{{short description|Russian ice hockey player (born 1985)}} {{Multiple issues| {{Overly detailed|details=|date=April 2026}} {{Fan POV|date=April 2026}} }} {{hatnote group| {{Family name hatnote|Mikhailovich|Ovechkin|lang=Eastern Slavic}} {{Redirect|Ovechkin||Ovechkin (surname)}} }} {{Use American English|date=March 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}} {{Infobox ice hockey biography | name = Alexander Ovechkin | image = Alexander Ovechkin (49479646361) (1).jpg | caption = Ovechkin with the Washington Capitals in February 2020 | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|9|17|df=y}} | birth_place = Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union | height_ft = 6 | height_in = 3 | weight_kg = 1.65 | weight_lb = 238 | position = Left wing | shoots = Right | league = NHL | team = Washington Capitals | former_teams = Dynamo Moscow | ntl_team = RUS | draft = 1st overall | draft_year = 2004 | draft_team = Washington Capitals | career_start = 2001 }} '''Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin''' ({{langx|ru|Алексaндр Михайлович Овечкин|Aleksandr Mikhaylovich Ovechkin}}, {{IPA|ru|ɐlʲɪˈksandr ɐˈvʲetɕkʲɪn|pron}}; born 17{{nbsp}}September 1985) is a Russian professional ice hockey player who is a left winger and captain for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed "'''the Great 8'''" (in reference to his jersey number) and "'''Ovi'''", as well as "'''Alexander the Great'''" ({{Langx|ru|Александр Великий|links=no}}) by Russian media, Ovechkin has scored the most career goals in NHL regular season history,<ref>{{cite web |last=Vollman |first=Rob |date=10 January 2016 |title=Analytics say Ovechkin one of top goal-scorers ever |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/analytics-say-ovechkin-one-of-top-goal-scorers-ever/c-796548 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011130629/https://www.nhl.com/news/analytics-say-ovechkin-one-of-top-goal-scorers-ever/c-796548/ |archive-date=11 October 2020 |access-date=27 December 2016 |publisher=National Hockey League}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/why-alex-ovechkin-could-be-the-best-goal-scorer-in-nhl-history/|title=Why Alex Ovechkin could be the best goal scorer in NHL history |work=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=27 December 2016|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011130632/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/why-alex-ovechkin-could-be-the-best-goal-scorer-in-nhl-history//|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-its-time-we-treat-alex-ovechkin-as-an-nhl-all-time-great|title=It's time we treat Alex Ovechkin as an NHL all-time great|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=21 February 2020|last1=Kelly|first1=Cathal|access-date=8 December 2020|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623024346/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-its-time-we-treat-alex-ovechkin-as-an-nhl-all-time-great/|url-status=live}}</ref> and is the only player in NHL history to have scored 900 regular season goals.
Ovechkin began his professional career with Dynamo Moscow of the Russian Superleague in 2001, playing there for four seasons. Ovechkin was selected by the Capitals first overall in the 2004 NHL entry draft. In the 2005–06 season, Ovechkin captured the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year and finished third overall in league scoring.
Ovechkin has won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the NHL's leading goal scorer a record nine times and been runner-up once. He holds the NHL record for most 40-goal seasons with thirteen, and shares with Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky the record for most 50-goal campaigns with nine. He is the only player to have tallied 200 or more goals in three different decades, with 245 in the 2000s, 437 in the 2010s, and 213{{Outdated statistic}} in the 2020s.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |last=McCreary |first=John |date=6 April 2025 |title=Ovechkin breaks Gretzky's NHL goals record with No. 895 passing Gretzky for most in NHL history |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-wayne-gretzky-nhl-goals-record-chase |access-date=10 April 2025 |publisher=National Hockey League |archive-date=11 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411011809/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-wayne-gretzky-nhl-goals-record-chase |url-status=live}}</ref> He also holds multiple other NHL records, including the most power play goals, most goals in away games, most overtime goals, most game-winning goals, most individual goalies scored upon, and most goals with one team.
He has won the Hart Memorial Trophy for most valuable player three times (in 2008, 2009, and 2013) while also being a finalist two other times (2010 and 2015), and the award for best player as voted on by the National Hockey League Players' Association three times (2008, 2009, and 2010) while also being a finalist two other times (2013 and 2015). In 2018, the Capitals won the Stanley Cup for the first time, and Ovechkin was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for most valuable player in the 2018 playoffs. He has also been named to the NHL first All-Star team eight times, and the second All-Star team four times. In 2017, Ovechkin was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players of all time.<ref>{{cite web|title=100 Greatest NHL Players|url=https://www.nhl.com/fans/nhl-centennial/100-greatest-nhl-players|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=27 January 2017|date=27 January 2017|archive-date=1 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401154609/https://www.nhl.com/fans/nhl-centennial/100-greatest-nhl-players|url-status=live}}</ref>
Internationally, Ovechkin has represented Russia in multiple tournaments. His first IIHF tournament was the 2002 World U18 Championship. The following year he made his debut at the World Junior Championship, helping Russia win the gold medal. He played two more years at the World Juniors, as well as once more at the World U18 Championships. Ovechkin's first senior tournament was the 2004 World Championship, and he also played in the World Cup that year. Ovechkin has also played for Russia at the Winter Olympics in 2006, 2010, and 2014. Overall, Ovechkin has represented Russia at thirteen World Championships and three Olympics in his career, winning the World Championship three times.
