHL season|2008–09]] |
||
| Washington Capitals |
| Washington Capitals |
||
| NHL |
| NHL |
||
| 79 || '''56''' || |
| 79 || '''56''' ||54 || 110 || 72 |
||
| 14 |
| 14|| 11 || 10 || 21 || 8 |
||
|- |
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
||
| [[2009–10 NHL season|2009–10]] |
| [[2009–10 NHL season|2009–10]] |
||
| Washington Capitals |
| Washington Capitals |
||
| NHL |
| NHL |
||
| 72 || 50 || 59 || 109 |
| 72 || 50 || 59 || 109|| 89 |
||
| 7 || 5 || 5 || 10 || |
| 7 || 5 || 5 || 10 || 8 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[2010–11 NHL season|2010–11]] |
| [[2010–11 NHL season|2010–11]] |
||
| Washington Capitals |
| Washington Capitals |
||
| NHL |
| NHL |
||
| 79 || 32 || 53 || 85 || |
| 79 || 32 || 53 || 85 || 48 || 9 |
||
| 5 || 5 || 10 || 10 |
| 5 || 5 || 10 || 10 |
||
|- |
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
||
| [[2011–12 NHL season|2011–12]] |
| [[2011–12 NHL season|2011–12]] |
||
| Washington Capitals |
| Washington Capitals |
||
| NHL |
| NHL |
||
| 78 || 38 || 27 || 65 || |
| 78 || 38 || 27 || 65 || 56 |
||
| 14 || 5 || 4 || 9 || 8 |
| 14 || 5 || 4 || 9 || 8 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[2012–13 KHL season|2012–13]] |
| [[2012–13 KHL season|2012–13]] |
||
| Dynamo Moscow |
| Dynamo Moscow |
||
| [[Kontinental Hockey League|KHL]] |
| [[Kontinental Hockey League|KHL]] |
||
| 31 || 19 || 21 || 40 || 14 |
| 31 || 19 || 21 || 40 || 14 |
||
| — || — || — || — || — |
| — || — || — || — || — |
||
|- |
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
||
| [[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13]] |
| [[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13]] |
||
| Washington Capitals |
| Washington Capitals |
||
| NHL |
| NHL |
||
| 48 || '''32''' || 24 || 56 || |
| 48 || '''32''' || 24 || 56 || 46 |
||
| 7 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 4 |
| 7 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 4 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
Line 356: | Line 328: | ||
| 78 || '''51''' || 28 || 79 || 49 |
| 78 || '''51''' || 28 || 79 || 49 |
||
| — || — || — || — || — |
| — || — || — || — || — |
||
|- |
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
||
| [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15]] |
| [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15]] |
||
| Washington Capitals |
| Washington Capitals |
||
| NHL |
| NHL |
||
| 81 || '''53''' || 28 || 81 || 58 |
| 81 || '''53''' || 28 || 81 || 58 |
||
| 14 |
| 14|| 5 || 4 || 9 || 6 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16]] |
| [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16]] |
||
| Washington Capitals |
| Washington Capitals |
||
| NHL |
| NHL |
||
| 79 |
| 79|| '''50''' || 21 || 71 || 33 |
||
| 12 || 5 || 7 || 12 || 2 |
| 12 || 5 || 7 || 12 || 2 |
||
|- |
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
||
| [[2016–17 NHL season|2016–17]] |
| [[2016–17 NHL season|2016–17]] |
||
| Washington Capitals |
| Washington Capitals |
||
| NHL |
| NHL |
||
| 82 || 33 || 36 || 69 || 50 |
| 82 || 33 || 36 || 69 || 50 |
||
| 13 || 5 || 3 || 8 |
| 13 || 5 || 3 || 8|| 8 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[2017–18 NHL season|2017–18]] |
| [[2017–18 NHL season|2017–18]] |
||
Line 380: | Line 352: | ||
| 82 || '''49''' || 38 || 87 || 32 |
| 82 || '''49''' || 38 || 87 || 32 |
||
| 24 || '''15''' || 12 || 27 || 8 |
| 24 || '''15''' || 12 || 27 || 8 |
||
|- |
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
||
| [[2018–19 NHL season|2018–19]] |
| [[2018–19 NHL season|2018–19]] |
||
| Washington Capitals |
| Washington Capitals |
||
Line 386: | Line 358: | ||
| 81 || '''51''' || 38 || 89 || 40 |
| 81 || '''51''' || 38 || 89 || 40 |
||
| 7 || 4 || 5 || 9 || 19 |
| 7 || 4 || 5 || 9 || 19 |
||
|- |
|||
|- style="background:#e0e0e0;" |
|||
| [[2019–20 NHL season|2019–20]] |
|||
| Washington Capitals |
|||
| NHL |
|||
| 68 || '''48''' || 19 || 67 || 30 |
|||
| 8 || 4 || 1 || 5 || 2 |
|||
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
|||
| [[2020–21 NHL season|2020–21]] |
|||
| Washington Capitals |
|||
| NHL |
|||
| 45 || 24 || 18 || 42 || 12 |
|||
| 5 || 2 || 2 || 4 || 2 |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[2021–22 NHL season|2021–22]] |
|||
| Washington Capitals |
|||
| NHL |
|||
| 77 || 50 || 40 || 90 || 18 |
|||
| 6 || 1 || 5 || 6 || 0 |
|||
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
|||
| [[2022–23 NHL season|2022–23]] |
|||
| Washington Capitals |
|||
| NHL |
|||
| 73 || 42 || 33 || 75 || 48 |
|||
| — || — || — || — || — |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[2023–24 NHL season|2023–24]] |
|||
| Washington Capitals |
|||
| NHL |
|||
| 79 || 31 || 34 || 65 || 20 |
|||
| 4 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |
|||
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" |
|||
! colspan="3" | RSL totals |
! colspan="3" | RSL totals |
||
! 151 !! 36 !! 33 !! 69 !! 106 |
! 151 !! 36 !! 33 !! 69 !! 106 |
||
! 21 !! 2 !! 4 !! 6 !! 35 |
! 21 !! 2 !! 4 !! 6 !! 35 |
||
|- |
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" |
||
! colspan="3" | KHL totals |
! colspan="3" | KHL totals |
||
! 31 !! 19 !! 21 !! 40 !! 14 |
! 31 !! 19 !! 21 !! 40 !! 14 |
||
! — !! — !! — !! — !! — |
! — !! — !! — !! — !! — |
||
|- |
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" |
||
! colspan="3"|NHL totals |
! colspan="3" | NHL totals |
||
! |
! 1,426 !! 853 !! 697 !! 1,550 !! 817 |
||
! |
! 151 !! 72 !! 69 !! 141 !! 77 |
||
|} |
|} |
||
<!-- DO NOT UPDATE STATS DURING THE SEASON. This is not meant to be an up to date stats database and it clutters up the edit history--> |
<!-- DO NOT UPDATE STATS DURING THE SEASON. This is not meant to be an up to date stats database and it clutters up the edit history--> |
||
Line 403: | Line 405: | ||
===International=== |
===International=== |
||
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" ID="Table3" style="text-align:center; width:40em" |
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" ID="Table3" style="text-align:center; width:40em" |
||
|- |
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" |
||
! Year |
! Year |
||
! Team |
! Team |
||
! Event |
! Event |
||
! rowspan="102" bgcolor="#ffffff"| |
|||
! Result |
|||
! GP !! G !! A !! Pts !! PIM |
|||
! rowspan="100" style="background:#fff;" | |
|||
! GP |
|||
! G |
|||
! A |
|||
! Pts |
|||
! PIM |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| 2002 |
|||
| [[Russia men's national under-18 ice hockey team|Russia]] |
|||
| [[World U-17 Hockey Challenge|U17]] |
|||
| 5 || 12 || 2 || 14 || 17 |
|||
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
|||
| [[2002 IIHF World U18 Championships|2002]] |
| [[2002 IIHF World U18 Championships|2002]] |
||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| [[IIHF World U18 Championship| |
| [[IIHF World U18 Championship|WJC18]] |
||
| 8 || 14 || 4 || 18 || 0 |
|||
| {{sica}} |
|||
| |
|- |
||
| 14 |
|||
| 4 |
|||
| 18 |
|||
| 0 |
|||
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;" |
|||
| [[2003 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2003]] |
| [[2003 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2003]] |
||
| [[Russia men's national junior ice hockey team|Russia]] |
|||
| [[IIHF World Junior Championship|WJC]] |
|||
| 6 || 6 || 1 || 7 || 4 |
|||
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
|||
| [[2003 IIHF World U18 Championships|2003]] |
|||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| WJC18 |
|||
| [[IIHF World U20 Championship|WJC]] |
|||
| 6 || 9 || 4 || 13 || 6 |
|||
| {{goca}} |
|||
| 6 |
|||
| 6 |
|||
| 1 |
|||
| 7 |
|||
| 4 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[2003 IIHF World U18 Championships|2003]] |
|||
| Russia |
|||
| U18 |
|||
| {{Brca}} |
|||
| 6 |
|||
| 9 |
|||
| 4 |
|||
| 13 |
|||
| 6 |
|||
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;" |
|||
| [[2004 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2004]] |
| [[2004 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2004]] |
||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| WJC |
| WJC |
||
| 6 || 5 || 2 || 7 || 25 |
|||
| 5 |
|||
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
|||
| 6 |
|||
| [[2004 IIHF World Championship|2004]] |
|||
| 5 |
|||
| 2 |
|||
| 7 |
|||
| 25 |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[2004 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2004]] |
|||
| [[Russia men's national ice hockey team|Russia]] |
| [[Russia men's national ice hockey team|Russia]] |
||
| [[Ice Hockey World Championships|WC]] |
| [[Ice Hockey World Championships|WC]] |
||
| 6 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 0 |
|||
| 10 |
|||
| |
|- |
||
| 1 |
|||
| 1 |
|||
| 2 |
|||
| 0 |
|||
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;" |
|||
| [[2004 World Cup of Hockey|2004]] |
| [[2004 World Cup of Hockey|2004]] |
||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| [[World Cup of Hockey|WCH]] |
| [[World Cup of Hockey|WCH]] |
||
| 2 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0 |
|||
| 6 |
|||
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
|||
| 2 |
|||
| 1 |
|||
| 0 |
|||
| 1 |
|||
| 0 |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2005]] |
| [[2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2005]] |
||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| WJC |
| WJC |
||
| 6 || 7 || 4 || 11 || 4 |
|||
| {{sica}} |
|||
| |
|- |
||
| [[2005 IIHF World Championship|2005]] |
|||
| 7 |
|||
| 4 |
|||
| 11 |
|||
| 4 |
|||
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;" |
|||
| [[2005 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2005]] |
|||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| WC |
| WC |
||
| 8 || 5 || 3 || 8 || 4 |
|||
| {{brca}} |
|||
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
|||
| 8 |
|||
| [[Ice hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympics – Men's tournament|2006]] |
|||
| 5 |
|||
| |
| Russia |
||
| [[Ice hockey at the Olympic Games|OLY]] |
|||
| 8 |
|||
| 8 || 5 || 0 || 5 || 8 |
|||
| 4 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[ |
| [[2006 IIHF World Championship|2006]] |
||
| Russia |
|||
| [[2006 Winter Olympics|Oly]] |
|||
| 4 |
|||
| 8 |
|||
| 5 |
|||
| 0 |
|||
| 5 |
|||
| 8 |
|||
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;" |
|||
| [[2006 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships|2006]] |
|||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| WC |
| WC |
||
| 7 || 6 || 3 || 9 || 6 |
|||
| 5 |
|||
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
|||
| 7 |
|||
| 6 |
|||
| 3 |
|||
| 9 |
|||
| 6 |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[2007 IIHF World Championship|2007]] |
| [[2007 IIHF World Championship|2007]] |
||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| WC |
| WC |
||
| 8 || 1 || 2 || 3 || 29 |
|||
| {{brca}} |
|||
| |
|- |
||
| 1 |
|||
| 2 |
|||
| 3 |
|||
| 29 |
|||
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;" |
|||
| [[2008 IIHF World Championship|2008]] |
| [[2008 IIHF World Championship|2008]] |
||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| WC |
| WC |
||
| 9 || 6 || 6 || 12 || 8 |
|||
| {{goca}} |
|||
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
|||
| 9 |
|||
| [[Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Men's tournament|2010]] |
|||
| 6 |
|||
| |
| Russia |
||
| |
| OLY |
||
| 4 || 2 || 2 || 4 || 2 |
|||
| 8 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics|2010]] |
|||
| Russia |
|||
| Oly |
|||
| 6 |
|||
| 4 |
|||
| 2 |
|||
| 2 |
|||
| 4 |
|||
| 2 |
|||
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;" |
|||
| [[2010 IIHF World Championship|2010]] |
| [[2010 IIHF World Championship|2010]] |
||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| WC |
| WC |
||
| 9 || 5 || 1 || 6 || 4 |
|||
| {{sica}} |
|||
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
|||
| 9 |
|||
| 5 |
|||
| 1 |
|||
| 6 |
|||
| 4 |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[2011 IIHF World Championship|2011]] |
| [[2011 IIHF World Championship|2011]] |
||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| WC |
| WC |
||
| 5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 4 |
|||
| 4 |
|||
| |
|- |
||
| 0 |
|||
| 0 |
|||
| 0 |
|||
| 4 |
|||
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;" |
|||
| [[2012 IIHF World Championship|2012]] |
| [[2012 IIHF World Championship|2012]] |
||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| WC |
| WC |
||
| 3 || 2 || 2 || 4 || 2 |
|||
| {{goca}} |
|||
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
|||
| 3 |
|||
| 2 |
|||
| 2 |
|||
| 4 |
|||
| 2 |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[2013 IIHF World Championship|2013]] |
| [[2013 IIHF World Championship|2013]] |
||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| WC |
| WC |
||
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 0 |
|||
| 6 |
|||
| 1 |
|||
| 1 |
|||
| 1 |
|||
| 2 |
|||
| 0 |
|||
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;" |
|||
| [[Ice hockey at the 2014 Winter Olympics|2014]] |
|||
| Russia |
|||
| Oly |
|||
| 5 |
|||
| 5 |
|||
| 1 |
|||
| 1 |
|||
| 2 |
|||
| 0 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[Ice hockey at the 2014 Winter Olympics – Men's tournament|2014]] |
|||
| Russia |
|||
| OLY |
|||
| 5 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 0 |
|||
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
|||
| [[2014 IIHF World Championship|2014]] |
| [[2014 IIHF World Championship|2014]] |
||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| WC |
| WC |
||
| 9 || 4 || 7 || 11 || 8 |
|||
| {{goca}} |
|||
| |
|- |
||
| 4 |
|||
| 7 |
|||
| 11 |
|||
| 8 |
|||
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;" |
|||
| [[2015 IIHF World Championship|2015]] |
| [[2015 IIHF World Championship|2015]] |
||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| WC |
| WC |
||
| 2 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 0 |
|||
| {{sica}} |
|||
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
|||
| 2 |
|||
| 1 |
|||
| 1 |
|||
| 2 |
|||
| 0 |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[2016 IIHF World Championship|2016]] |
| [[2016 IIHF World Championship|2016]] |
||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| WC |
| WC |
||
| 6 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 2 |
|||
| {{brca}} |
|||
| |
|- |
||
| 1 |
|||
| 1 |
|||
| 2 |
|||
| 2 |
|||
|- style="background:#f0f0f0;" |
|||
| [[2016 World Cup of Hockey|2016]] |
| [[2016 World Cup of Hockey|2016]] |
||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| WCH |
| WCH |
||
| 4 || 1 || 2 || 3 || 6 |
|||
| 4 |
|||
|- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" |
|||
| 4 |
|||
| 1 |
|||
| 2 |
|||
| 3 |
|||
| 6 |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[2019 IIHF World Championship|2019]] |
| [[2019 IIHF World Championship|2019]] |
||
| Russia |
| Russia |
||
| WC |
| WC |
||
| 10 || 2 || 1 || 3 || 2 |
|||
| {{brca}} |
|||
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" |
|||
| 10 |
|||
! colspan="3"| Junior totals |
|||
| 2 |
|||
! 37 !! 53 !! 17 !! 70 !! 56 |
|||
| 1 |
|||
|- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" |
|||
| 3 |
|||
! colspan="3"| Senior totals |
|||
| 2 |
|||
! 106 !! 45 !! 34 !! 79 !! 85 |
|||
|- style="background:#e0e0e0;" |
|||
! colspan="4"|Junior totals |
|||
! 32 |
|||
! 41 |
|||
! 15 |
|||
! 56 |
|||
! 39 |
|||
|- style="background:#e0e0e0;" |
|||
! colspan="4"|Senior totals |
|||
!106 |
|||
!45 |
|||
!34 |
|||
!79 |
|||
!85 |
|||
|} |
|} |
||
==Honors, awards, and achievements== |
==Honors, awards, and achievements== |
||
[[File:Stanley Cup at Nationals Park 125A4006 (42723315701).jpg|thumb|Ovechkin |
[[File:Stanley Cup at Nationals Park 125A4006 (42723315701).jpg|thumb|Ovechkin hoisting the [[Stanley Cup]] at [[Nationals Park]] in June 2018 following the Capitals' victory in the [[2018 Stanley Cup Finals]].]] |
||
{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
||
|- |
|- |
||
Line 670: | Line 549: | ||
! colspan="3"|[[National Hockey League|NHL]] |
