Even in defeat, Alex Ovechkin continues to carve his name deeper into the annals of National Hockey League history. The Washington Capitals captain achieved yet another significant milestone during a road game on Sunday night, underscoring the phenomenal consistency that has defined his legendary career.
A Familiar Milestone in Nashville
In a 3-2 loss to the Nashville Predators at the Bridgestone Arena, Ovechkin found the back of the net for his 20th goal of the 2024-25 season. This achievement propelled him past another hockey great and moved him tantalizingly close to one of the league's most venerable records.
With this goal, Ovechkin surpassed Ron Francis for the second-most 20-goal seasons in NHL history. The Russian superstar has now reached the 20-goal plateau in 21 consecutive seasons, placing him just one behind the all-time record of 22 seasons held by the legendary Gordie Howe. Ron Francis accomplished the feat 20 times over 23 NHL campaigns.
The Signature Ovechkin Goal
The milestone arrived in a manner familiar to any hockey fan. At the 5:56 mark of the first period, with the Capitals on a 5-on-3 power-play advantage, Ovechkin unleashed his patented one-timer from the left circle. The perfect setup pass came from defenseman John Carlson, and the puck hit the twine. It was a classic goal from his office, the spot on the ice from which he has built a large part of his scoring legacy.
At 40 years old, Ovechkin now has 20 goals in 46 games this season. This brings his NHL-record career goal total to 917. He surpassed Wayne Gretzky's once-untouchable record of 894 goals just last April. However, what continues to amaze is not merely the staggering total but the relentless, year-over-year reliability he has displayed since his debut.
A Career Defined by Unmatched Consistency
Selected first overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2004 NHL Draft, Ovechkin announced his arrival with a 52-goal rookie campaign in 2005-06. He has never finished a season with fewer than 24 goals. This incredible streak includes the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season, which was limited to just 56 games. Last season, he scored 44 goals in only 65 games, despite missing time with a fractured left fibula.
This immediate and sustained excellence sets him apart even from Gordie Howe. Howe did not reach 20 goals in his first three NHL seasons before embarking on a remarkable run of 22 consecutive 20-goal seasons from 1949-50 through 1970-71. Ovechkin, in contrast, has never dipped below that standard from the very beginning.
Beyond the 20-goal mark, Ovechkin also holds NHL records for:
- Most 30-goal seasons (19)
- Most 40-goal seasons (14)
He also shares the record for most 50-goal seasons (nine) with Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy.
The Final Record in Sight
As Alex Ovechkin continues his pursuit of Gordie Howe's final standing record, his career remains the ultimate case study in sustained elite production. Each season adds another chapter to a story of durability, skill, and an unwavering will to score. The hockey world now watches as one of its greatest goal-scorers takes aim at one of its most enduring benchmarks.
