NHL : Ovechkin Celebrates Milestone as Second NHL Player to Reach 1,000 Goals

Alex Ovechkin reaches a historic milestone, becoming the second player in NHL history to score 1,000 combined goals in regular season and playoffs during the Washington Capitals' 3-2 overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche. Ovechkin nets his 26th goal of the 2025-26 season, marking his 21st year in the league. He joins Wayne Gretzky, who scored 1,016 goals (894 regular season, 122 playoffs). Ovechkin has 923 career goals and ranks 12th in playoff goals with 77. His milestone goal ties the game with 5:43 left in regulation, scored from his signature "Ovi spot" on the power play. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery highlights the significance of Ovechkin's achievement, while center Connor McMichael expresses his admiration for the iconic forward. The Avalanche clinch a playoff spot with Brock Nelson’s overtime goal, improving to 46-13-10. The Capitals remain in the playoff hunt, now five points from the final spot.