! colspan="3"|[[National Hockey League|NHL]] |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| |
|[[Calder Memorial Trophy]] |
||
| |
|[[2005–06 NHL season|2006]] |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| |
|[[NHL All-Rookie Team]] |
||
| |
|[[2005–06 NHL season|2006]] |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| |
|[[NHL first All-Star team]] |
||
|[[2005–06 NHL season|2006]], [[2006–07 NHL season|2007]], [[2007–08 NHL season|2008]], [[2008–09 NHL season|2009]], [[2009–10 NHL season|2010]], [[2012–13 NHL season|2013]], [[2014–15 NHL season|2015]], [[2018–19 NHL season|2019]] |
|||
| [[2017–18 NHL season|2018]] |
|||
|<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-all-star-teams-announced-for-2018-19-season/c-307914356 | title = NHL names 2018–19 All-Star teams | publisher = [[National Hockey League]] | date = 20 June 2019 | access-date = 20 June 2019 | archive-date = 8 November 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201108000340/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-all-star-teams-announced-for-2018-19-season/c-307914356 | url-status = live }}</ref> |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[NHL (video game series)|EA Sports ''NHL'']] cover athlete |
|||
| [[Hart Memorial Trophy]] |
|||
| [[ |
| [[NHL 07|2007]], [[NHL 21|2021]] |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[National Hockey League All-Star Game|NHL All-Star Game]] |
|||
| [[Art Ross Trophy]] |
|||
|[[2007 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2007]], [[2008 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2008]], [[2009 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2009]], [[2011 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2011]], [[2012 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2012]], [[2015 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2015]], [[2016 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2016]], [[2017 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2017]], [[2018 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2018]], [[2019 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2019]], [[2020 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2020]], [[2022 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2022]], [[2023 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2023]] |
|||
| [[2007–08 NHL season|2008]] |
|||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition#Breakaway Challenge|NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition Breakaway Challenge Winner]] |
|||
| [[Lester B. Pearson Award|Lester B. Pearson Award/Ted Lindsay Award]] |
|||
| |
|[[2007–08 NHL season|2008]], [[2008–09 NHL season|2009]], [[2010–11 NHL season|2011]] |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| |
|[[Art Ross Trophy]] |
||
|[[2007–08 NHL season|2008]] |
|||
| [[2007–08 NHL season|2008]], [[2008–09 NHL season|2009]], [[2012–13 NHL season|2013]], [[2013–14 NHL season|2014]], [[2014–15 NHL season|2015]], [[2015–16 NHL season|2016]], [[2017–18 NHL season|2018]], [[2018–19 NHL season|2019]] |
|||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| |
|[[Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy]] |
||
|[[2007–08 NHL season|2008]], [[2008–09 NHL season|2009]], [[2012–13 NHL season|2013]], [[2013–14 NHL season|2014]], [[2014–15 NHL season|2015]], [[2015–16 NHL season|2016]], [[2017–18 NHL season|2018]], [[2018–19 NHL season|2019]], [[2019–20 NHL season|2020]] |
|||
| [[2005–06 NHL season|2006]] |
|||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| |
|[[Hart Memorial Trophy]] |
||
|[[2007–08 NHL season|2008]], [[2008–09 NHL season|2009]], [[2012–13 NHL season|2013]] |
|||
| [[2005–06 NHL season|2006]] |
|||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[Lester B. Pearson Award|Lester B. Pearson Award/Ted Lindsay Award]] |
|||
| [[National Hockey League All-Star Game|NHL All-Star Game]] |
|||
|[[2007–08 NHL season|2008]], [[2008–09 NHL season|2009]], [[2009–10 NHL season|2010]] |
|||
| [[2007 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2007]], [[2008 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2008]], [[2009 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2009]], [[2011 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2011]], [[2012 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2012]], [[2015 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2015]], [[2016 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2016]], [[2017 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2017]], [[2018 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2018]], [[2019 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2019]], [[2020 National Hockey League All-Star Game|2020]] |
|||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| |
|[[NHL All-Decade team#NHL 2000s All-Decade Team|NHL 2000s All-Decade First Team]] |
||
| [[2009–10 NHL season|2009]] |
|||
| [[2005–06 NHL season|2006]], [[2006–07 NHL season|2007]], [[2007–08 NHL season|2008]], [[2008–09 NHL season|2009]], [[2009–10 NHL season|2010]], [[2012–13 NHL season|2013]], [[2014–15 NHL season|2015]], [[2018-19 NHL season|2019]] |
|||
| |
|||
| <ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-all-star-teams-announced-for-2018-19-season/c-307914356 | title = NHL names 2018-19 All-Star teams | publisher = [[National Hockey League]] | date = 20 June 2019 | accessdate = 20 June 2019}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| |
|[[NHL second All-Star team]] |
||
| |
|[[2010–11 NHL season|2011]], [[2012–13 NHL season|2013]], [[2013–14 NHL season|2014]], [[2015–16 NHL season|2016]] |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| |
|[[NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition#Hardest Shot|NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition Hardest Shot Winner]] |
||
| |
|[[2017–18 NHL season|2018]] |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[Stanley Cup]] champion |
|||
| [[NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition#Breakaway Challenge|NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition "Breakaway Challenge"]] winner |
|||
| [[2018 Stanley Cup Finals|2018]] |
|||
| [[2007–08 NHL season|2008]], [[2008–09 NHL season|2009]], [[2010–11 NHL season|2011]] |
|||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[ |
| [[Conn Smythe Trophy]] |
||
| [[2018 Stanley Cup playoffs|2018]] |
|||
| [[2009–10 NHL season|2010]], [[2015–16 NHL season|2016]], [[2016–17 NHL season|2017]] |
|||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|[[NHL All-Decade team#NHL 2010s All-Decade Team|NHL 2010s All-Decade First Team]] |
|||
! colspan="3"|[[Russian Superleague|RSL]]/[[Kontinental Hockey League|KHL]] |
|||
| [[2019–20 NHL season|2020]] |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|||
! colspan="3"|[[Kontinental Hockey League|KHL]]/[[Russian Superleague|RSL]] |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| |
|[[Russian Superleague]] champion |
||
| |
|[[2004–05 Russian Superleague season|2005]] |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[Gagarin Cup]] champion |
| [[Gagarin Cup]] champion |
||
| [[2012–13 KHL season|2013]] |
| [[2012–13 KHL season|2013]] |
||
| <ref>[http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/05/21/alex-ovechkin-goes-on-parade-receives-gold-medal-for-dynamo-moscow-championship-photos/ Alex Ovechkin Goes on Parade, Receives Gold Medal For Dynamo Moscow Championship (Photos)]. Russianmachineneverbreaks.com (21 May 2013). Retrieved on 10 January 2016.</ref> |
| <ref>[http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/05/21/alex-ovechkin-goes-on-parade-receives-gold-medal-for-dynamo-moscow-championship-photos/ Alex Ovechkin Goes on Parade, Receives Gold Medal For Dynamo Moscow Championship (Photos)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811084624/http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/05/21/alex-ovechkin-goes-on-parade-receives-gold-medal-for-dynamo-moscow-championship-photos/ |date=11 August 2015 }}. Russianmachineneverbreaks.com (21 May 2013). Retrieved on 10 January 2016.</ref> |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! colspan="3"|[[International Ice Hockey Federation|International]] |
! colspan="3"|[[International Ice Hockey Federation|International]] |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| |
|[[IIHF World Junior Championship|World Junior Championships]] gold medal |
||
|[[2003 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2003]] |
|||
| [[2008 IIHF World Championship|2008]], [[2012 IIHF World Championship|2012]], [[2014 IIHF World Championship|2014]] |
|||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|World Junior Championships All-Star team |
|||
| |
|[[2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships#All-Star team|2005]] |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| |
|[[Ice hockey at the Olympic Games|Winter Olympics]] All-Star team |
||
|[[Ice hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympics – Men's tournament#Awards|2006]] |
|||
| [[2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships#All-Star Team|2005]] |
|||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| |
|[[Ice Hockey World Championships|World Championships]] All-Star team |
||
| |
|[[2006 IIHF World Championship#Tournament Awards|2006]], [[2008 IIHF World Championship#Tournament Awards|2008]] |
||
| |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Ice Hockey World Championships|World Championships]] All-Star Team |
|||
| [[2006 IIHF World Championship#Tournament Awards|2006]], [[2008 IIHF World Championship#Tournament Awards|2008]] |
|||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
Line 765: | Line 644: | ||
| [[2005–06 NHL season|2006]], [[2006–07 NHL season|2007]], [[2007–08 NHL season|2008]], [[2007–08 NHL season|2009]], [[2009–10 NHL season|2010]], [[2013–14 NHL season|2014]], [[2014–15 NHL season|2015]], [[2017–18 NHL season|2018]] |
| [[2005–06 NHL season|2006]], [[2006–07 NHL season|2007]], [[2007–08 NHL season|2008]], [[2007–08 NHL season|2009]], [[2009–10 NHL season|2010]], [[2013–14 NHL season|2014]], [[2014–15 NHL season|2015]], [[2017–18 NHL season|2018]] |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|||
| World Championships gold medal |
|||
| [[2008 IIHF World Championship|2008]], [[2012 IIHF World Championship|2012]], [[2014 IIHF World Championship|2014]] |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Wayne Gretzky International Award]] |
|||
| 2019 |
|||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-to-receive-wayne-gretzky-international-award/c-309255856|title=Ovechkin of Capitals to receive Wayne Gretzky International Award|last=Gulitti|first=Tom|date=18 September 2019|website=National Hockey League|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716144041/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-to-receive-wayne-gretzky-international-award/c-309255856|url-status=live}}</ref> |
|||
|} |
|} |
||
* [[File:Orden of Honour.png|30px]] [[Order of Honour (Russia)|Order of Honour]] |
* [[File:Orden of Honour.png|30px]] [[Order of Honour (Russia)|Order of Honour]] |
||
* Asteroid 257261 Ovechkin was named in his honor by [[Leonid Elenin]].<ref>[http://itar-tass.com/sport/1498487 Астероид, открытый российским астрономом, назван в честь Александра Овечкина]. itar-tass.com. 10 October 2014</ref> |
* Asteroid 257261 Ovechkin was named in his honor by [[Leonid Elenin]].<ref>[http://itar-tass.com/sport/1498487 Астероид, открытый российским астрономом, назван в честь Александра Овечкина] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017073328/http://itar-tass.com/sport/1498487 |date=17 October 2014 }}. itar-tass.com. 10 October 2014</ref> |
||
* [[Ride of Fame]] honored Alex Ovechkin with a [[Double-decker bus|double-decker]] sightseeing bus in Washington, D.C.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2015/04/08/a-fascinated-alex-ovechkin-experiments-with-periscope/ A fascinated Alex Ovechkin experiments with Periscope]. Washington Post. 8 April 2015</ref> |
* [[Ride of Fame]] honored Alex Ovechkin with a [[Double-decker bus|double-decker]] sightseeing bus in Washington, D.C.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2015/04/08/a-fascinated-alex-ovechkin-experiments-with-periscope/ A fascinated Alex Ovechkin experiments with Periscope] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509203610/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2015/04/08/a-fascinated-alex-ovechkin-experiments-with-periscope/ |date=9 May 2015 }}. Washington Post. 8 April 2015</ref> |
||
* [[2018 ESPY Awards|2018]] [[ESPY Award]] for the Best Male Athlete – first NHL player to win the award<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bs-sp-digest-0719-20180718-story.html|title=Digest (July 18): Capitals' Ovechkin wins Best Male Athlete ESPY|date=18 July 2018|accessdate=19 July 2018|newspaper=Baltimore Sun}}</ref> |
|||
* 2018 ESPY Award for the Best NHL Player<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-ovechkin-wins-espy-for-best-male-athlete/c-299528742|title=Ovechkin wins Best Male Athlete at ESPYs, first NHL player to do so |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=18 July 2018|accessdate=19 July 2018|publisher=NHL.com}}</ref> |
|||
* 2019 ESPY Award for the Best NHL Player<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/st-louis-blues-win-best-comeback-at-espy-awards/c-308236156|title=Blues win Best Comeback at ESPY Awards; Ovechkin named Best NHL Player |date=10 July 2019|accessdate=11 July 2019|publisher=NHL.com}}</ref> |
|||
* The day after he received his first [[Hart Memorial Trophy]] as league MVP for the 2007–08 season, he was given the key to the city by Washington Mayor [[Adrian M. Fenty]] for being the first Washington MVP winner in a major sport since [[Joe Theismann]] of the [[Washington Redskins]] in 1983.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=240617&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl|title=Ovechkin given key to the city in Washington, D.C.|date=13 June 2008|work=TSN.ca|agency=Canadian Press|access-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310214424/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=240617&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl|archive-date=10 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
* The day after he received his first [[Hart Memorial Trophy]] as league MVP for the 2007–08 season, he was given the key to the city by Washington Mayor [[Adrian M. Fenty]] for being the first Washington MVP winner in a major sport since [[Joe Theismann]] of the [[Washington Redskins]] in 1983.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=240617&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl|title=Ovechkin given key to the city in Washington, D.C.|date=13 June 2008|work=TSN.ca|agency=Canadian Press|access-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310214424/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=240617&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl|archive-date=10 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
||
==Records== |
==Records== |
||
===NHL records=== |
===NHL records=== |
||
* First player to win the [[Art Ross Trophy]], [[Maurice Richard Trophy]], [[Lester B. Pearson Award]], and [[Hart Memorial Trophy]] in a single season.<ref>{{cite news| title=Ovechkin receives hero's welcome in Washington |url= |
* First player to win the [[Art Ross Trophy]], [[Maurice Richard Trophy]], [[Lester B. Pearson Award]], and [[Hart Memorial Trophy]] in a single season.<ref>{{cite news| title=Ovechkin receives hero's welcome in Washington |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ovechkin-receives-hero-s-welcome-in-washington-1.740284| publisher=CBC | date=13 June 2008| access-date=14 June 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080614124825/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/06/13/hockey-ovechkin-key.html| archive-date= 14 June 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>{{refn|group="n"|Wayne Gretzky won the Art Ross, Pearson Award and Hart Trophy plus led the league in goals 5 different seasons prior to the Richard Trophy being awarded, Mario Lemieux did it twice, and Phil Esposito and Guy Lafleur each did it once.}} |
