Alex Ovechkin makes NHL history with 900th goal — Is the Washington Capitals icon now the undisputed NHL GOAT?

There are sports milestones that feel historic, and then there are moments that reshape the very definition of greatness. On Wednesday night, Alex Ovechkin carved his name even deeper into hockey’s immortal wall by becoming the first player in NHL history to score 900 career goals.

The Washington Capitals captain reached the mark with his signature power against the St. Louis Blues — a goal that wasn’t just another number, but a reminder of how enduring brilliance looks on ice.Ovechkin’s journey to 900 goals began two decades ago, on October 5, 2005, when he debuted with two goals in his very first NHL game. Since then, every slap shot, every roaring celebration, and every deflection has built toward this astonishing record.

The 40-year-old entered this season with 897 goals and has continued to defy time, adding yet another layer to his already legendary career. Earlier this year, Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record of 895 goals — a feat that once seemed unreachable.

Alex Ovechkin: The goal-scoring machine who keeps rewriting history

Alex Ovechkin’s consistency and longevity are what make his legacy truly extraordinary. Over 1,504 games, the Russian icon has registered 900 goals, 731 assists, and 1,631 points — leading the Capitals to a Stanley Cup in 2018 while earning countless individual honors.

His résumé includes nine Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies, three Hart Trophies, and eight First-Team All-Star selections. “I'm just going to enjoy it,” Ovechkin said before the season.

“I'm going to enjoy the season, and we'll see what’s going to happen.”

That enjoyment has translated into elite-level play even at 40. This season, he already has three goals and eight points, continuing to perform at a level most players can only dream of.

With his latest achievement, Ovechkin not only widened the gap on the all-time goal list — where no active player has even reached 700 — but also edged closer to another milestone. He’s only 32 assists shy of surpassing Nicklas Backstrom for the most assists in Capitals history, a feat well within reach if he maintains his current pace.It’s worth remembering how much higher Ovechkin’s totals could have soared. The NHL lockouts and pandemic robbed him of at least 100 games — and potentially 80 to 100 goals. Yet, his ability to dominate physically and mentally remains unmatched. He skates with the speed of Pavel Bure, hits like a power forward, and carries the poise of a champion. Ovechkin’s rare mix of skill, power, and endurance makes him not just hockey’s greatest goal scorer, but one of the sport’s most complete legends.If this truly is the twilight of his career, Alex Ovechkin isn’t fading quietly — he’s still lighting up the rink, goal by goal, moment by moment.More coverage on NHL: Sidney Crosby’s future at Pittsburgh takes a turn as GM Kyle Dubas reveals his firm decision about the captain’s long-term plansSidney Crosby’s eyes well up after Evgeni Malkin’s beautiful speech celebrating their incredible two-decade Penguins legacy