Alex Ovechkin Joins Wayne Gretzky in Exclusive 1,000-Goal Club

Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin became just the second player in NHL history to reach 1,000 career goals, combining regular season and playoff tallies, with a power-play goal on Sunday. This achievement places him alongside hockey legend Wayne Gretzky in an unprecedented echelon of the sport.

Ovechkin’s Historic Milestone

Ovechkin, 40, previously surpassed Gretzky for the most regular-season goals in league history on April 6, 2025, with his 895th goal SI.com. On Sunday, March 22, 2026, he reached the 1,000-goal milestone during a game against the Colorado Avalanche, scoring a power-play goal to tie the game at 2-2 with 5:43 remaining in regulation. The Avalanche ultimately won the game 3-2 in overtime ESPN.

A Career Defined by Excellence

The Russian legend has recorded 26 goals and 27 assists in 70 games this season, his 21st in the NHL – all with the Washington Capitals, who selected him as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft SI.com. Throughout his career, Ovechkin has amassed 1,676 points (923 goals, 753 assists) in 1,562 regular-season games. In the postseason, he has 147 points (77 goals, 70 assists) in 161 games SI.com.

Accolades and Legacy

Ovechkin’s illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades, including three Hart Memorial Trophy wins as league MVP, 12 All-Star selections and a Stanley Cup championship with Washington in the 2017-18 season ESPN. He has redefined scoring in the modern era and continues to inspire fans worldwide.

Gretzky and Ovechkin: A Unique Comparison

Wayne Gretzky remains the first and only other player to achieve the 1,000-goal milestone, with a combined total of 1,016 goals (894 regular season, 122 playoffs) Yardbarker. While Gretzky still holds the record for postseason goals with 122, Ovechkin’s continued pursuit of greatness solidifies his place among the game’s all-time greats Yardbarker.

With 11 regular-season games remaining for Washington, the Capitals currently hold a record of 35-27-9 (79 points) and are sixth in the Metropolitan Division Yardbarker.