||
* Only player to be named to the NHL |
* Only player to be named to the NHL first All-Star team in each of his first five seasons<ref>{{cite web|publisher=National Hockey League|title=Alex Ovechkin, Mike Green Name to NHL first All-Star team|date=23 June 2010|url=http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=532566|access-date=23 June 2010|archive-date=7 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307235343/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=532566|url-status=live}}</ref> |
||
* Most NHL goal scoring titles with |
* Most NHL goal scoring titles with 9<ref name = "2017-18 Richard"/> |
||
* Most [[goal (ice hockey)|goal]]s scored by a left [[Winger (ice hockey)|wing]] in a career – 853 |
|||
**[[2007–08 NHL season|2008]] 65 goals, [[2008–09 NHL season|2009]] 56 goals, [[2012–13 NHL season|2013]] 32 goals ([[2012–13 NHL lockout|lockout]] shortened), [[2013–14 NHL season|2014]] 51 goals, [[2014–15 NHL season|2015]] 53 goals, [[2015–16 NHL season|2016]] 50 goals, [[2017–18 NHL season|2018]] 49 goals, [[2018-19 NHL season|2019]] 51 for which he won the [[Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy]] each year. |
|||
* Most goals for a single team – 853 |
|||
* Most [[goal (ice hockey)|goal]]s scored by a left-[[Winger (ice hockey)|winger]] in a career: 689 ''(as of January 16 2020)''<!--Updated at time of breaking record; update again after end of season, with other career stats.--> |
|||
* Most goals scored on the road in a career – 411 ({{As of|2023|02|16}})<ref>{{cite news |title=Capitals star Ovechkin passes Gretzky for most NHL road goals |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/35143578/capitals-star-ovechkin-passes-gretzky-most-nhl-road-goals |access-date=1 December 2022 |work=ESPN.com |date=1 December 2022 |archive-date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130041354/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/35143578/capitals-star-ovechkin-passes-gretzky-most-nhl-road-goals |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
* Most goals scored by a left-winger in a season: 65 goals in 2007–08. |
|||
* Most |
* Most goals scored by a left wing in a season – 65 (2007–08) |
||
* Most |
* Most [[point (ice hockey)|point]]s scored by a left wing rookie – 106 ([[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06]]) |
||
* Most shots on goal by a |
* Most shots on goal by a left wing in a season – 528 (2008–09) |
||
* Most |
* Most shots on goal by a rookie in a season – 425 (2005–06) |
||
* Most regular season points by a Russian-born NHL rookie – 106 (2005–06) |
|||
* Fastest overtime goal: 6 seconds on 15 December 2006 vs. [[Atlanta Thrashers]] (tied with [[Mats Sundin]] and [[David Legwand]]). |
|||
* Fastest overtime goal – 6 seconds on 15 December 2006 versus [[Atlanta Thrashers]] (tied with [[Mats Sundin]] and [[David Legwand]]) |
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* Only player to be named to both the NHL First and Second All-Star Teams in the same season: [[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13]] |
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* Only player to be named to both the NHL First and second All-Star teams in the same season ([[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13]]) |
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* Most goals by a Russian-born player: 689 (as of January 16 2020). |
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* Most |
* Most goals by a Russian-born player – 853 |
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* Most points by a Russian-born player – 1,550 |
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* Most career overtime goals: 20. |
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* Most points by a left winger – 1,550 |
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* Most consecutive 30-goal seasons : 15 (also tied with Jaromir Jagr and Mike Gartner) |
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* Most career shots on goal – 6,627 |
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* Most career overtime goals – 26 |
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* Most career power play goals – 312 |
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* Most career game-opening goals – 136<ref>{{cite web|title=Another Alex Ovechkin Record: Most Game-Opening Goals in NHL History|date=13 December 2022|url=https://capitalsoutsider.com/2022/12/13/another-alex-ovechkin-record-most-game-opening-goals-in-nhl-history/|access-date=22 December 2022|archive-date=14 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214030540/https://capitalsoutsider.com/2022/12/13/another-alex-ovechkin-record-most-game-opening-goals-in-nhl-history/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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* Most career empty-net goals – 57 |
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* Most consecutive 30-goal seasons – 15 (tied with [[Mike Gartner]] and [[Jaromír Jágr]]) |
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* Most career 30-goal seasons – 18 |
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* Most career 40-goal seasons – 13 |
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* Most career 45-goal seasons – 12 |
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* Most career 50-goal seasons – 9 (tied with [[Mike Bossy]] and [[Wayne Gretzky]]) |
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===Washington Capitals records=== |
===Washington Capitals records=== |
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* Most seasons with 50 or more goals – |
* Most seasons with 50 or more goals – 9 (2005–06, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2018–19, 2021–22) |
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* Most shots on goal in a season – 528 (2008–09) |
* Most shots on goal in a season – 528 (2008–09) |
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* Most goals in a season |
* Most goals in a season – 65 goals (2007–08) |
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* Most power play goals – |
* Most power play goals – 312 |
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* Most power play goals in a season |
* Most power play goals in a season – 25 goals (2014–15) |
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* Most career overtime goals – |
* Most career overtime goals – 26 goals |
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* Most career [[Penalty shot (ice hockey)|penalty shots]] attempted – |
* Most career [[Penalty shot (ice hockey)|penalty shots]] attempted – 12 shots (most recent on 19 January 2016) |
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* Most goals in a season by a rookie |
* Most goals in a season by a rookie – 52 goals (2005–06) |
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* Most points in a season by a rookie |
* Most points in a season by a rookie – 106 points (2005–06) |
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* Point streak by a rookie – 11 games (17 points; 5 goals, 12 assists |
* Point streak by a rookie – 11 games (17 points; 5 goals, 12 assists; 18 March–7 April 2006) |
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* Point streak by a rookie to start season – 8 games |
* Point streak by a rookie to start the season – 8 games |
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* Goal streak by a rookie – 7 games |
* Goal streak by a rookie – 7 games (10 February–8 March 2006) |
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* Most career hat tricks – |
* Most career hat tricks – 31 |
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* Most career goals – |
* Most career goals – 853 |
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* Most career points – 1,550 |
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* Most career points – 1,127<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/04/25/sidney-crosby-alex-ovechkin-penguins-capitals-stanley-cup-playoffs|title=Can Ovechkin finally beat Crosby in the playoffs?|work=SI.com|access-date=26 September 2018}}</ref> |
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* Most goals in a single postseason |
* Most goals in a single postseason – 15 (2017–18) |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[List of NHL players with 500 goals]] |
* [[List of NHL players with 500 goals]] |
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* [[List of NHL players with 100-point seasons]] |
* [[List of NHL players with 100-point seasons]] |
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* [[List of NHL players with 1,000 games played]] |
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* [[List of NHL players with 1,000 points]] |
* [[List of NHL players with 1,000 points]] |
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* [[List of NHL players with 1,000 games played]] |
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==Notes== |
==Notes== |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist |
{{reflist}} |
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===Bibliography=== |
===Bibliography=== |
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{{Refbegin}} |
{{Refbegin}} |
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* {{Citation| |
* {{Citation|last1=Cox|first1=Damien|last2=Joyce|first2=Gare|year=2010|title=The Ovechkin Project: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Hockey's Most Dangerous Player |publisher=John Wily & Sons Canada|location=Mississauga, Ontario|isbn=978-0-470-67914-2}} |
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{{Refend}} |
{{Refend}} |
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{{commons category|Alexander Ovechkin}} |
{{commons category|Alexander Ovechkin}} |
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{{wikiquote|Alexander Ovechkin}} |
{{wikiquote|Alexander Ovechkin}} |
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* {{Ice hockey stats |
* {{Ice hockey stats}} |
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* Alex Ovechkin bio: [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2307140/bio IMDb.com] |
* Alex Ovechkin bio: [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2307140/bio IMDb.com] |
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* Alex Ovechkin bio: [https://www.biography.com/people/alex-ovechkin-21366863 Biography.com] |
* Alex Ovechkin bio: [https://www.biography.com/people/alex-ovechkin-21366863 Biography.com] |
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* Alex Ovechkin bio: [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alex-Ovechkin Britannica.com] |
* Alex Ovechkin bio: [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alex-Ovechkin Britannica.com] |
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{{NHLCaptains}} |
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{{succession box | before = Award named Lester B. Pearson Award | title = Winner of the [[Ted Lindsay Award]] | years = [[2009–10 NHL season|2010]] | after = [[Daniel Sedin]]}} |
{{succession box | before = Award named Lester B. Pearson Award | title = Winner of the [[Ted Lindsay Award]] | years = [[2009–10 NHL season|2010]] | after = [[Daniel Sedin]]}} |
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{{succession box | before = [[Sidney Crosby]] | title = Winner of the [[Art Ross Trophy]] | years = [[2007–08 NHL season|2008]] | after = [[Evgeni Malkin]]}} |
{{succession box | before = [[Sidney Crosby]] | title = Winner of the [[Art Ross Trophy]] | years = [[2007–08 NHL season|2008]] | after = [[Evgeni Malkin]]}} |
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{{succession box | before = [[Vincent Lecavalier]]<br /> [[Steven Stamkos]]<br />[[Sidney Crosby]] | title = Winner of the [[Rocket Richard Trophy]] | years = [[2007–08 NHL season|2008]], [[2008–09 NHL season|2009]]<br />[[2012–13 NHL season|2013]], [[2013–14 NHL season|2014]], [[2014–15 NHL season|2015]], [[2015–16 NHL season|2016]]<br />[[2017–18 NHL season|2018]], [[2018–19 NHL season|2019]]| after = [[Sidney Crosby]] and [[Steven Stamkos]]<br /> [[Sidney Crosby]]<br /> |
{{succession box | before = [[Vincent Lecavalier]]<br /> [[Steven Stamkos]]<br />[[Sidney Crosby]] | title = Winner of the [[Rocket Richard Trophy]] | years = [[2007–08 NHL season|2008]], [[2008–09 NHL season|2009]]<br />[[2012–13 NHL season|2013]], [[2013–14 NHL season|2014]], [[2014–15 NHL season|2015]], [[2015–16 NHL season|2016]]<br />[[2017–18 NHL season|2018]], [[2018–19 NHL season|2019]], [[2019–20 NHL season|2020]] (with [[David Pastrňák]])| |
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| after = [[Sidney Crosby]] and [[Steven Stamkos]]<br /> [[Sidney Crosby]]<br />[[Auston Matthews]]}} |
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{{succession box | before = [[Sidney Crosby]] | title = [[Conn Smythe Trophy]] winner | years = [[2017–18 NHL season|2018]] | after = [[ |
{{succession box | before = [[Sidney Crosby]] | title = [[Conn Smythe Trophy]] winner | years = [[2017–18 NHL season|2018]] | after = [[Ryan O'Reilly]]}} |
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{{succession box | before = [[Vincent Lecavalier]] | title = [[NHL series|EA Sports NHL Cover Athlete]] | years = [[NHL 07|2007]] | after = [[Eric Staal]]}} |
{{succession box | before = [[Vincent Lecavalier]]<br/>[[Auston Matthews]] | title = [[NHL series|EA Sports NHL Cover Athlete]] | years = [[NHL 07|2007]]<br/>[[NHL 21|2021]] | after = [[Eric Staal]]<br/>[[Auston Matthews]]}} |
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{{s-sports}} |
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{{succession box | before = [[Chris Clark (ice hockey)|Chris Clark]] | title = [[Washington Capitals#Team captains|Washington Capitals captain]] | years = [[2009–10 NHL season|2010]]–present | after = Incumbent}} |
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{{s-bef|before=[[Chris Clark (ice hockey)|Chris Clark]]}} |
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{{s-ttl|title=[[Washington Capitals#Team captains|Washington Capitals captain]]|years=[[2009–10 NHL season|2010]]–present}} |
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[[Category:Eastern Orthodox Christians from Russia]] |
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[[Category:Ice hockey people from Washington, D.C.]] |
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[[Category:Russian |
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Latest revision as of 02:57, 11 December 2024
Alexander Ovechkin | |||
---|---|---|---|
Born |
Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union | 17 September 1985||
Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | ||
Weight | 235 lb (107 kg; 16 st 11 lb) | ||
Position | Left wing | ||
Shoots | Right | ||
NHL team Former teams |
Washington Capitals Dynamo Moscow | ||
National team | Russia | ||
NHL draft |
1st overall, 2004 Washington Capitals | ||
Playing career | 2001–present |
Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin (Russian: Алекса́ндр Миха́йлович Ове́чкин, IPA: [ɐlʲɪˈksandr ɐˈvʲetɕkʲɪn];[n 1] born 17 September 1985, Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union, now Russia) is a Russian professional ice hockey left winger and captain of the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed "the Great 8" in reference to his jersey number, Ovechkin is widely regarded as one of the greatest goal scorers of all time.[1][2][3] Second only to Wayne Gretzky in all-time goal scoring, Ovechkin holds many NHL career records, including the most power play goals, most goals in away games, most overtime goals, and most goals with one team in NHL history. Ovechkin is one of just three players in NHL history to score 800 career goals, along with Gretzky and Gordie Howe.