==Early life== Ovechkin was born on 17 September 1985 in Moscow, the son of Soviet athletes.<ref name="bio">{{cite web|url=https://www.biography.com/people/alex-ovechkin-21366863|title=Alex Ovechkin|website=Biography|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026222634/https://www.biography.com/people/alex-ovechkin-21366863|url-status=live}}</ref> His mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (1976, 1980) and world champion (1975) in basketball.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sikids.com/si-kids/2017/01/10/catching-alex-ovechkin|title=Catching Up With Alex Ovechkin|last1=Kohn-Murphy|first1=Aidan|date=10 January 2017|work=Sports Illustrated Kids|access-date=8 June 2018|quote=The son of soccer star Mikhail Ovechkin and a two-time Olympic medalist in basketball, Tatyana Ovechkina|archive-date=15 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115012010/http://www.sikids.com/si-kids/2017/01/10/catching-alex-ovechkin|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="britannica">{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alex-Ovechkin|title=Alex Ovechkin {{!}} Biography & Facts|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026223153/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alex-Ovechkin|url-status=live}}</ref> His father, Mikhail, was a soccer player.<ref>{{harvnb|Cox|Joyce|2010|p=20}}</ref> His mother sensed her youngest son was destined for "sporting greatness". "From birth, it was obvious," she said. "In a child, it's clear immediately. He was very active and walking and curious."<ref name=":1">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/alex-ovechkin--captain-husband-expectant-father--reaches-hockeys-summit/2018/06/11/0a1018f0-6d67-11e8-bf86-a2351b5ece99_story.html|title=Alex Ovechkin — captain, husband, expectant father — reaches hockey's summit|last=Khurshudyan|first=Isabelle|date=11 June 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=12 September 2018|archive-date=12 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912204528/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/alex-ovechkin--captain-husband-expectant-father--reaches-hockeys-summit/2018/06/11/0a1018f0-6d67-11e8-bf86-a2351b5ece99_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His favorite NHL team growing up was the San Jose Sharks and also was the first NHL jersey he received.<ref>{{cite web |last=Oland |first=Ian |date=15 December 2023 |title=Alex Ovechkin and Capitals players name the first jerseys they had as kids |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2023/12/15/alex-ovechkin-and-capitals-players-name-the-first-jerseys-they-had-as-kids/ |access-date=22 July 2024 |website=RMNB |language=en-US}}</ref> He was two years old when he first picked up a hockey stick. Whenever a hockey game came on television, he would drop whatever he was doing, refusing to allow his parents to change the channel.<ref name=":4" />
In early childhood, he moved with his family to a high-rise building surrounded by a "crumbling neighborhood" on the outskirts of Moscow.<ref name="bio" /> There he attended public school No. 596, infamous for military discipline and a "tyrannical" principal, completing eight and a half grades before starting at Dynamo Moscow's sports school.{{efn|The development program of Dynamo Moscow of the Russian Superleague (RSL).<ref name="bio" />}} While he saw his friends "getting high and getting dead," Ovechkin was attending daily training sessions morning and night. "You dive into sport with your head and arms and legs, and there's no time for anything else," he said of this early training.<ref name=":5">{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ovi-takes-gq-magazine-inside-his-russian-childhood/c-541564|title=Ovi takes GQ magazine inside his Russian childhood|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=27 October 2018|archive-date=27 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027190014/https://www.nhl.com/news/ovi-takes-gq-magazine-inside-his-russian-childhood/c-541564|url-status=live}}</ref>
Whenever his parents were no longer able to get young Alex to hockey events, his elder brother Sergei stepped up, making sure his little brother got where he needed to go.<ref name=":4">{{cite news|url=https://thehockeywriters.com/alexander-the-great-ovechkin-biography/|title=Alexander Ovechkin Biography|date=26 March 2009|work=The Hockey Writers|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119131338/https://thehockeywriters.com/alexander-the-great-ovechkin-biography/|url-status=live}}</ref> When Ovechkin was 10, Sergei died of a blood clot following a car accident. Ovechkin had a youth hockey game the next day, which his parents insisted he play in.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/nhl/story/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-opens-up-about-brother-s-death-100915|title=Alex Ovechkin opens up for first time about brother's death|date=9 October 2015|work=Fox Sports|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529203453/https://www.foxsports.com/nhl/story/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-opens-up-about-brother-s-death-100915|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin credits his elder brother Sergei for introducing him to hockey and encouraging him to pursue it. When he scores, Ovechkin will often kiss his glove and point to the sky in a salute to his brother.<ref name=":4" />
Ovechkin established his reputation within the Dynamo Moscow system by scoring 56 goals at the age of 11, surpassing the previous record held by Pavel Bure, who had scored 53 goals.<ref name=":4" /> Meanwhile, Ovechkin dreamed of playing in the NHL, keeping the cards of star players stashed in his room, especially those of his idol, Mario Lemieux.<ref name="bio" /> "It's the best hockey there is," Ovechkin would say of the NHL.<ref name="bio" />
==Playing career==
===Dynamo Moscow (2001–2005)=== Ovechkin began playing in the Russian Super League (RSL) for Dynamo Moscow at the age of 16. Making his professional debut in the 2001–02 season, he scored four points in 21 games. He would spend three seasons there prior to being drafted into the NHL, and he would rack up 36 goals and 32 assists in 152 career games.<ref name="Biography Today, pp.117">"Biography Today", pp.117</ref>
The following off-season, Ovechkin was selected first overall in the 2004 NHL entry draft by the Washington Capitals. He had been projected as the first overall pick for nearly two years<ref name="Draft Prospect">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1812737&type=story|title=Ovechkin confident of his arrival|access-date=23 January 2008|publisher=ESPN|year=2004|author=Joyce, Gare|archive-date=5 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305042407/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=1812737&type=story|url-status=live}}</ref> and had earned comparisons to Mario Lemieux.<ref name="Post-Gazette">{{cite news|title =Inside the NHL: Think Fleury pick was special one? Just wait until next year|url =http://www.post-gazette.com/penguins/20030629nhlnot0629p5.asp|author =Kovacevic, Dejan|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date =29 June 2003|access-date =23 January 2008|archive-date =2 March 2009|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090302015647/http://www.post-gazette.com/penguins/20030629nhlnot0629p5.asp|url-status =live}}</ref> He was so highly regarded that the Florida Panthers attempted to draft him in the 2003 NHL entry draft in the ninth round, even though his birthday was two days after the cut-off (15 September 1985). Rick Dudley, the general manager of the Panthers, claimed the pick was legitimate, claiming that Ovechkin was old enough with leap years taken into consideration.<ref name="Post-Gazette"/>
