Ovechkin notches career goal No. 700
Alex Ovechkin has entered rarefied air.
The Washington Capitals star netted career goal No. 700 against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, becoming the eighth player in NHL history to reach the elite regular-season scoring mark.
You'll never forget this one, @ovi8. #700VI pic.twitter.com/L24aHTmxvx
— NHL (@NHL) February 22, 2020
Here's where Ovechkin ranks on the all-time list. The 34-year-old is now 194 goals shy of Wayne Gretzky's record.
| Rank | Player | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wayne Gretzky | 894 |
| 2 | Gordie Howe | 801 |
| 3 | Jaromir Jagr | 766 |
| 4 | Brett Hull | 741 |
| 5 | Marcel Dionne | 731 |
| 6 | Phil Esposito | 717 |
| 7 | Mike Gartner | 708 |
| 8 | Alex Ovechkin | 700 |
"It's pretty good company, I'm happy to be there," Ovechkin told reporters postgame.
"The Great One" took to social media on Sunday to congratulate the Capitals sniper.
Congrats on 700 Alex, @ovi8! You’re truly one of the all-time greats. See you at 800 @NHL
— Wayne Gretzky (@WayneGretzky) February 23, 2020
Ovechkin netted the tally in his 1,144th career game, becoming the second-fastest player to reach the historic milestone, behind only Gretzky. He also became the second player to score 700 career goals with one team, joining Gordie Howe.
With 42 goals in 60 games this season, the Russian phenom is on pace to join Gretzky and Mike Bossy as the only players to register nine 50-plus-goal campaigns.
Since entering the league in 2005-06, the eight-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner has buried 437 even-strength goals, 259 power-play markers, and 110 game-winners, leading all players in each of those categories.