Ovechkin began his professional career with Dynamo Moscow of the Russian Superleague in 2001, playing there for four seasons and returning briefly during the 2012–13 NHL lockout. A highly touted prospect, Ovechkin was selected by the Capitals first overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. In the 2005–06 season, Ovechkin's first with the Capitals, he scored 52 goals and 54 assists to lead all rookies in points, capturing the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year and finishing third overall in league scoring.
Ovechkin has won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL's leading goal scorer, an NHL-record nine times, first doing so in 2007–08, when his 65 goals and 112 points also earned him the Art Ross Trophy for most points scored. He holds the NHL record for most 40-goal seasons with thirteen and co-holds, with Mike Bossy and Gretzky, the record for most 50-goal campaigns with nine. He has won the Hart Memorial Trophy for most valuable player three times (in 2008, 2009, and 2013), and the Lester B. Pearson Award/Ted Lindsay Award for best player as voted on by the National Hockey League Players' Association three times (2008, 2009, 2010). In 2018, Ovechkin won the Stanley Cup for the first time, and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for most valuable player in the 2018 playoffs. He has also been named to the NHL first All-Star team eight times, and the second All-Star team four times. In 2017, Ovechkin was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players of all time.[4]
Internationally, Ovechkin has represented Russia in multiple tournaments. His first IIHF tournament was the 2002 World U18 Championship. The following year he made his debut at the World Junior Championship, helping Russia win the gold medal. He played two more years at the World Juniors, as well as once more at the World U18 Championships. Ovechkin's first senior tournament was the 2004 World Championship, and he also played in the World Cup that year. Ovechkin has also played for Russia at the Winter Olympics in 2006, 2010, and 2014. Overall, Ovechkin has represented Russia at thirteen World Championships and three Olympics in his career, winning the World Championship three times.
Early life
[edit]Ovechkin was born on 17 September 1985 in Moscow, the son of Soviet athletes.[5] His mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (1976, 1980) and world champion (1975) in basketball.[6][7] His father, Mikhail, was a football player. He has two older brothers, Sergei and Mikhail.[8] His mother sensed her youngest son was destined for "sporting greatness". "From birth, it was obvious," she said. "In a child, it's clear immediately. He was very active and walking and curious."[9] Early on, Ovechkin did not have a television growing up, but learned of the NHL and its biggest stars like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Sergei Fedorov through videotapes that showed highlights of goals, hits, and fights. His favorite NHL team growing up was the San Jose Sharks and also was the first NHL jersey he received.[10] He was two years old when he first picked up a hockey stick. Whenever a hockey game came on television, he would drop whatever he was doing, refusing to allow his parents to change the channel.[11]
In early childhood, he moved with his family to a tall high-rise building surrounded by a "crumbling neighborhood" on the outskirts of Moscow.[5] There he attended public school #596, infamous for military discipline and a "tyrannical" principal, completing eight and a half grades before starting at Dynamo Moscow's sports school.[n 2] While he saw his friends "getting high and getting dead," Ovechkin was attending daily training sessions morning and night. "You dive into sport with your head and arms and legs, and there's no time for anything else," he said of this early training.[12]
Whenever his parents were no longer able to get young Alex to hockey events, his elder brother Sergei stepped up, making sure his little brother got where he needed to go.[11] When Ovechkin was 10, his brother Sergei died of a blood clot following a car accident. Ovechkin had a youth hockey game the next day, which his parents insisted he play in.[13] Ovechkin credits his elder brother Sergei for introducing him to, and encouraging him to pursue hockey. When he scores, Alex will often kiss his glove and point to the sky in a salute to his brother.[11]
Ovechkin established his reputation within the Dynamo Moscow system by scoring 56 goals at the age of 11, surpassing the previous record held by Pavel Bure, who had scored 53 goals.[11] Meanwhile, Ovechkin dreamed of playing in the NHL, keeping the cards of star players stashed in his room, especially those of his idol, Mario Lemieux.[5] "It's the best hockey there is," Ovechkin would say of the NHL.[5]
Playing career
[edit]Dynamo Moscow (2001–2005)
[edit]Ovechkin began playing in the Russian Super League (RSL) for Dynamo Moscow at the age of 16. Making his professional debut in the 2001–02 season, he scored four points in 21 games. He would spend three seasons there prior to being drafted by the NHL, and he would rack up 36 goals and 32 assists in 152 career games.[14]
The following off-season, Ovechkin was selected first overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals. He had been projected as the first overall pick for nearly two years[15] and had earned comparisons to Mario Lemieux.[16] He was so highly regarded that the Florida Panthers attempted to draft him in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft in the ninth round, even though his birthday was two days after the cut-off (15 September 1985). Rick Dudley, the general manager of the Panthers, claimed the pick was legitimate, claiming that Ovechkin was old enough with leap years taken into consideration.[16]
Due to the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Ovechkin remained with Dynamo for one more season. He recorded 27 points in 37 games in 2004–05, while missing nearly two months of play because of a shoulder injury sustained in the gold medal game against Canada in the 2005 World Junior Championships. In the playoffs, he helped Dynamo win the RSL title.
With the threat of the lockout canceling another NHL season, Ovechkin signed a contract with rival Russian team Avangard Omsk. In order to maintain his eligibility for the NHL in the event that the lockout ended, the contract contained an out clause with a 20 July 2005, deadline. Although a new NHL collective bargaining agreement (CBA) had not yet been reached between players and owners, Ovechkin decided to opt out and signed with the Capitals on 5 August 2005. The deal was a three-year, entry-level contract worth the rookie maximum of $984,200 per season with performance-based bonuses to inflate his annual salary to as much as $3.9 million.[17]
Washington Capitals (2005–present)
[edit]Early dominance (2005–2007)
[edit]Two days after signing, the lockout ended with a new CBA. Ovechkin played his first game with the Capitals in the 2005–06 season opener on 5 October 2005, scoring two goals against goalie Pascal Leclaire in a 3–2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.[18] On 13 January 2006, in Anaheim, Ovechkin scored his first career hat trick against Jean-Sébastien Giguère of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to help Washington win the game.[19] Three days later, on 16 January, he scored a goal that veteran hockey reporter Bill Clement called "one of the greatest goals of all time."[20] Knocked down by Phoenix Coyotes defenceman Paul Mara and sliding on his back facing away from the net, Ovechkin was able to hook the puck with one hand on his stick and slide it into the net past goalie Brian Boucher for his second goal of the night. It became referred to as "The Goal."[21] Auston Matthews, a future Toronto Maple Leafs first overall selection, was in attendance during the game; he said in an interview in November 2016, shortly into the 2016–17 season that it was the best goal he ever saw live.[22] On 1 February, Ovechkin was named NHL Rookie of the Month for January 2006 as well as being named Offensive Player of the Month, becoming only the third player in NHL history to earn both honors simultaneously.[23] Ovechkin finished the 2005–06 season leading all NHL rookies in goals, points, power play goals and shots. He finished third overall in the NHL in scoring with 106 points and tied for third in goals with 52 and 54 assists. His 425 shots led the league, set an NHL rookie record,[24] and was the fourth-highest total in NHL history. Ovechkin's point total was the second-best in Washington Capitals history and his goals total tied for third in franchise history. He was also named to the NHL first All-Star team, the first rookie to receive the honor in 15 years.[25] After the season ended, Ovechkin received the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's best rookie.[26] He was also a finalist in his rookie season for the Lester B. Pearson Award, which ultimately went to New York Rangers winger Jaromír Jágr.[27] EA Sports made him one of the cover athletes for NHL 07.
In the 2006–07 season, Ovechkin appeared in his first NHL All-Star Game in on 24 January 2007. He completed his second NHL season with 46 goals, 46 assists and 92 points in all 82 games.
Hart Trophy wins, beginning of captaincy (2007–2013)
[edit]On 12 October 2007, Ovechkin scored his 100th NHL goal against goaltender Henrik Lundqvist in a 3–2 loss to the New York Rangers.[28] Playing in the final season of his rookie contract, in 2007–08, Ovechkin signed a 13-year contract extension worth $124 million with the Capitals on 10 January 2008. The contract, which averages $9.5 million per year, was the richest in NHL history. Working without an agent, Ovechkin negotiated with Capitals owner Ted Leonsis and former general manager George McPhee.[29] Late in the season on 3 March against the Boston Bruins,[30] Ovechkin notched his 50th, 51st and 52nd goals of the campaign for his fourth career NHL hat trick and to hit the 50-goal mark for the second time in his career. Later that month, on 21 March, Ovechkin scored his 59th and 60th goals of the season against the Atlanta Thrashers, becoming the first NHL player to score 60 goals in a season since Mario Lemieux and Jaromír Jágr in 1995–96[31] and 19th player overall.[32] Four days later, on 25 March against the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin scored his 61st goal of the season to break the Washington Capitals' team record for goals in a single season previously held by Dennis Maruk.[33] He also went on to break Luc Robitaille's record for most goals by a left winger in one season on 3 April, by scoring two goals for his 64th and 65th of the season.[34] He also became the first NHL player to score at least 40 even-strength goals in one season since Pavel Bure in 1999–2000.[35] Leading the league in scoring with 65 goals, 47 assists and 112 points in all 82 games played, Ovechkin captured both the Art Ross Trophy and the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy in 2007–08. It was the first time in 41 seasons that a left-winger led the NHL in points since Bobby Hull led the league with 97 points in 1965–66.[36] Ovechkin helped lead a rejuvenated Capitals team back to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2003 with a stronger supporting cast that included winger and countryman Alexander Semin, rookie center Nicklas Bäckström and defenceman Mike Green as the team finished third in the East. He scored the game-winning goal in his NHL playoff debut with less than five minutes left in game 1 of the first round of the 2008 playoffs on 11 April against the sixth-seeded Philadelphia Flyers.[37] He scored nine points (four goals and five assists) in all seven games against the Flyers as the Capitals were eliminated in the opening round. After the season ended, Ovechkin was awarded the Lester B. Pearson Award as the most outstanding player voted by the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) and the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's MVP, becoming the first player in the history of the NHL to win four major regular season awards, including the Art Ross and Rocket Richard trophies.[38] Ovechkin was also awarded his third consecutive Kharlamov Trophy, named after Soviet hockey star Valeri Kharlamov and presented by Sovetsky Sport newspaper, as the best Russian NHL player as voted by other Russian NHL players.
On 27 October 2008, shortly into the 2008–09 season, Ovechkin returned home to Moscow to visit his ailing grandfather, missing only the second game of his career up to that point, snapping a consecutive streak of 203 games played.[39] On 5 February 2009, Ovechkin scored his 200th goal, against Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings, becoming only the fourth player in the NHL to reach the milestone in four seasons, joining Wayne Gretzky, Mike Bossy and Mario Lemieux.[40] On 19 March, he scored his 50th goal of the season against the Tampa Bay Lightning, becoming the first Washington Capitals player to reach the 50-goal mark three times.[41] He finished the campaign with 56 goals to capture his second consecutive Rocket Richard Trophy, joining Jarome Iginla and Pavel Bure as the third player to win the award twice and the second player after Bure (2000 and 2001) to win the award in back-to-back seasons. With 110 points (56 goals and 54 assists), he finished as runner-up to countryman Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins for the Art Ross Trophy.[42] Ovechkin and the Capitals repeated as division champions en route to meeting the New York Rangers in the opening round. After advancing to the second round in seven games and erasing a 3–1 series deficit against the Rangers, Ovechkin notched his first NHL playoff hat trick on 4 May, in game 2 against the Pittsburgh Penguins to help Washington to a 4–3 win. The Capitals were eventually defeated by Pittsburgh, the fourth seed in the East and eventual Stanley Cup champions, in seven games. Ovechkin finished the 2009 playoffs with a postseason career-high 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) in all 14 games. He went on to win the Hart and Pearson trophies for the second consecutive year, becoming the seventeenth player in league history to win the Hart multiple times.
