Alex Ovechkin is now third all-time on the NHL’s goal list. The Washington Capitals star scored goal No. 767 in the third period of Tuesday’s game against the New York Islanders. Ovechkin scored with a wrister off the face-off in third period.
Ovechkin’s goal gave the Capitals a 3-2 lead with just under five minutes remaining. The game paused as the Capitals and the fans inside of Capital One Arena in Washington, DC celebrated the milestone moment.
The islanders tied the game at 3-3 three minutes later to force overtime. Washington won the game 4-3 in a shootout.
The man whom Ovechkin passed for third, Jaromir Jagr, congratulated the Captain with a brief video message.
“Keep scoring, Jagr jokingly said. “Because as you know, I didn’t retire from hockey yet. And there’s a chance I might come back to the NHL and start chasing you.”
Jagr ended the video with a smile and a wink.
It’s been a season of climbing for the 36-year old Alex Ovechkin. This offseason, he inked a five-year deal to remain with the Capitals throughout his chase for the all-time record.
Ovechkin this season sixth all-time on the goal list. Career No. 767 was his 37th of the season. He surpassed Marcel Dionne for fifth and Brett Hull for fourth within the season.
Ovechkin now trails Gordie Howe by 34 goals for second. He’s now 127 shy of Wayne Gretzky for the record. With four years remaining on his contract, continuing his pace of 0.61 goals per game, will give him ample time to become first all-time.