Due to the 2004–05 NHL lockout, Ovechkin remained with Dynamo for one more season.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 April 2025 |title=Alexander Ovechkin breaks Wayne Gretzky's NHL goals record |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nhl/alexander-ovechkin-breaks-wayne-gretzkys-nhl-goals-record-rcna199523 |access-date=7 April 2025 |publisher=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407005636/https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nhl/alexander-ovechkin-breaks-wayne-gretzkys-nhl-goals-record-rcna199523 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the playoffs, he helped Dynamo win the RSL title.<ref>{{cite web |last=Doyle |first=Diane |date=10 April 2020 |title=Alex Ovechkin and the Dynamic Dynamos – Russian Super League Champions 15 Years Ago |url=https://novacapsfans.com/2020/04/09/alex-ovechkin-and-the-dynamic-dynamos-russian-super-league-champions-15-years-ago/ |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=NoVa Caps |language=en-US |archive-date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407013544/https://novacapsfans.com/2020/04/09/alex-ovechkin-and-the-dynamic-dynamos-russian-super-league-champions-15-years-ago/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
With the threat of the lockout canceling another NHL season, Ovechkin signed a contract with rival Russian team Avangard Omsk. To maintain his eligibility for the NHL in the event that the lockout ended, the contract contained an out clause with a 20 July 2005 deadline. Although a new NHL collective bargaining agreement (CBA) had not yet been reached between players and owners, Ovechkin decided to opt out and signed with the Capitals on 5 August 2005. The deal was a three-year, entry-level contract worth the rookie maximum of $984,200 per season with performance-based bonuses to inflate his annual salary to as much as $3.9 million.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/05/AR2005080501149.html |title=Ovechkin Agrees to Contract With Caps |date=6 August 2005 |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Tarik |last=El-Bashir |access-date=24 August 2017 |archive-date=10 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110190613/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/05/AR2005080501149.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Washington Capitals (2005–present)===
====Early years (2005–2007)==== [[File:Ovechkin (44167919).jpg|thumb|left|Ovechkin in September 2005 at the Washington Capitals training camp prior to the 2005–06 season]] Two days after signing, the lockout ended with a new CBA. Ovechkin played his first game with the Capitals in the 2005–06 season opener on 5 October 2005, scoring two goals against goalie Pascal Leclaire in a 3–2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://theworldlink.com/sports/nhl-returns-to-ice-with-first-shootout/article_ecc87cde-6a13-5439-a75a-07f4adb6de6a.html|title=NHL returns to ice with first shootout|agency=The Associated Press |date=6 October 2005|website=The World}}</ref> On 13 January 2006, in Anaheim, Ovechkin scored his first career hat trick against Jean-Sébastien Giguère of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to help Washington win the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://starsandsticks.com/2019/08/22/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-first-hat-trick/|title=Washington Capitals: When Alex Ovechkin scored his first hat trick|first=Michael|last= Marzzacco|website=Stars and Sticks|date=22 August 2019}}</ref> Three days later, on 16 January, he scored a goal that veteran hockey commentator Bill Clement called "one of the greatest goals of all time."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.athletepromotions.com/athletes/Alexander-Ovechkin-appearance-booking-agent.php |title=Athletepromotions.com |publisher=Athletepromotions.com |date=20 February 2009 |access-date=15 April 2012 |archive-date=7 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707183517/http://www.athletepromotions.com/athletes/Alexander-Ovechkin-appearance-booking-agent.php |url-status=live}}</ref> Knocked down by Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Paul Mara and sliding on his back facing away from the net, Ovechkin was able to hook the puck with one hand on his stick and slide it into the net past goalie Brian Boucher for his second goal of the night. It became referred to as "The Goal."<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Farber|first1=Michael|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1969/12/31/8397447/a-new-goal-standard|title=A New Goal Standard|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=25 December 2006|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031713/https://www.si.com/vault/1969/12/31/8397447/a-new-goal-standard|url-status=live}}</ref> Auston Matthews, a future Toronto Maple Leafs first overall selection, was in attendance during the game; he said in an interview in November 2016, shortly into the 2016–17 season that it was the best goal he ever saw live.<ref>{{cite web|title=Matthews was actually there for Ovechkin scoring goal on his back in 2006|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/matthews-actually-ovechkin-scoring-goal-back-2006/|website=sportsnet.ca|access-date=13 March 2018|date=26 November 2016|archive-date=29 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129033320/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/matthews-actually-ovechkin-scoring-goal-back-2006/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 February, Ovechkin was named NHL Rookie of the Month for January 2006 as well as being named Offensive Player of the Month, becoming only the third player in NHL history to earn both honors simultaneously.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=462124|title=Alex Ovechkin Named NHL Offensive Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month|publisher=Washington Capitals|date=1 February 2006|access-date=30 December 2011|archive-date=8 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110108044423/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=462124|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin finished the 2005–06 season leading all NHL rookies in goals, points, power play goals and shots. He finished third overall in the NHL in scoring with 106 points and tied for third in goals with 52 and 54 assists. His 425 shots led the league, set an NHL rookie record,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Picarello|first1=Roberts|title=Southeast: Ovechkin's got a goal|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/southeast-ovechkins-got-a-goal/c-369465|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=1 May 2018|date=5 October 2007|quote=Ovechkin broke Capitals' rookie records for goals (52), assists (54), points (106), power play goals (21) and shots (425), while breaking the NHL rookie record for shots on goal (425)|archive-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227213844/https://www.nhl.com/news/southeast-ovechkins-got-a-goal/c-369465|url-status=live}}</ref> and was the fourth-highest total in NHL history. Ovechkin's point total was the second-best in Washington Capitals history and his goals total tied for third in franchise history. He was also named to the NHL first All-Star team, the first rookie to receive the honor in 15 years.<ref>{{cite web|title=NHL All-Star, All-Rookie Teams|url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/nhl-all-star-all-rookie-teams/c-426534|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=1 May 2018|date=23 June 2006|quote=Washington Capitals left wing Alexander Ovechkin became the first rookie since Chicago's Ed Belfour in 1990–91 to earn First Team honors|archive-date=3 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503102230/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/nhl-all-star-all-rookie-teams/c-426534|url-status=live}}</ref> After the season ended, Ovechkin received the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's best rookie.