Just over a month into the 2009–10 season, Ovechkin suffered an upper-body injury during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on 1 November 2009, after a collision with opposing forward Raffi Torres.[43] After returning, Ovechkin was suspended by the NHL on 1 December for two games (one for the action, and one for a second game misconduct penalty during the season) for a knee-on-knee hit to Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Tim Gleason during a game the previous day.[44] Both Gleason and Ovechkin had to be helped off the ice, although Gleason later returned during the game, while Ovechkin did not. Ovechkin was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct at the time. Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau commented that Ovechkin's style of play was at times "reckless." The suspension was Ovechkin's first of his career, causing him to forfeit $98,844.16 in salary.[45] On 5 January 2010, Ovechkin was named captain of the Washington Capitals after previous captain Chris Clark was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He became the first European, second-youngest and 14th overall captain in team history.[46] On 5 February, at a game against the New York Rangers, Ovechkin, with his second goal and third point of the game, reached the 500-point milestone of his NHL career. He is the fifth player to achieve the milestone in only five seasons, reaching it in 373 career games.[47] On 14 March, at a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center, Ovechkin sent Blackhawks' defenceman Brian Campbell into the boards after Campbell had dumped the puck to the blue line. Ovechkin was called for boarding, receiving a five-minute major and a game misconduct,[48] and was suspended for two games (for a third game misconduct of the season, a two-game suspension is automatic).[49] Campbell suffered a fractured clavicle and fractured rib, and was expected to be out seven-to-eight weeks.[50] Ovechkin won the Ted Lindsay Award, becoming only the second player in NHL history to win the award in three consecutive years. He also led the NHL in goals per game and points per game for three straight seasons, from 2008 to 2010.[51] Ovechkin is the Capitals' all-time leader in goals. His 50 goals made him the runner up for the Richard Trophy which went to Pittsburgh Penguins forward and captain Sidney Crosby and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos who both had 51 goals for league leader(s) in goals. Ovechkin was also the runner up for the Art Ross Trophy for the second straight season (alongside Crosby with both players having 109 points) only behind Vancouver Canucks forward Henrik Sedin, who ended with 112 points.[52] In 2009–10 Ovechkin surpassed the mark of Hall of Fame goaltender Bill Durnan (first four seasons from 1943–44 through 1946–47) and became the first player in NHL history voted a First Team All-Star in each of his first five seasons.[53] Ovechkin also recorded 10 points (five goals and assists) in the 2010 playoffs as the Capitals would lose the series in seven games to the eighth-seeded Montreal Canadiens, surrendering a 3–1 series lead in the process.
On 1 January 2011, Ovechkin and the Capitals took part in the New Year's Day NHL Winter Classic, facing the Pittsburgh Penguins. While Ovechkin did not score any points in his first career outdoor game, the Capitals won 3–1. On 9 March, in a 5–0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, Ovechkin recorded his 600th career point with an assist on a goal by Eric Fehr. On 5 April against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ovechkin scored his 300th career goal against Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer, becoming the sixth-youngest and seventh-fastest player to do so.[54] He ended the 2010–11 season with 32 goals and 53 assists for 85 points in 79 contests. In the 2011 playoffs, Ovechkin recorded 10 points (five goals and assists) in all nine games as the top-seeded Capitals defeated the eighth-seeded New York Rangers in five games in the first round before getting swept in the second round by the fifth-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning.
On 3 December 2011, Ovechkin played in his 500th NHL game in a 3–2 OT win over the Ottawa Senators and ended the game with an assist recorded on a goal by Troy Brouwer.[55] On 23 January 2012, Ovechkin received a three-game suspension for a hit on Zbyněk Michálek of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The following day, Ovechkin announced he would not attend the 2012 NHL All-Star Game due to the suspension.[56] Ovechkin ended the 2011–12 season with 38 goals and 27 assists for 65 points in 78 games as the Capitals as a team finished as the seventh seed in the East. In the 2012 playoffs, Ovechkin and the Capitals would upset the defending Stanley Cup champion and second-seeded Boston Bruins in seven games before getting defeated in the second round by the top-seeded New York Rangers in seven games. He would end the playoffs with five goals and four assists for nine points in all 14 games.
During the lockout in the first half of the shortened 2012–13 season, Ovechkin went to play in the KHL and re-joined Dynamo Moscow with his teammate Nicklas Bäckström. In 31 games for the team, Ovechkin scored 19 goals, 21 assists and 40 points. At the end of the season, the Dynamo would go on to win the Gagarin Cup, albeit after the NHL lockout concluded and Ovechkin and Bäckström returned to North America in January 2013. However, Ovechkin and Bäckström still received championship rings from the team.[57] In the abbreviated 2012–13 season, Ovechkin led the NHL in goal scoring with 32, earning him his third Rocket Richard Trophy. He also added 24 assists to give him 56 total points in all 48 games played of the season, good for third-most points in the NHL with only Tampa Bay Lightning stars Steven Stamkos and league leader Martin St. Louis ahead.[58] In the 2013 playoffs, Ovechkin was limited to a goal and an assist for two points in all seven games as the third-seeded Capitals would lose in the first round in seven games by the sixth-seeded New York Rangers and giving up a 3–2 series lead during the series. After the season ended, he was also awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy for the third time in his career. Ovechkin was also a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award for the fifth time in his career, which was eventually given to Pittsburgh Penguins captain and centre Sidney Crosby.[59] After the season, Ovechkin made history by being named to both the first and second NHL All-Star teams. He had switched to playing right wing that entire season and thus was voted the first All-Star team's right wing, but because some voters were not aware of the change, they voted for him at his traditional left wing position, thereby also landing him at left wing on the second All-Star team.[60]
Continued success, Stanley Cup championship and Conn Smythe Trophy (2013–2019)
[edit]On 20 December 2013, in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin scored into an empty net for his 400th career goal.[61] He became the sixth-fastest player to ever reach that mark, getting it in 634 games, one fewer than Pavel Bure. At the conclusion of the 2013–14 season, Ovechkin had the strange distinction of winning the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, scoring 51 goals, while going −35, one of the NHL's worst, in the plus-minus statistic. However, the Capitals missed the 2014 playoffs by three points, marking the first time since 2006–07 where Ovechkin and the Capitals missed the playoffs.
On 4 November 2014, in a game against the Calgary Flames, Ovechkin recorded his 826th point, a franchise record, surpassing Peter Bondra, who previously held the record with 825 points. On 31 March 2015, in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the year on Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward and became the sixth player in NHL history to have six 50-goal seasons, joining Guy Lafleur, Mike Bossy, Wayne Gretzky, Marcel Dionne and Mario Lemieux.[62] On 2 April, Ovechkin scored his 51st and 52nd goals of the season in a 5–4 shootout win against Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens, surpassing Bondra as the franchise leader in goals scored. It was also his 15th multi-goal game of the season, none of which was a hat trick.[63] Ovechkin finished the 2014–15 season with 81 games played and 53 goals, 28 assists and 81 points.[64] His 53 goals once again led the league in goal scoring, capturing his fifth Rocket Richard Trophy as a result.[64] Ovechkin was named a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy for the fifth time in his career and the Ted Lindsay Award for the sixth time, both awards were ultimately awarded to Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price.[65][66] In the 2015 playoffs, Ovechkin recorded five goals and four assists for nine points in all 14 playoff games as the fourth-seeded Capitals defeated the fifth-seeded New York Islanders in seven games in the first round before getting defeated in the second round in seven games by the Presidents' Trophy-winning New York Rangers (despite the Capitals initially having a 3–1 series lead before the eventual 4–3 series defeat).
On 7 November 2015, shortly into the 2015–16 season, in the second period of a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ovechkin scored his eighth goal of the season to tie Sergei Fedorov's tally for the most goals among Russian born players, with 483. On 19 November, Ovechkin scored his ninth goal of the season against goaltender Kari Lehtonen in a 3–2 loss to the Dallas Stars; that goal broke Fedorov's record. On 10 January 2016, Ovechkin scored his 500th and 501st goals in a 7–1 victory over the Ottawa Senators against goaltender Andrew Hammond, becoming the 43rd player to reach the 500-goal plateau, and the fifth-fastest player to do so in his 801st game, as well as the first Russian.[67] On 9 April, in the 2015–16 season finale against the St. Louis Blues, Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the season and became the third player in NHL history to have seven or more 50-goal seasons.[68][69] During the 2015–16 season, Ovechkin, for the first time in his career, did not lead the Washington Capitals in points, although he still led the team in goals and the entire league with 50 for his sixth Rocket Richard Trophy, and finished second on the team in points with 71, behind fellow countryman Evgeny Kuznetsov, who finished with 77.[70] The Capitals would win the Presidents' Trophy as the regular season champions.[71] Ovechkin was named a finalist for the Mark Messier Leadership Award for his contributions both on and off the ice during the regular season, which was eventually awarded to Nashville Predators defenceman and captain Shea Weber.[72] In the second round of the 2016 playoffs after defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in six games in the first round, the Capitals lost the series to the Pittsburgh Penguins in game six after a 4–3 overtime defeat.
On 11 January 2017, Ovechkin scored his 1,000th career point with a goal on Marc-André Fleury in a 7–1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, becoming the 37th player in NHL history to reach 1,000 points with only one team.[73] Ovechkin finished the 2016–17 season playing all 82 games with 33 goals, 36 assists and 69 points to help the Capitals clinch their second consecutive Presidents' Trophy and third in franchise history.[74] In the 2017 playoffs, the Capitals defeated the eighth-seeded Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round. Still, they were defeated in the second round for the second consecutive year by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, this time in seven games.[75] In the fallout of their playoff loss, Ovechkin was considered among the greatest players to have never won the Stanley Cup.[75] Upon returning to training camp the following season, Ovechkin arrived in Washington two weeks early and predicted: "We're not gonna fucking suck this year [sic]."
Ovechkin broke many NHL and Capitals' records during the 2017–18 season. On 7 October 2017, he became the first player in 100 years with back-to-back hat tricks to start the season against the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens, respectively.[76] On 21 October, in a game against the Detroit Red Wings, Ovechkin surpassed Jaromír Jágr for most regular season overtime goals with the 20th of his career.[77] On 25 November, Ovechkin passed Peter Bondra as the team's all-time leader in hat tricks with his 20th of his career.[78] On 25 January 2018, Ovechkin recorded his 500th career assist on a Nicklas Bäckström goal in a 4–2 win over the Florida Panthers.[79] On 12 March, Ovechkin scored his 600th career goal against Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, making him the 20th player to do so, and the fourth to do so in fewer than 1,000 games.[80] On 1 April, Ovechkin would play against the Pittsburgh Penguins in his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the first Capitals player to play 1,000 games and the 54th NHL player to do so with the same franchise.[81] At the conclusion of the season, Ovechkin was awarded the Rocket Richard trophy for the seventh time in his career with his league leading 49 goals.[82] He became the second player, tied with Bobby Hull, to win the NHL's goal scoring title seven times.[83] Besides his 49 goals, Ovechkin also recorded 38 assists for 87 points in all 82 contests played as the Capitals finished as the second seed in the Eastern Conference. During the 2018 playoffs, Ovechkin scored 15 goals, 12 assists and 27 points in all 24 games averaging 20:44 of ice time per game.[84] After defeating the seventh-seeded Columbus Blue Jackets in six games in the first round, the Capitals would once again meet their longtime rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, in the second round for the third straight season; headed by Penguins centre and captain Sidney Crosby, Ovechkin's main rival for the greatest player of their generation.[85][86][87] Ovechkin assisted on Evgeny Kuznetsov's game six overtime goal for 4–2 defeat in the series against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion and fourth-seeded Penguins to clinch his first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 13 seasons.[88][89] After defeating the Penguins in round two, Ovechkin would face another main rival of his generation in Tampa Bay Lightning centre and captain Steven Stamkos in the Eastern Conference Finals.[90] Ovechkin and the Capitals recovered from a 3–2 series deficit to defeat the top-seeded Lightning in seven games and reach the Stanley Cup Finals, the second time in franchise history (they previously did in 1998 before Ovechkin came to the team),[91] and defeated the second-seeded Vegas Golden Knights in five games to win the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history and first in Ovechkin's career.[92] Ovechkin won the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player for his team in the playoffs by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.[93]
On 6 December 2018, Ovechkin became the fastest player in NHL history and ninth overall to take 5,000 shots on goal, reaching that mark in 1,031 career games. Marcel Dionne, the previous holder of the record, required 184 more games than Ovechkin.[94] He scored the 21st hat trick of his NHL career in a 6–2 win over Detroit Red Wings on 11 December, passing Pavel Bure for most by a Russian-born player in league history.[95] On 14 December in a 6–5 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin recorded his 23rd career hat trick with one of those goals being the 237th power play goal of his career on Hurricanes goaltender Scott Darling to pass Mario Lemieux for most power play goals with one franchise.[96][97] Ovechkin had a career-best 14 game point streak from 16 November to 15 December,[98] which included back-to-back hat tricks against the Red Wings on 10 December and Hurricanes on 15 December, respectively.[99][n 3] On 2 January 2019, Ovechkin was named a captain for the upcoming 2019 National Hockey League All-Star Game, but announced that he was choosing to skip the game to rest, forcing him to serve an automatic one game suspension as a result.[100] Ovechkin ended the 2018–19 season with 51 goals, 38 assists and 89 points in 81 games played while the Capitals as a team finished as the Metropolitan division champions for the fourth consecutive season and the second seed in the Eastern Conference overall for the second consecutive season. His 51 goals earned him the Rocket Richard Trophy for the eighth time in his NHL career.[101] Ovechkin would also record four goals and five assists for nine points in all seven playoff games as the defending Stanley Cup champion Capitals were upset in seven games in the first round of the 2019 playoffs by the seventh-seeded Carolina Hurricanes, despite having a 3–2 series lead at one point.