<ref>{{cite web|title=Super Ovie Wins the Calder|url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/super-ovie-wins-the-calder/c-462231|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=1 May 2018|date=22 June 2006|archive-date=3 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503235617/https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/super-ovie-wins-the-calder/c-462231|url-status=live}}</ref> He was also a finalist in his rookie season for the Lester B. Pearson Award, which ultimately went to New York Rangers winger Jaromír Jágr.<ref>[https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=4147184 Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Pavel Datsyuk up for Lester B. Pearson Award] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728081150/https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=4147184 |date=28 July 2024}}. ESPN.go.com (6 May 2009). Retrieved 10 January 2016.</ref> EA Sports made him one of the cover athletes for ''NHL 07''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Broadwell |first=Josh |title=Every EA NHL cover star since 1991 |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2023/10/12/every-ea-nhl-cover-star/81258771007/ |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=For The Win |language=en-US |archive-date=29 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250329200343/https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2023/10/12/every-ea-nhl-cover-star/81258771007/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
In the 2006–07 season, Ovechkin appeared in his first NHL All-Star Game on 24 January 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last=Spousta |first=Tom |date=25 January 2007 |title=First-Time All-Stars Put Their Stamp on Game |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/25/sports/hockey/25nhl.html |access-date=7 April 2025 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407013912/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/25/sports/hockey/25nhl.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He completed his second NHL season with 46 goals, 46 assists and 92 points in all 82 games.<ref name="hockey-reference">{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/o/ovechal01.html|website=Hockey-Reference.com|title=Alex Ovechkin Stats|access-date=8 April 2025|archive-date=7 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407184553/https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/o/ovechal01.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the Capitals finished last in their division for the second time in Ovechkin's two years with the team.<ref name="britannica"/>
====Hart Trophy wins, beginning of captaincy (2007–2013)==== On 12 October 2007, Ovechkin scored his 100th NHL goal against goaltender Henrik Lundqvist in a 3–2 loss to the New York Rangers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thehockeywriters.com/ovechkin-milestone-goals-goalies-beat/ |title=Ovechkin, His Milestone Goals & the Goalies He Beat |website=thehockeywriters.com |publisher=The Hockey Writers |first=Andrew |last=Forbes |date=12 March 2023 |access-date=26 June 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627011537/https://thehockeywriters.com/ovechkin-milestone-goals-goalies-beat/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Playing in the final season of his rookie contract, in 2007–08, Ovechkin signed a 13-year contract extension worth $124 million with the Capitals on 10 January 2008. The contract, which averaged $9.5 million per year, was the richest in NHL history. Working without an agent, Ovechkin negotiated with Capitals owner Ted Leonsis and former general manager George McPhee.<ref name="13 year contract">{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=3190712|title=Ovechkin, Capitals agree to 13-year, $124 million contract extension|access-date=10 January 2008|publisher=ESPN|year=2008|agency=Associated Press| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080115093840/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3190712| archive-date= 15 January 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> Later in the season on 3 March against the Boston Bruins,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280303023 |title=Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals – Recap – March 3, 2008 |publisher=ESPN |date=3 March 2008 |access-date=15 April 2012 |archive-date=5 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105084036/http://espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280303023 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Ovechkin notched his 50th, 51st, and 52nd goals of the campaign for his fourth career NHL hat trick and hit the 50-goal mark for the second time in his career. Later that month, on 21 March, Ovechkin scored his 59th and 60th goals of the season against the Atlanta Thrashers, becoming the first NHL player to score 60 goals in a season since Mario Lemieux and Jaromír Jágr in 1995–96<ref name="Reaches 60">[http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/14533-Ovechkin-becomes-first-NHL-player-in-12-years-to-score-60-Caps-beat-Thrashers-53.html "Ovechkin becomes first NHL player in 12 years to score 60, Caps beat Atlanta 5–3"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106163355/http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/14533-Ovechkin-becomes-first-NHL-player-in-12-years-to-score-60-Caps-beat-Thrashers-53.html |date=6 January 2009}}. The Canadian Press (21 March 2008). Retrieved 29 November 2011.</ref> and 19th player overall.<ref name="Historical 60">{{cite web|url=http://capitals.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=357730|title=Historical 60|access-date=1 April 2008|publisher=WashingtonCapitals.com|year=2008|author=Washington Capitals|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328053148/http://capitals.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=357730|archive-date=28 March 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Four days later, on 25 March against the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin scored his 61st goal of the season to break the Washington Capitals' team record for goals in a single season previously held by Dennis Maruk.<ref>{{cite news|title =All of Alex Ovechkin's records, milestones, awards, streaks and career statistics|url =https://sports.yahoo.com/alex-ovechkins-records-milestones-awards-233600633.html|first=Steen|last=Shoemaker|website=Yahoo Sports|date=20 April 2023}}</ref> He also went on to break Luc Robitaille's record for most goals by a left winger in one season on 3 April, by scoring two goals for his 64th and 65th of the season.<ref name="64 and 65">{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280403023|title=Ovechkin passes single-season mark as Capitals keep playoff hopes alive|access-date=3 April 2008|publisher=ESPN|year=2008|agency=Associated Press| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080408055134/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280403023| archive-date= 8 April 2008 | url-status= dead}}</ref> He also became the first NHL player to score at least 40 even-strength goals in one season since Pavel Bure in 1999–2000.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hockey-reference.com/leaders/goals_ev_season.html |title=NHL & WHA Single Season Leaders and Records for Even Strength Goals |publisher=Hockey-Reference.com |access-date=22 May 2012 |archive-date=25 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525040819/http://www.hockey-reference.com/leaders/goals_ev_season.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Leading the league in scoring with 65 goals, 47 assists and 112 points in all 82 games played, Ovechkin captured both the Art Ross Trophy and the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy in 2007–08. It was the first time in 41 seasons that a left-winger led the NHL in points since Bobby Hull led the league with 97 points in 1965–66.