Recent years, goal-record pursuit (2019–present)
[edit]On 30 November 2019, in a 5–2 win over the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena, Ovechkin recorded his 24th career hat trick which passed Jari Kurri for 10th most hat tricks in NHL history.[102] In that same game, he also recorded an assist on a goal by Tom Wilson for a four point night.[102] Ovechkin would be named captain for the 2020 National Hockey League All-Star Game, and again chose to skip the game to rest, and would serve another automatic one game suspension.[103] On 22 February 2020, Ovechkin scored his 700th career goal in the third period of a 3–2 loss against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center, making him the eighth player in NHL history to accomplish the feat.[104] The 2019–20 season ended three weeks early due to restriction surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, so Ovechkin and Boston Bruins forward David Pastrňák were named co-winners of the Rocket Richard Trophy, with each having 48 goals at the time.[105]
The 2020–21 season would mark the first time in Ovechkin's NHL career where he would not score at least 30 goals and having finished with 24 goals mainly due to the season being shortened due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.[106]
Ovechkin signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract extension with the Capitals on 27 July 2021.[107] He scored his 28th career hat trick, tying Marcel Dionne and Bobby Hull for sixth most in NHL history, on 26 November against the Florida Panthers.[108] On 31 December, Ovechkin scored his 275th power play goal against the Detroit Red Wings, breaking Dave Andreychuk's all-time record.[109] On 15 March 2022, Ovechkin scored his 767th career NHL goal in a 4–3 win over the New York Islanders, moving him into third place for goals scored all-time in the NHL, passing Jaromír Jágr;[110] he achieved the feat in 477 fewer games than Jagr, yet had also taken 400 more shots on goal.[111] On 20 April, in a 4–3 overtime loss against the Vegas Golden Knights, he scored his 50th goal of the season for the ninth time in his career, tying Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky for having the most 50-goal seasons in NHL history. At 36 years and 215 days of age, he is the oldest player to score 50 goals in a season; the previous oldest was Johnny Bucyk, doing so at the age of 35 years and 308 days.[112] He ended the 2021–22 season with 50 goals, 40 assists and 90 points in 77 games played as the Capitals finished the season as the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference.[112] Ovechkin would also record a goal and five assists for six points in all six playoff games in the Capitals first round loss in the 2022 playoffs by the Presidents' Trophy-winning Florida Panthers.
On 5 November 2022, Ovechkin scored his 787th goal with the Washington Capitals against the Arizona Coyotes, setting a new NHL record for most goals with one team, a record previously held by Gordie Howe.[113] He set another NHL best on 29 November, surpassing Gretzky for most road goals with 403, after scoring two goals against the Vancouver Canucks.[114] Ovechkin became the third player in NHL history to score 800 regular season goals, behind Howe and Gretzky, by scoring a hat trick against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center on 13 December.[115] It was also his 29th hat trick in the NHL, giving him the sixth most hat tricks by any player in the league's history.[116] On 23 December, Ovechkin scored his 801st and 802nd career goals in a 4–1 win against the Winnipeg Jets, passing Gordie Howe for the second most goals in NHL history, behind only Wayne Gretzky.[117][118] Ovechkin tied Mike Gartner for having the most 30-goal seasons upon recording a 30-goal season for the 17th time on 14 January 2023,[119] in a 3–1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.[120] He surpassed Gretzky to set a new NHL record for most 40-goal seasons after securing his 13th on 21 March, in a 7–6 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.[121] The Capitals would miss the 2023 playoffs by 12 points in the standings mainly due to injuries to other players on the team, marking the first time since 2014 where the Capitals missed the playoffs.[122] Despite the team difficulties, Ovechkin still continued his individual success by having ended the 2022–23 season with 42 goals, 33 assists and 75 points in 73 games played.[123]
On 7 December 2023, Ovechkin recorded his 1,500th point with an assist on a goal scored by Dylan Strome in a 5–4 shootout loss to the Dallas Stars to become the 16th player in NHL history to reach the mark.[124] Ovechkin later scored his 57th career empty-net goal in a 3–0 Capitals win over the Boston Bruins on 10 February 2024, passing Wayne Gretzky for the most all-time.[125] On 9 April, Ovechkin scored his 30th goal of the season on Detroit Red Wings goaltender Alex Lyon for his 18th 30-goal campaign, passing Mike Gartner for most 30-goal seasons in NHL history.[126] He finished the 2023–24 season with 31 goals, 34 assists and 65 points in 79 games played. Ovechkin and the Capitals narrowly got back into the playoffs as the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference, however, Ovechkin did not record a single goal or assist as the Capitals were swept in four games by the Presidents' Trophy-winning New York Rangers in the first round of the 2024 playoffs.
On 15 October 2024, Ovechkin recorded his 700th career assist on a goal by Aliaksei Protas in a 4–2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights, becoming the 60th player in NHL history to reach the mark.[127] On 2 November, he became the fourth player in NHL history 39 years of age or older to record three points in consecutive games (a goal and two assists in a 6–3 win against the Montreal Canadiens on 31 October and a goal and two assists in a 7–2 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets on 2 November) after Tim Horton (1968–69), Gordie Howe (1968–69) and Jean Ratelle (1980–81).[128] On 18 November, in a 6–2 win over the Utah Hockey Club, Ovechkin sustained a broken fibula as a result of a knee-on-knee collision with Utah forward Jack McBain, sidelining him for four-to-six weeks.[129] At the time of this injury, Ovechkin had a league-leading 15 goals (including two goals earlier in the game against Utah prior to the injury) along with 10 assists for 25 points in the first 18 games of the 2024–25 season.
Player profile
[edit]"When (other) guys shoot it, it goes in somewhat of a straight line. His is dipping, diving, rising, sinking. It just comes at you. It's not like any other shot.
Ovechkin is widely considered a generational talent and one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history[131] and the NHL player who stands as having a realistic chance at overtaking Wayne Gretzky in total career goals (894).[132][133] Gretzky said himself in April 2019 when asked about it that he wants to be the first one to shake Ovechkin's hand if he were to do so.[134][135] He is famous[136] for his deadly one-timer,[137] which he typically fires from the left faceoff circle,[138] an area known as his "office."[139] In August 2006, New York Rangers forward Jaromír Jágr expressed admiration for Ovechkin's goal scoring productivity by quoting "All his goals, they are not flukes. Most of the time, he beats guys one-on-one, then you get your highlight".[140] Teammate Brooks Orpik said of his one-timer to The Washington Post in October 2014, "You know it's going there, and you still can't stop him."[138] Ovechkin proves "the exception rather than the rule when it comes to success" on one-timers, which "can be very difficult to pull off," involving as they do "taking a hard pass and timing a shot perfectly, when the puck may be rolling or on end, while also aiming at a small net, particularly from far distances."[141] In October 2014, Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos said of Ovechkin’s playing style, "He’s a guy that not only uses his skill set, but his physicality, that’s what sets him apart. He’s willing to go to those areas and has one of the best shots in the league."[142] In July 2015, Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick quoted Ovechkin's powerful shooting skills by saying "Guys like Ovi shoot it so hard that it's almost like you're a batter in baseball. You see the blur of the puck coming at you in frames."[143]
Ovechkin's ability to shoot heavily as a power forward[144][145][146] has been well documented. After clinching the hardest shot title at the 2018 National Hockey League All-Star Game skills competition with a 98.8 mph first attempt, he became the only player in the 2018 All Star game to break the century mark, surpassing 100 mph on his second shot,[147] stepping "up to plate and delivered a blistering 101.3 MPH blast."[148]
Ovechkin has been awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy honoring the most valuable player in the league three times (2008, 2009, 2013). Ovechkin's most enduring nickname is "The Great 8."[149][n 4]
While Ovechkin has been well known for being a prolific goal-scorer with his powerful shooting skills, he has also been shown to be a proficient passer and setting up goals scored by teammates.[150] On 25 January 2018, when Ovechkin recorded his 500th assist on a Nicklas Bäckström goal in a 4–2 win over the Florida Panthers, then–Capitals head coach Barry Trotz said after the game, "He's a legendary player. He's getting the points, the goals, the assists. Everybody thinks of Alex as a pure goal-scorer, which he is, and he's got to those numbers hundreds of games before other people have reached that number but you always tend to forget he's a pretty good playmaker as well."[151] On 22 October 2018, in a game against the Vancouver Canucks, after Vancouver had pulled their goalie, Ovechkin passed the puck to teammate T. J. Oshie rather than score the easy hat trick for himself since he had scored twice earlier in the game. "[Oshie asked] 'Why did you pass me the puck?'" Ovechkin said. "But he was so wide open and I try to give him pass. Save mine for next time."[152][153]
Ovechkin has also been recognized for showing opposing players respect and admiration for either returning to their team after overcoming hard obstacles off the ice or by their performance on the ice.[154][155] For example, In a game against the Montreal Canadiens on 19 November 2018, early in to the 2018–19 season, Canadiens goaltender Carey Price made a sprawling stop on Ovechkin’s signature left circle slapshot in the dying seconds of the third period with both teams tied 4–4 and once he covered up the puck he skated over to Price and applauded him for his effort in denying him a hat trick and the game winner.[156] The Capitals would go on to defeat the Canadiens in OT 5–4 with former Canadien Lars Eller scoring the winning goal for the Capitals but if Ovechkin had scored it would’ve been a regulation 5–4 win for the Capitals and a hat trick for Ovechkin himself since he already had two goals earlier in that same game.[157] Also, in a game against the Montreal Canadiens on 16 April 2022, towards the end of the 2021–22 season, Ovechkin showed respect and admiration for Canadiens goaltender Price by giving him a fist bump from across their respective benches during a stoppage of play. The Canadiens game previous day against the New York Islanders was Price’s first game back from a knee injury he sustained the previous summer in the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning in which Price and the Canadiens lost the series in five games and had multiple setbacks in his recovery that was also followed by a brief stint in the NHL Players Assistance Program to get help with his mental health after coming forward about his struggles from alcohol abuse. When asked about this welcome back gesture in a post-game interview, Ovechkin responded by saying "Obviously, he's one of the best players in the league. He was in a tough situation. He's a warrior and good for him, his organization, his family and the game of hockey."[158]
The Capitals' morning skate ritually begins with Ovechkin "sprinting around the rink, a solo lap to the sound of sticks tapping from his teammates." Once he's made it all the way around, the rest of the team jumps onto the ice to join him.[159] Ovechkin is known as a durable player, losing little time to injuries, illnesses, or suspensions. After being struck on the foot by a teammate's wrist shot during an 26 October 2006 practice in Vancouver, he "crumpled to the ice and had to be helped to the locker room." Exhibiting no ill effects in practice the next day, Ovechkin famously told reporters, "I'm okay; Russian machine never breaks."[160]
Late in the 2008–09 season, Ovechkin garnered some criticism over his exuberant after-goal celebrations. On 28 February 2009, during a segment of Hockey Night in Canada's Coach's Corner, Canadian hockey analyst Don Cherry likened Ovechkin's celebrations of jumping into the boards and his teammates to that of soccer players, concluding that this was not the Canadian way and advising Canadian kids to ignore Ovechkin's example. Then–Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau came to Ovechkin's defence, stating Cherry "doesn't know Alex like we know Alex", and Ovechkin himself stated that he "doesn't care" about Cherry.[161] The next notable incident happened on 19 March 2009, in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After scoring his 50th goal of the season, Ovechkin put his stick on the ice, pretending to warm his hands over it because it was "hot." The incident sparked an immediate response from then-Tampa Bay head coach Rick Tocchet, who said that "[Ovechkin] went down a notch in my books." Boudreau had also stated that he would discuss the incident with Ovechkin, and then-teammate Mike Green, despite being the first to celebrate with Ovechkin afterwards, commented that he did not wish to join in the pre-meditated celebration.[162] Ovechkin himself was unapologetic, and said about Don Cherry in particular, "He's going to be pissed off for sure...I love it!".[163]
After using and endorsing CCM equipment for most of his career, Ovechkin made the move to Bauer Hockey in August 2011 following a decline in his point production in the 2010–11 season.[164] He continued to use Bauer equipment until the Stanley Cup-winning 2017–18 season, when he switched back to CCM.[165] Ovechkin currently[when?] uses the Ribcor Trigger stick and Super Tacks AS1 skates.
International play
[edit]At the age of 16, Ovechkin played at the 2002 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, where he scored two hat tricks, one against Switzerland and one against the United States, and an assist.[166]
At the age of 17, when he was selected by Russian coach Viktor Tikhonov to play in the Česká Pojišťovna Cup EuroTour tournament, Ovechkin became the youngest skater ever to play for the Russian national team. In that tournament, he also became the youngest player ever to score for the national team. He also was selected to play at the 2002 IIHF World U18 Championships, in which he amassed 14 goals and four assists in eight games, leading Russia to a silver medal.[14][167] Ovechkin now shares the single tournament goals record with Cole Caufield, who scored as many in seven games at the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships.[168]
At the age of 18, Ovechkin was named captain of the junior Russian national team. Russia finished fifth in the tournament. In 2003, the team would go on to win a gold medal in the World Junior Championships.
At the age of 19, Ovechkin was named to the Russian national team for the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, making him the youngest player to play in the tournament.[169][170]
Also at 19, Ovechkin was named captain of the junior team in the 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. The tournament, lasting from 25 December 2004 to 4 January 2005, was Ovechkin's third and last. At the conclusion of the tournament, he had collected seven goals, tied for the tournament lead. His team received the silver medal after losing the gold medal game to Canada on 4 January, and Ovechkin was named the Best Forward of the tournament as well as selected to the tournament All-Star team. In 2005, Ovechkin played in his first IIHF men's World Championships. He scored five goals and three assists, landing eighth in the top scorers list and sharing third place in goal scoring.
In 2006, Ovechkin played in his first Winter Olympic Games. Although Russia came away from the games without a medal, Ovechkin scored five goals in the tournament, including the game-winner against Canada's Martin Brodeur, eliminating Canada from the tournament. Ovechkin was the only player not on the Swedish (gold medal winners) or Finnish (silver medal winners) teams to be named to the all-tournament team.