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280403023|title=Ovechkin passes single-season mark as Capitals keep playoff hopes alive|publisher=ESPN|date=3 April 2008|access-date=9 May 2013|archive-date=5 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105195951/http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280403023|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ovechkin helped lead a rejuvenated Capitals team back to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2003 with a stronger supporting cast that included winger and countryman Alexander Semin, rookie center Nicklas Bäckström and defenseman Mike Green as the team finished third in the East. He scored the game-winning goal in his NHL playoff debut with less than five minutes left in game 1 of the first round of the 2008 playoffs on 11 April against the sixth-seeded Philadelphia Flyers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ovechkin: NHL fans' PLAN B |url=http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?id=2c4294de-6ccd-4341-82f5-96a9b3b8c9a8 |author=Duthie, James |work=Ottawa Citizen |date=12 April 2008 |access-date=12 April 2008 |author-link=James Duthie (ice hockey) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301084138/http://www2.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?id=2c4294de-6ccd-4341-82f5-96a9b3b8c9a8 |archive-date=1 March 2009}}</ref> He scored nine points (four goals and five assists) in all seven games against the Flyers as the Capitals were eliminated in the opening round. After the season ended, Ovechkin was awarded the Lester B. Pearson Award as the most outstanding player voted by the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) and the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's MVP, becoming the first player in the history of the NHL to win four major regular season awards, including the Art Ross and Rocket Richard trophies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ovechkin receives hero's welcome in Washington|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ovechkin-receives-hero-s-welcome-in-washington-1.740284|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=18 April 2018|date=13 June 2009|archive-date=15 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915105801/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ovechkin-receives-hero-s-welcome-in-washington-1.740284|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin was also awarded his third consecutive Kharlamov Trophy as the best Russian NHL player.<ref>{{cite web |title=Caps Briefing: Ovechkin Sweeps Up |url=https://dcist.com/story/08/06/13/caps-briefing-ovechkin-sweeps-up/ |work=DCist |date=13 June 2008 |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=14 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314140457/https://dcist.com/story/08/06/13/caps-briefing-ovechkin-sweeps-up/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Ovechkin reupload.jpg|thumb|right|Ovechkin during the first round of the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs. He recorded his first playoff hat trick in the second round that year.]] On 27 October 2008, shortly into the 2008–09 season, Ovechkin returned home to Moscow to visit his ailing grandfather, missing only the second game of his career up to that point, ending a consecutive streak of 203 games played.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ovechkin-heads-home-to-russia-to-be-with-grandfather-1.721603|title=Ovechkin heads home to Russia to be with grandfather|date=27 October 2008|publisher=CBC Sports|access-date=27 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081202004232/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/10/27/capitals-ovechkin.html| archive-date= 2 December 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> On 5 February 2009, Ovechkin scored his 200th goal, against Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings, becoming only the fourth player in the NHL to reach the milestone in four seasons, joining Wayne Gretzky, Mike Bossy and Mario Lemieux.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290205023|title=Ovechkin scores 200th NHL goal in Capitals' loss to Kings|date=5 February 2009|agency=Associated Press|access-date=5 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311131039/http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290205023|archive-date=11 March 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 19 March, he scored his 50th goal of the season against the Tampa Bay Lightning, becoming the first Washington Capitals player to reach the 50-goal mark three times.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=271894&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl |title=Ovechkin scores 50th goal of the season in Caps' win |date=19 March 2009 |agency=The Canadian Press |access-date=19 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323042549/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=271894&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl |archive-date= 23 March 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He finished the campaign with 56 goals to capture his second consecutive Rocket Richard Trophy, joining Jarome Iginla and Pavel Bure as the third player to win the award twice and the second player after Bure (2000 and 2001) to win the award in back-to-back seasons. With 110 points (56 goals and 54 assists), he finished as runner-up to countryman Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins for the Art Ross Trophy.<ref>{{cite web |title=Malkin wins race for Art Ross Trophy |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/malkin-wins-race-for-art-ross-trophy/c-417873 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=18 April 2018 |date=12 April 2009 |archive-date=18 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418225517/https://www.nhl.com/news/malkin-wins-race-for-art-ross-trophy/c-417873 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Ovechkin and the Capitals repeated as division champions en route to meeting the New York Rangers in the opening round. After advancing to the second round in seven games and erasing a 3–1 series deficit against the Rangers, Ovechkin notched his first NHL playoff hat trick on 4 May, in game 2 against the Pittsburgh Penguins to help Washington to a 4–3 win. Sidney Crosby also scored a hat trick in game 2. The Capitals were eventually defeated by Pittsburgh in seven games. Ovechkin finished the 2009 playoffs with 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) in Washington's 14 games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ovechkin-capitals-take-on-rangers-1.833908 |title=Ovechkin, Capitals take on Rangers |publisher=CBC |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=9 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409111604/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ovechkin-capitals-take-on-rangers-1.833908 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Rangers vs. Capitals – Game Recap – April 28, 2009 |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/290428023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509170918/https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/290428023 |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 May 2021 |publisher=ESPN}}</ref><ref name="historic moments">{{cite web |title=Ovechkin timeline filled with historic moments on road to NHL goals record |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-historic-moments-on-road-to-breaking-gretzky-nhl-goals-record |publisher=National Hockey League |date=6 April 2025 |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=9 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409111604/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-historic-moments-on-road-to-breaking-gretzky-nhl-goals-record |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4177506/2023/02/18/capitals-alex-ovechkin-sergei-fedorov-trade/ |title=How the Sergei Fedorov trade transformed Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals |work=The Athletic |author=Tarik El-Bashir |date=18 February 2023 |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=9 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409111604/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4177506/2023/02/18/capitals-alex-ovechkin-sergei-fedorov-trade/ |url-status=live}}</ref> He went on to win the Hart and Pearson trophies for the second consecutive year, becoming the seventeenth player in league history to win the Hart multiple times.<ref name="historic moments"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2009/06/19/alex-ovechkin-repeats-as-hart-winner/?noamp=mobile |title=Alex Ovechkin repeats as Hart winner |work=Boston Herald |author=Stephen Harris |date=19 June 2009 |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=11 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411014609/https://www.bostonherald.com/2009/06/19/alex-ovechkin-repeats-as-hart-winner/?noamp=mobile |url-status=live}}</ref>