At the 2006 IIHF World Championships, Ovechkin scored six goals and three assists (nine points) in seven games before Russia lost 4–3 to the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals. For his efforts, Ovechkin was one of six players selected to the Media All-Star team.
At the 2008 IIHF World Championships, Ovechkin helped lead Russia to the gold medal by finishing with 12 points (six goals, six assists) in nine games. He was selected to the Media All-Star team for the second time in five tournament appearances.
In the 2010 Winter Olympics, Ovechkin and Team Russia were one of the favorites to win the Gold Medal. Despite high expectations, Russia lost to Canada 7–3 in the quarterfinals. Ovechkin finished with two goals and two assists in Russia's four games.[171]
After being eliminated in the first round of the NHL playoffs, Ovechkin joined Russia for the 2010 IIHF World Championships along with many other Russian stars, such as Evgeni Malkin, Pavel Datsyuk and Ilya Kovalchuk. Despite being heavily favored to win the tournament, Russia lost to the Czech Republic in the finals.
Ovechkin also joined the Russian team for the 2011 IIHF World Championships after the Capitals were eliminated from the NHL playoffs. He played in five games for the Russian team, but did not manage to score any points, the first time he failed to score any points in a World Championship tournament.
Ovechkin played in Russia's last three games of the 2012 IIHF World Championships. He recorded two goals and two assists as Russia won the tournament.
Ovechkin also represented Russia in 2013 IIHF World Championships. He joined the national team after the Capitals were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2013. Russia had already advanced to the first playoff round where they faced the U.S. The Americans defeated Russia 8–3, eliminating them from the tournament.
In the 2014 Winter Olympics, Ovechkin represented Russia under enormous pressure as the tournament was hosted on home ice in Sochi. Russia lost to arch-rivals Finland 3–1 in the quarter-final round.
Ovechkin participated in the 2014 IIHF World Championships where Russia won gold. After the tournament, he asked Vladimir Putin to reward the Russian hockey team on an equal basis with the 2014 Olympic champions.[172][173] That was criticized as the World Championship was considered insignificant compared to Olympic gold, which Russia had failed to win earlier that year in Sochi.[174] He also joined the Russian team late in the 2015 IIHF World Championships, where Russia won the silver medal.
Off the ice
[edit]Ovechkin was the cover athlete of 2K Sports hockey simulation video game NHL 2K10, as well as the cover athlete of EA Sports' NHL 07 and NHL 21. On 11 June 2008, Ovechkin launched his own line of designer streetwear with CCM.[175] On 6 July 2009, Ovechkin was named an ambassador for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.[176] In late 2009, he was named GQ's 48th most powerful person in Washington, D.C.[177]
On 4 January 2011, halfway into the 2010–11 season, Ovechkin was featured in one of ESPN's This is SportsCenter commercials, in which he laughed off a question by ESPN personality Steve Levy accusing him of being a Russian spy before being pulled upward by a line through an open ceiling tile by countryman and then-Capitals teammate Semyon Varlamov.[178]
Ovechkin is a dedicated car enthusiast, owning many fine automobiles, such as a Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series and a custom Mercedes S63 AMG.[citation needed] In January 2015, at the 2015 NHL All-Star Game, Ovechkin lobbied Honda for a new car, and brought an element of fun silliness to the "draft" where he was chosen third to last; the last two players selected, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Filip Forsberg, each received a new car, but Ovechkin would not give up. When Honda representatives asked his agent why he wanted a car so badly, they were told that he planned to donate it to the American Special Hockey Association, and at the end of the event, he was handed the keys to a new Honda Accord. That Accord was auctioned off, and the proceeds used to benefit the charity Ovechkin highlighted and brought attention to with his antics.[179]
Following the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup victory, Ovechkin participated in a number of memorable celebrations, including an incident on 9 June 2018, two days after the Capitals' victory, where he and teammates T. J. Oshie, Braden Holtby, Lars Eller and Tom Wilson swam in the fountains at the Georgetown waterfront with the Cup.[180] The summer of 2018 was dubbed by the Washington media as "The Summer of Ovi."[181]
Ovechkin is a keen football fan and an avid supporter of Liverpool F.C.[182] In May 2021, he was reportedly also an investor in the Washington Spirit, a professional team in the National Women's Soccer League,[183] but Sportico reported in June 2022 that he might not have formally completed the process to acquire the stake, and that even if he had, it was unclear whether he retained his stake after the club was sold in February 2022.[184] In June 2022, he signed a one-game contract with FC Dynamo Moscow, the club his father played for, in a friendly against FC Amkal Moscow.[185] He wore the number 3 jersey in honor of his father, who wore the number when he played football for the club.[185] Ovechkin scored a goal in the match.[186]
Ovechkin has appeared in three films: Zaytsev, zhgi! Istoriya shoumena (2010) as an actor, and NHL: Just Like Me (2008) and Boys to the Bigs (2008) as himself.[187]
Philanthropy
[edit]In 2006, Ovechkin created a program called Ovi's Crazy 8's, a program through which he purchases and donates eight Capitals season tickets to Most Valuable Kids which allows fans who normally wouldn’t have access to tickets the opportunity to attend Capitals home games.[188] As of 2024, more than 5,700 individuals have had a chance to see a game free of charge through this program.[189]
Since 2014, Ovechkin has been an ambassador for the American Special Hockey Association, a charity which supports individuals with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities and the mission to give them a chance to learn and grow by playing ice hockey.[189][190]
Russian politics
[edit]In January 2017, Ovechkin said: "I have a good relationship with Russians and with Americans. So, I'm neutral."[191] In November 2017, Ovechkin started a movement called PutinTeam in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 2018 Russian presidential election.[192] Asked whether it was political, Ovechkin described his actions as a show of support for Russia, "I just support my country, you know? That's where I'm from, my parents live there, all my friends. Like every human from different countries, they support their president. It's not about political stuff."[193] Of his participation in PutinTeam, Ovechkin also said:
I'm not a politic. I don't know what's happening out there. I know it's a hard situation, but it is what it is. You know, I play here, and this is my second home. I don't want to fight between two countries, because it's going to be a mess.[194]
PutinTeam was first announced in a 2 November 2017 post on Ovechkin’s Instagram account, which has over one million followers.[195] On 23 November, Ovechkin announced on his Instagram that the group's official website had been launched.[196] On the soft launch of the site, visitors were encouraged to sign up for the team, track related news, participate in contests and attend and organize events.[194] Ovechkin has claimed that the idea for PutinTeam was all his and that the group is non-political in its nature. Vedomosti, a Russian financial newspaper, reported that Kremlin sources have said that IMA-Consulting were behind the creation of the organization.[194] A Kremlin-supported public-relations firm, IMA-Consulting reportedly held a $600,000 contract to promote the 2018 Russian presidential elections. The Kremlin spoke in support of the movement after its announcement.[197][198] According to The Washington Post, Ovechkin has a personal relationship with Putin.[194] Ovechkin has a personal phone number for Putin, who is a big hockey fan, and received a gift from Putin at his 2016 wedding.[194] Ovechkin said that he and Putin don't have much in common: "We talk about hockey and all that stuff. That's it."[192]
On 25 February 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ovechkin called for peace and no more war without mentioning Russia or Ukraine directly.[199][200] In May 2022, he reiterated his support for Putin, as well as retaining the Russian president on his Instagram profile photo.[201][202]
Feud with Evgeni Malkin
[edit]Ovechkin was involved in a feud with Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin, who was drafted second behind Ovechkin in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Though the two were reported to be good friends when they roomed together during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, this friendship quickly saw tension arise.[203] The feud may have started in August 2007 when Ovechkin punched Malkin's Russian agent, Gennady Ushakov, at a Moscow nightclub. Ovechkin has denied that version of events, while Malkin has confirmed it. On 21 January 2008, in Pittsburgh, Ovechkin took a run at Malkin, which would have seemingly resulted in a devastating hit had Malkin not ducked out of the way just in time. The two would also not make eye contact at the 2008 NHL Awards Ceremony. Ovechkin has repeatedly denied "having it out" for Malkin.[203] In 2009, in an interview with RT, Ovechkin would confirm that the event in which he punched Malkin's agent was true, while also stating "but is okay".[204]
The feud raised many concerns as to its effect on the league,[203] and the Russian national team at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.[205] On 24 January 2009, at the SuperSkills Competition, Malkin assisted Ovechkin in his stunt during the Breakaway Challenge.[206] Malkin handed Ovechkin his props for the stunt as well as handing him his stick and pouring some sports drink down Ovechkin's throat. It has been reported that Ilya Kovalchuk, who was then the Atlanta Thrashers' captain and a teammate of Ovechkin and Malkin on the Russian national team, brokered the peace between the two.[207]
Malkin gave a speech at Ovechkin's 35th birthday party in September 2020. The two are reportedly very close friends again, with the feud long in the past.[208]
Personal life
[edit]Ovechkin was formerly engaged to tennis player Maria Kirilenko. On 21 July 2014, Kirilenko announced that the wedding was called off and that the two were no longer seeing each other.[209] On 11 September 2015, Ovechkin announced his engagement to Nastya Shubskaya, the daughter of Russian actress Vera Glagoleva,[210] whom he subsequently married.[211]
Ovechkin and his wife have two children. In August 2018, the couple had a son, whom they named after Ovechkin's late brother.[212] In May 2020, the couple had a second son.[213]
By June 2021, Ovechkin was studying for and close to obtaining a Doctor of Sciences,[214] the Russian equivalent of a PhD or higher doctorate.[215] Ovechkin's field of study is Pedagogical Sciences.[214]
Career statistics
[edit]Regular season and playoffs
[edit]Bold indicates led league
Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
2001–02 | Dynamo Moscow-2 | RUS-3 | 19 | 18 | 8 | 26 | 20 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2001–02 | Dynamo Moscow | RSL | 21 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
2002–03 | Dynamo Moscow | RSL | 40 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 29 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||
2003–04 | Dynamo Moscow | RSL | 53 | 13 | 11 | 24 | 40 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | ||
2004–05 | Dynamo Moscow | RSL | 37 | 13 | 13 | 26 | 32 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 31 | ||
2005–06 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 81 | 52 | 54 | 106 | 52 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2006–07 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 82 | 46 | 46 | 92 | 52 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2007–08 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 82 | 65 | 47 | 112 | 40 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 2 | ||
2008–09 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 79 | 56 | 54 | 110 | 72 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 21 | 8 | ||
2009–10 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 72 | 50 | 59 | 109 | 89 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 8 | ||
2010–11 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 79 | 32 | 53 | 85 | 48 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 10 | ||
2011–12 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 78 | 38 | 27 | 65 | 56 | 14 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 8 | ||
2012–13 | Dynamo Moscow | KHL | 31 | 19 | 21 | 40 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2012–13 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 48 | 32 | 24 | 56 | 46 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | ||
2013–14 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 78 | 51 | 28 | 79 | 49 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2014–15 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 81 | 53 | 28 | 81 | 58 | 14 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 6 | ||
2015–16 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 79 | 50 | 21 | 71 | 33 | 12 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 2 | ||
2016–17 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 82 | 33 | 36 | 69 | 50 | 13 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 8 | ||
2017–18 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 82 | 49 | 38 | 87 | 32 | 24 | 15 | 12 | 27 | 8 | ||
2018–19 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 81 | 51 | 38 | 89 | 40 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 19 | ||
2019–20 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 68 | 48 | 19 | 67 | 30 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 2 | ||
2020–21 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 45 | 24 | 18 | 42 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | ||
2021–22 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 77 | 50 | 40 | 90 | 18 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 0 | ||
2022–23 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 73 | 42 | 33 | 75 | 48 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2023–24 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 79 | 31 | 34 | 65 | 20 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
RSL totals | 151 | 36 | 33 | 69 | 106 | 21 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 35 | ||||
KHL totals | 31 | 19 | 21 | 40 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
NHL totals | 1,426 | 853 | 697 | 1,550 | 817 | 151 | 72 | 69 | 141 | 77 |
International
[edit]Year | Team | Event | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2002 | Russia | U17 | 5 | 12 | 2 | 14 | 17 | |
2002 | Russia | WJC18 | 8 | 14 | 4 | 18 | 0 | |
2003 | Russia | WJC | 6 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 4 | |
2003 | Russia | WJC18 | 6 | 9 | 4 | 13 | 6 | |
2004 | Russia | WJC | 6 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 25 | |
2004 | Russia | WC | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | |
2004 | Russia | WCH | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
2005 | Russia | WJC | 6 | 7 | 4 | 11 | 4 | |
2005 | Russia | WC | 8 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 4 | |
2006 | Russia | OLY | 8 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 8 | |
2006 | Russia | WC | 7 | 6 | 3 | 9 | 6 | |
2007 | Russia | WC | 8 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 29 | |
2008 | Russia | WC | 9 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 8 | |
2010 | Russia | OLY | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | |
2010 | Russia | WC | 9 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 4 | |
2011 | Russia | WC | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | |
2012 | Russia | WC | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | |
2013 | Russia | WC | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | |
2014 | Russia | OLY | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | |
2014 | Russia | WC | 9 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 8 | |
2015 | Russia | WC | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | |
2016 | Russia | WC | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
2016 | Russia | WCH | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | |
2019 | Russia | WC | 10 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | |
Junior totals | 37 | 53 | 17 | 70 | 56 | |||
Senior totals | 106 | 45 | 34 | 79 | 85 |
Honors, awards, and achievements
[edit]- Order of Honour
- Asteroid 257261 Ovechkin was named in his honor by Leonid Elenin.[219]
- Ride of Fame honored Alex Ovechkin with a double-decker sightseeing bus in Washington, D.C.[220]
- The day after he received his first Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP for the 2007–08 season, he was given the key to the city by Washington Mayor Adrian M. Fenty for being the first Washington MVP winner in a major sport since Joe Theismann of the Washington Redskins in 1983.[221]
Records
[edit]NHL records
[edit]- First player to win the Art Ross Trophy, Maurice Richard Trophy, Lester B. Pearson Award, and Hart Memorial Trophy in a single season.[222][n 5]
- Only player to be named to the NHL first All-Star team in each of his first five seasons[223]
- Most NHL goal scoring titles with 9[83]
- Most goals scored by a left wing in a career – 853
- Most goals for a single team – 853
- Most goals scored on the road in a career – 411 (As of 16 February 2023[update])[224]
- Most goals scored by a left wing in a season – 65 (2007–08)
- Most points scored by a left wing rookie – 106 (2005–06)
- Most shots on goal by a left wing in a season – 528 (2008–09)
- Most shots on goal by a rookie in a season – 425 (2005–06)
- Most regular season points by a Russian-born NHL rookie – 106 (2005–06)
- Fastest overtime goal – 6 seconds on 15 December 2006 versus Atlanta Thrashers (tied with Mats Sundin and David Legwand)
- Only player to be named to both the NHL First and second All-Star teams in the same season (2012–13)
- Most goals by a Russian-born player – 853
- Most points by a Russian-born player – 1,550
- Most points by a left winger – 1,550
- Most career shots on goal – 6,627
- Most career overtime goals – 26
- Most career power play goals – 312
- Most career game-opening goals – 136[225]
- Most career empty-net goals – 57
- Most consecutive 30-goal seasons – 15 (tied with Mike Gartner and Jaromír Jágr)
- Most career 30-goal seasons – 18
- Most career 40-goal seasons – 13
- Most career 45-goal seasons – 12
- Most career 50-goal seasons – 9 (tied with Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky)
Washington Capitals records
[edit]- Most seasons with 50 or more goals – 9 (2005–06, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2018–19, 2021–22)
- Most shots on goal in a season – 528 (2008–09)
- Most goals in a season – 65 goals (2007–08)
- Most power play goals – 312
- Most power play goals in a season – 25 goals (2014–15)
- Most career overtime goals – 26 goals
- Most career penalty shots attempted – 12 shots (most recent on 19 January 2016)
- Most goals in a season by a rookie – 52 goals (2005–06)
- Most points in a season by a rookie – 106 points (2005–06)
- Point streak by a rookie – 11 games (17 points; 5 goals, 12 assists; 18 March–7 April 2006)
- Point streak by a rookie to start the season – 8 games
- Goal streak by a rookie – 7 games (10 February–8 March 2006)
- Most career hat tricks – 31
- Most career goals – 853
- Most career points – 1,550
- Most goals in a single postseason – 15 (2017–18)
See also
[edit]- List of NHL players with 50-goal seasons
- List of NHL players with 500 goals
- List of NHL players with 100-point seasons
- List of NHL players with 1,000 games played
- List of NHL players with 1,000 points
Notes
[edit]- ^ romanized: Aleksandr Mikhaylovich Ovechkin.
- ^ The development program of Dynamo Moscow of the Russian Superleague (RSL).[5]
- ^ The first player to score two back-to-back hat tricks in his NHL career since Alexei Kovalev in 2001.
- ^ His nickname "Great 8" refers to the Capitals uniform number he wears.
- ^ Wayne Gretzky won the Art Ross, Pearson Award and Hart Trophy plus led the league in goals 5 different seasons prior to the Richard Trophy being awarded, Mario Lemieux did it twice, and Phil Esposito and Guy Lafleur each did it once.
References
[edit]- ^ "Analytics say Ovechkin one of top goal-scorers ever". NHL.com. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
- ^ "Why Alex Ovechkin could be the best goal scorer in NHL history – Sportsnet.ca". Sportsnet.ca. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 27 December 2016.
- ^ Kelly, Cathal (21 February 2020). "It's time we treat Alex Ovechkin as an NHL all-time great". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
- ^ "100 Greatest NHL Players". NHL.com. 27 January 2017. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2017.
- ^ a b c d e "Alex Ovechkin". Biography. Archived from the original on 26 October 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
- ^ Kohn-Murphy, Aidan (10 January 2017). "Catching Up With Alex Ovechkin". Sports Illustrated Kids. Archived from the original on 15 January 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
The son of soccer star Mikhail Ovechkin and a two-time Olympic medalist in basketball, Tatyana Ovechkina
- ^ "Alex Ovechkin | Biography & Facts". Encyclopedia Britannica. Archived from the original on 26 October 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
- ^ Cox & Joyce 2010, p. 20
- ^ Khurshudyan, Isabelle (11 June 2018). "Alex Ovechkin — captain, husband, expectant father — reaches hockey's summit". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 12 September 2018. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
- ^ Oland, Ian (15 December 2023). "Alex Ovechkin and Capitals players name the first jerseys they had as kids". RMNB. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Alexander Ovechkin Biography". The Hockey Writers. 26 March 2009. Archived from the original on 19 November 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
- ^ "Ovi takes GQ magazine inside his Russian childhood". NHL.com. Archived from the original on 27 October 2018. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
- ^ "Alex Ovechkin opens up for first time about brother's death". foxsports.com. 9 October 2015. Archived from the original on 29 May 2018. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
- ^ a b "Biography Today", pp.117
- ^ Joyce, Gare (2004). "Ovechkin confident of his arrival". ESPN. Archived from the original on 5 March 2009. Retrieved 23 January 2008.
- ^ a b Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (29 June 2003). "Inside the NHL: Think Fleury pick was special one? Just wait until next year". Archived from the original on 2 March 2009. Retrieved 23 January 2008.
- ^ El-Bashir, Tarik (6 August 2005). "Ovechkin Agrees to Contract With Caps". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 10 November 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
- ^ White, Joseph (5 October 2005). "Capitals 3, Blue Jackets 2". Yahoo! Sports. Associated Press.
- ^ "Capitals 3, Mighty Ducks 2, OT". Yahoo! Sports. Associated Press. 14 January 2006.
- ^ "Athletepromotions.com". Athletepromotions.com. 20 February 2009. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 15 April 2012.
- ^ Farber, Michael (25 December 2006). "A New Goal Standard". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 13 March 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
- ^ "Matthews was actually there for Ovechkin scoring goal on his back in 2006". sportsnet.ca. 26 November 2016. Archived from the original on 29 November 2016. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
- ^ "Alex Ovechkin Named NHL Offensive Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month". Washington Capitals. 1 February 2006. Archived from the original on 8 January 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
- ^ Picarello, Roberts (5 October 2007). "Southeast: Ovechkin's got a goal". NHL.com. Archived from the original on 27 February 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
Ovechkin broke Capitals' rookie records for goals (52), assists (54), points (106), power play goals (21) and shots (425), while breaking the NHL rookie record for shots on goal (425)
- ^ "NHL All-Star, All-Rookie Teams". NHL.com. 23 June 2006. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
Washington Capitals left wing Alexander Ovechkin became the first rookie since Chicago's Ed Belfour in 1990–91 to earn First Team honors
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- ^ a b c d e Maese, Rick; Khurshudyan, Isabelle; Roth, Andrew (25 November 2017). "Alex Ovechkin is one of Putin's biggest fans. The question is, why?". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 26 November 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
- ^ Ovechkin, Alexander (2 November 2017). "instagram post". www.instragam.com. Instagram. Archived from the original on 23 December 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
- ^ Ovechkin, Alexander [@aleksandrovechkinofficial] (23 November 2017). "Сайт движения Putin Team открыт - www.putinteam.ru! С его помощью вы сможете стать частью огромной команды. Команды Путина, объединяющей людей, которые гордятся страной и хотят сделать Россию сильной. В нашем лидере мы ценим доверие и уважение к людям, справедливость, порядочность и неравнодушие. Все кто поддерживают эти ценности и есть PutinTeam. Если вы хотите вместе с нами участвовать в мероприятиях - присоединяйтесь! Регистрируйтесь на сайте, следите за новостями, будет интересно! Ну и, конечно, делитесь этим постом с друзьями! Добро пожаловать в Putin Team! @putin__team #putinteam" [The website of the Putin Team movement is open - www.putinteam.ru! With its help you can become part of a huge team. Putin's team, uniting people who are proud of the country and want to make Russia strong. In our leader we value trust and respect for people, fairness, decency and caring. Everyone who supports these values is PutinTeam. If you want to participate in events with us, join us! Register on the site, follow the news, it will be interesting! And, of course, share this post with your friends! Welcome to Putin Team!] (in Russian). Retrieved 2 June 2024 – via Instagram.
- ^ Gleeson, Scott (17 November 2017). "Penguins' Evgeni Malkin joins 'Putin Team'". www.usatoday.com. USA Today. Archived from the original on 23 November 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
- ^ Gleeson, Scott (3 November 2017). "Kremlin pleased with Alex Ovechkin's support of Vladimir Putin". www.usatoday.com. USA Today. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
- ^ Pell, Samantha (25 February 2022). "Alex Ovechkin, the Russian star of the Capitals, says, 'Please, no more war'". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ^ "'No war': Russian athletes Rublev, Ovechkin call for peace". Star Tribune. Associated Press. 25 February 2022. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
- ^ "Alex Ovechkin's situation isn't as simple as Putin is 'my president'". Barry Svrluga. The Washington Post. 17 May 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
- ^ Patrick Lortie (1 March 2022). "Reflecting On Ovechkin: Sports And Outside World Need To Be Separate". awinninghabit.com. A Winning Habit. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
- ^ a b c Starkey, Joe (30 November 2008). "Ovechkin Malkin Feud Festering". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Archived from the original on 23 March 2009. Retrieved 3 February 2009.
- ^ Little, Benjamin (July 2020). "Washington Capitals: When Alexander Ovechkin Hit Evgeni Malkin's Agent in the Face". Stars & Sticks. Archived from the original on 26 June 2023. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
- ^ "Ovechkin Malkin feud turns nasty". Associated Press. 14 January 2009. Retrieved 3 February 2009.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Malkin, Ovechkin put feud to rest". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Associated Press. 25 January 2009. Archived from the original on 3 February 2009. Retrieved 3 February 2009.
- ^ "Kovalchuk Brokers Ovechkin-Malkin Peace". The Washington Post. 25 January 2009. Archived from the original on 7 October 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2009.
- ^ "Evgeni Malkin's kind speech for Alex Ovechkin during his birthday party". RMNB. 25 September 2020. Archived from the original on 1 July 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
- ^ "Capitals' Ovechkin Engaged to Tennis Star Kirilenko". The Sports Network. Associated Press. 31 December 2012. Archived from the original on 22 July 2014. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
- ^ Alex Ovechkin and Nastya Shubskaya Are Engaged Archived 15 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Russianmachineneverbreaks.com (11 September 2015). Retrieved on 10 January 2016.
- ^ "NHLer Ovechkin, model Shubskaya announce marriage". Toronto Sun. 28 August 2017. Archived from the original on 19 November 2017. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
- ^ "Ovechkin announces birth of baby Sergei". NHL.com. 18 August 2018. Archived from the original on 19 August 2018. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
- ^ "Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, wife Nastya announce birth of second son". CBSSports.com. 27 May 2020. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
- ^ a b "Ovechkin is about to settle down. Alexander the Great is going to defend his thesis". 16 July 2021. Archived from the original on 16 July 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ^ "Dr. Ovechkin? Tatyana Ovechkina Says Son Alex Will Soon Have Advanced Degree". 17 February 2015. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ^ "NHL names 2018–19 All-Star teams". National Hockey League. 20 June 2019. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
- ^ Alex Ovechkin Goes on Parade, Receives Gold Medal For Dynamo Moscow Championship (Photos) Archived 11 August 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Russianmachineneverbreaks.com (21 May 2013). Retrieved on 10 January 2016.
- ^ Gulitti, Tom (18 September 2019). "Ovechkin of Capitals to receive Wayne Gretzky International Award". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on 16 July 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ^ Астероид, открытый российским астрономом, назван в честь Александра Овечкина Archived 17 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine. itar-tass.com. 10 October 2014
- ^ A fascinated Alex Ovechkin experiments with Periscope Archived 9 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Washington Post. 8 April 2015
- ^ "Ovechkin given key to the city in Washington, D.C." TSN.ca. Canadian Press. 13 June 2008. Archived from the original on 10 March 2014. Retrieved 25 December 2018.
- ^ "Ovechkin receives hero's welcome in Washington". CBC. 13 June 2008. Archived from the original on 14 June 2008. Retrieved 14 June 2008.
- ^ "Alex Ovechkin, Mike Green Name to NHL first All-Star team". National Hockey League. 23 June 2010. Archived from the original on 7 March 2011. Retrieved 23 June 2010.
- ^ "Capitals star Ovechkin passes Gretzky for most NHL road goals". ESPN.com. 1 December 2022. Archived from the original on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
- ^ "Another Alex Ovechkin Record: Most Game-Opening Goals in NHL History". 13 December 2022. Archived from the original on 14 December 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
Bibliography
[edit]- Cox, Damien; Joyce, Gare (2010), The Ovechkin Project: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Hockey's Most Dangerous Player, Mississauga, Ontario: John Wily & Sons Canada, ISBN 978-0-470-67914-2
External links
[edit]- Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or Eurohockey.com, or Hockey-Reference.com, or The Internet Hockey Database
- Alex Ovechkin bio: IMDb.com
- Alex Ovechkin bio: Biography.com
- Alex Ovechkin bio: Britannica.com
- 1985 births
- Living people
- Art Ross Trophy winners
- Calder Trophy winners
- Conn Smythe Trophy winners
- Eastern Orthodox Christians from Russia
- Russian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States
- Hart Memorial Trophy winners
- HC Dynamo Moscow players
- Ice hockey people from Moscow
- Ice hockey people from Washington, D.C.
- Ice hockey players at the 2006 Winter Olympics
- Ice hockey players at the 2010 Winter Olympics
- Ice hockey players at the 2014 Winter Olympics
- Lester B. Pearson Award winners
- Mordvin people
- National Hockey League All-Stars
- First overall NHL draft picks
- NHL first-round draft picks
- Olympic ice hockey players for Russia
- Rocket Richard Trophy winners
- Russian emigrants to the United States
- Russian ice hockey left wingers
- Russian Orthodox Christians from Russia
- Russian philanthropists
- Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism alumni
- Stanley Cup champions
- Washington Capitals captains
- Washington Capitals draft picks
- Washington Capitals players