thumb|upright|left|Ovechkin in January 2010. He was named the captain of the Capitals on 5 January 2010 Just over a month into the 2009–10 season, Ovechkin suffered an upper-body injury during a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on 1 November 2009, after a collision with opposing forward Raffi Torres.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ovechkin 'week-to-week' with injury |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ovechkin-week-to-week-with-injury-1.780926 |access-date=2 December 2009 |date=2 November 2009 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091105165304/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2009/11/02/sp-ovechkin-injury.html |archive-date=5 November 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> After returning, Ovechkin was suspended by the NHL on 1 December for two games (one for the action, and one for a second game misconduct penalty during the season) for a knee-on-knee hit to Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason during a game the previous day.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=508132 |title= Ovi suspended 2 games; Day-to-day with sore knee |first= Dan |last= Rosen |date= 1 December 2009 |publisher= National Hockey League |access-date= 3 December 2009 |archive-date= 3 December 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091203103405/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=508132 |url-status= live}}</ref> Both Gleason and Ovechkin had to be helped off the ice, although Gleason later returned during the game, while Ovechkin did not. Ovechkin was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct at the time. Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau commented that Ovechkin's style of play was at times "reckless". The suspension was Ovechkin's first of his career, causing him to forfeit $98,844.16 in salary.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09336/1017742-61.stm |title=Ovechkin suspended for 2 games |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date= 1 December 2009 |access-date=2 December 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091205040854/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09336/1017742-61.stm| archive-date= 5 December 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> On 5 January 2010, Ovechkin was named captain of the Washington Capitals after previous captain Chris Clark was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He became the first European, second-youngest and 14th overall captain in team history.<ref>{{cite web|title=Capitals Named Alex Ovechkin Team Captain|url=http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=512469|access-date=5 January 2010|date=5 January 2010|publisher=Washington Capitals|archive-date=23 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323062304/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=512469|url-status=live}}</ref> On 5 February, at a game against the New York Rangers, Ovechkin, with his second goal and third point of the game, reached the 500-point milestone of his NHL career. He is the fifth player to achieve the milestone in only five seasons, reaching it in 373 career games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=300204013 |title=Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers – Game Recap – February 4, 2010 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=5 February 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209023755/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=300204013| archive-date=9 February 2010 | url-status=dead}}</ref> On 14 March, at a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center, Ovechkin sent Blackhawks' defenseman Brian Campbell into the boards after Campbell had dumped the puck to the blue line. Ovechkin was called for boarding, receiving a five-minute major and a game misconduct,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=4994464 |title=Ovechkin ejected for hit on Campbell |work=ESPNChicago.com |date=14 March 2010 |access-date=18 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323012257/http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=4994464| archive-date=23 March 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> and was suspended for two games (for a third game misconduct of the season, a two-game suspension is automatic).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=4997843 |title=Ovechkin suspended for Campbell hit |publisher=ESPNChicago.com |date=16 March 2010 |access-date=18 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100318044849/http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=4997843 |archive-date=18 March 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> Campbell suffered a fractured clavicle and fractured rib, and was expected to be out seven-to-eight weeks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=5000549 |title=Blackhawks say Campbell out 7–8 weeks |publisher=ESPNChicago.com |date=17 March 2010 |access-date=18 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100318072546/http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=5000549 |archive-date=18 March 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> After the season, Ovechkin won the Ted Lindsay Award, becoming the third player in NHL history to win the Pearson/Lindsay Award in three consecutive years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhlpa.com/be-a-player/ted-lindsay-award |title=Ted Lindsay Award |publisher=National Hockey League Players' Association |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=9 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409111608/https://www.nhlpa.com/be-a-player/ted-lindsay-award |url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|The Lester B. Pearson Award was renamed the Ted Lindsay Award in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=NHLPA officially renames Pearson Award after Ted Lindsay |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=319907 |publisher=The Sports Network |agency=The Canadian Press |date=29 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019011519/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=319907 |archive-date=19 October 2012}}</ref>}} He also led the NHL in goals per game and points per game for three straight seasons, from 2008 to 2010.<ref name="NHL.com – Stats">NHL.com – "Stats"</ref> His 50 goals made him the runner up for the Richard Trophy which went to Pittsburgh Penguins forward and captain Sidney Crosby and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos who both had 51 goals for league leader(s) in goals. Ovechkin was also the runner up for the Art Ross Trophy for the second straight season (alongside Crosby with both players having 109 points) only behind Vancouver Canucks forward Henrik Sedin, who ended with 112 points.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/season-wrap-0/ |title=Surprising Sedin claims Art Ross Trophy |website=sportsnet.com |publisher=Sportsnet |date=12 April 2010 |access-date=19 January 2024 |archive-date=19 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119151135/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/season-wrap-0/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2009–10 Ovechkin surpassed the mark of Hall of Fame goaltender Bill Durnan (first four seasons from 1943 to 1944 through 1946–47) and became the first player in NHL history voted a First Team All-Star in each of his first five seasons.<ref>{{cite web|title=NHL announces 2010–11 all-star teams|url=https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/nhl-announces-2010-11-all-star-teams/c-566847|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=18 April 2018|date=22 June 2011|quote=Ovechkin made NHL history in 2009–10 by capturing First Team honors in each of his first five NHL seasons|archive-date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418225613/https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/nhl-announces-2010-11-all-star-teams/c-566847|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin also recorded 10 points (five goals and assists) in the 2010 playoffs as the Capitals would lose the series in seven games to the eighth-seeded Montreal Canadiens, surrendering a 3–1 series lead in the process.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wharns |first=Tim |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/canadiens-upset-capitals-in-game-7-stunner-1.887285 |title=Canadiens upset Capitals in Game 7 stunner |publisher=CBC |date=28 April 2010 |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=9 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409170440/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/canadiens-upset-capitals-in-game-7-stunner-1.887285 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NHLstats" /> [[File:2011 NHL Winter Classic Ceremonial Puck Drop 2011-01-01.JPG|thumb|right|Ovechkin takes a ceremonial puck drop at the 2011 NHL Winter Classic against Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.]] On 1 January 2011, Ovechkin and the Capitals took part in the New Year's Day NHL Winter Classic, facing the Pittsburgh Penguins. While Ovechkin did not score any points in his first career outdoor game, the Capitals won 3–1. On 9 March, in a 5–0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, Ovechkin recorded his 600th career point with an assist on a goal by Eric Fehr. On 5 April against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ovechkin scored his 300th career goal against Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer, becoming the sixth-youngest and seventh-fastest player to do so.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alex Ovechkin scores 300th career goal|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=558413|publisher=National Hockey League|date=5 April 2011|access-date=10 May 2013|archive-date=2 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002052537/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=558413|url-status=live}}</ref> He ended the 2010–11 season with 32 goals and 53 assists for 85 points in 79 contests. In the 2011 playoffs, Ovechkin recorded 10 points (five goals and assists) in all nine games as the top-seeded Capitals defeated the eighth-seeded New York Rangers in five games in the first round,<ref>{{cite news |last=Carrera |first=Katie |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/nhl-playoffs-capitals-eliminate-rangers-in-five-games-with-3-1-victory/2011/04/23/AFlOj9WE_story.html |title=NHL playoffs: Capitals eliminate Rangers in five games with 3–1 victory |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=23 April 2011 |access-date=9 April 2025}}</ref> before they were swept in the second round by the fifth-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fredericknewspost.com/archive/ovechkin-says-capitals-are-shocked-after-sweep/article_fe0dafa8-c0ea-5b1e-8521-482a51f2996b.html |title=Ovechkin says Capitals are 'shocked' after sweep |agency=Associated Press |work=Frederick News-Post |date=6 May 2011 |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=9 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409170440/https://www.fredericknewspost.com/archive/ovechkin-says-capitals-are-shocked-after-sweep/article_fe0dafa8-c0ea-5b1e-8521-482a51f2996b.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
On 3 December 2011, Ovechkin played in his 500th NHL game in a 3–2 OT win over the Ottawa Senators and ended the game with an assist recorded on a goal by Troy Brouwer.<ref name=celebrate>{{cite web|url=http://p.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/dec/5/brooks-laich-celebrates-500th-nhl-game-style/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209044712/http://p.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/dec/5/brooks-laich-celebrates-500th-nhl-game-style/|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 February 2013|title=Brooks Laich celebrates 500th NHL game in overtime style|work=The Washington Times|access-date=25 August 2012|date=5 December 2011|last=Whyno|first=Stephen}}</ref> On 23 January 2012, Ovechkin received a three-game suspension for a hit on Zbyněk Michálek of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The following day, Ovechkin announced he would not attend the 2012 NHL All-Star Game due to the suspension.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1037135-nhl-all-star-game-2012-alex-ovechkin-to-miss-mid-season-classic |title=NHL All Star Game 2012: Alex Ovechkin to Miss Midseason Classic |website=Bleacher Report |date=24 January 2012 |access-date=15 April 2012 |archive-date=28 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128144824/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1037135-nhl-all-star-game-2012-alex-ovechkin-to-miss-mid-season-classic |url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin ended the 2011–12 season with 38 goals and 27 assists for 65 points in 78 games as the Capitals as a team finished as the seventh seed in the East. In the 2012 playoffs, Ovechkin and the Capitals would upset the defending Stanley Cup champion and second-seeded Boston Bruins in seven games,<ref>{{cite web |last=May |first=Peter |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/26/sports/hockey/capitals-make-bruins-the-nhls-latest-upset-victims.html |title=Capitals Edge Bruins in the Closest Series |work=The New York Times |date=25 April 2012 |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=9 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409170440/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/26/sports/hockey/capitals-make-bruins-the-nhls-latest-upset-victims.html |url-status=live}}</ref> before falling in the second round by the top-seeded New York Rangers in seven games.<ref>{{cite web |last=Busfield |first=Steve |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/may/13/new-york-rangers-washington-capitals-new-jersey-devils-zamboni |title=New York Rangers beat Washington Capitals in 7 to face New Jersey Devils |work=The Guardian |date=13 May 2012 |access-date=9 April 2025}}</ref> He would end the playoffs with five goals and four assists for nine points in all 14 games.<ref name="NHLstats" />
During the lockout in the first half of the shortened 2012–13 season, Ovechkin went to play in the KHL and re-joined Dynamo Moscow with his teammate Nicklas Bäckström. In 31 games for the team, Ovechkin scored 19 goals, 21 assists and 40 points. At the end of the season, the Dynamo would go on to win the Gagarin Cup, albeit after the NHL lockout concluded and Ovechkin and Bäckström returned to North America in January 2013. However, Ovechkin and Bäckström still received championship rings from the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/04/17/dynamo-moscow-wins-gagarin-cup-will-alex-ovechkin-and-nicklas-backstrom-get-rings/|title=Dynamo Moscow Wins Gagarin Cup; Will Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom Get Rings?|date=17 April 2013|website=russianmachineneverbreaks.com|access-date=18 June 2019|archive-date=27 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027144457/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/04/17/dynamo-moscow-wins-gagarin-cup-will-alex-ovechkin-and-nicklas-backstrom-get-rings/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the abbreviated 2012–13 season, Ovechkin led the NHL in goal scoring with 32, earning him his third Rocket Richard Trophy. He also added 24 assists to give him 56 total points in all 48 games played of the season, good for third-most points in the NHL with only Tampa Bay Lightning stars Steven Stamkos and league leader Martin St. Louis ahead.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/wp/2013/05/09/alex-ovechkin-a-finalist-for-ted-lindsay-award/|title=Alex Ovechkin a finalist for Ted Lindsay Award|newspaper=The Washington Post|first=Katie|last=Carrera|date=9 May 2013|access-date=10 May 2013|archive-date=9 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509164749/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/wp/2013/05/09/alex-ovechkin-a-finalist-for-ted-lindsay-award/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2013 playoffs, Ovechkin was limited to a goal and an assist for two points in all seven games as the third-seeded Capitals would lose in the first round in seven games by the sixth-seeded New York Rangers and giving up a 3–2 series lead during the series. After the season ended, he was also awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy for the third time in his career. Ovechkin was also a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award for the fifth time in his career, which was eventually given to Pittsburgh Penguins captain and center Sidney Crosby.<ref>{{cite web|title=2012–13 NHL Awards Recap |url=http://www.nhlpa.com/news/2012-13-nhl-awards-recap |website=nhlpa.com |date=15 June 2013 |access-date=5 July 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706074118/http://www.nhlpa.com/news/2012-13-nhl-awards-recap |archive-date=6 July 2015}}</ref> After the season, Ovechkin made history by being named to both the first and second NHL All-Star teams. He had switched to playing right wing that entire season and thus was voted the first All-Star team's right wing, but some voters were not aware of the change, and voted for him at his traditional left wing position, thereby also landing him at left wing on the second All-Star team.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/m/sports/hockey/nhl/alex-ovechkin-named-to-nhl-s-1st-2nd-all-star-teams-1.1315870 Alex Ovechkin named to NHL's 1st, 2nd All-Star teams] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207031450/http://www.cbc.ca/m/sports/hockey/nhl/alex-ovechkin-named-to-nhl-s-1st-2nd-all-star-teams-1.1315870 |date=7 February 2017}}. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 4 April 2017.</ref>
====Stanley Cup championship and Conn Smythe Trophy (2013–2019)==== On 20 December 2013, in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin scored into an empty net for his 400th career goal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=696892 |title=Alex Ovechkin scores 400th career goal, Washington Capitals score three times on power play in 4–2 win over |publisher=National Hockey League |date=20 December 2013 |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-date=27 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127072144/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=696892 |url-status=live}}</ref> He became the sixth-fastest player to ever reach that mark, getting it in 634 games, one fewer than Pavel Bure. At the conclusion of the 2013–14 season, Ovechkin had the strange distinction of winning the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, scoring 51 goals, while going −35, one of the NHL's worst, in the plus-minus statistic. However, the Capitals missed the 2014 playoffs by three points, marking the first time since 2006–07 where Ovechkin and the Capitals missed the playoffs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Carrera |first=Katie |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/washington-capitals-problems-began-long-before-their-playoff-streak-ended/2014/04/11/3fc8ede6-c0f5-11e3-b195-dd0c1174052c_story.html |title=Washington Capitals' problems began long before their playoff streak ended |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=11 April 2014 |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=2 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202174642/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/washington-capitals-problems-began-long-before-their-playoff-streak-ended/2014/04/11/3fc8ede6-c0f5-11e3-b195-dd0c1174052c_story.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:Secretary Kerry Meets Capitals Star Ovechkin Before Olympics Send-Off (12354241463).jpg|thumb|left|Ovechkin meeting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in the Capitals locker room, 6 February 2014]] On 4 November 2014, in a game against the Calgary Flames, Ovechkin recorded his 826th point, a franchise record, surpassing Peter Bondra, who previously held the record with 825 points.<ref name="historic moments"/> On 31 March 2015, in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the year on Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward and became the sixth player in NHL history to have six 50-goal seasons, joining Guy Lafleur, Mike Bossy, Wayne Gretzky, Marcel Dionne and Mario Lemieux.<ref>{{cite web|title=Capitals forward Ovechkin scores 50th goal|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-forward-ovechkin-scores-50th-goal/c-760791|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=1 May 2018|date=31 March 2015|archive-date=3 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503102254/https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-forward-ovechkin-scores-50th-goal/c-760791|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 April, Ovechkin scored his 51st and 52nd goals of the season in a 5–4 shootout win against Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens, surpassing Bondra as the franchise leader in goals scored. It was also his 15th multi-goal game of the season, none of which was a hat trick.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caps Today, 4/3/15|url=https://capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/2015/04/03/caps-today-4-3-15|website=capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com|access-date=1 May 2018|archive-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502135907/https://capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/2015/04/03/caps-today-4-3-15|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ovechkin finished the 2014–15 season with 81 games played and 53 goals, 28 assists and 81 points.<ref name="Chris Peters">{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/2015-nhl-awards-show-recap-carey-price-owns-the-night/ |title=2015 NHL Awards show recap: Carey Price owns the night |work=CBS Sports |first=Chris |last=Peters |date=24 June 2015 |access-date=26 June 2015 |archive-date=10 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510105409/http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/2015-nhl-awards-show-recap-carey-price-owns-the-night/ |url-status=live}}</ref> His 53 goals once again led the league in goal scoring, capturing his fifth Rocket Richard Trophy as a result.<ref name="Chris Peters"/> Ovechkin was named a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy for the fifth time in his career and the Ted Lindsay Award for the sixth time, both awards were ultimately awarded to Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/36456/hart-trophy-finalists-ovechkin-price-tavares |title=Hart Trophy finalists: Ovechkin, Price, Tavares |publisher=ESPN |date=29 April 2015 |access-date=30 November 2024 |archive-date=1 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201175454/https://www.espn.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/36456/hart-trophy-finalists-ovechkin-price-tavares |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/blog/nhl/post/_/id/36837/ted-lindsay-award-finalists-benn-price-ovechkin |title=Ted Lindsay Award finalists: Benn, Price, Ovechkin |publisher=ESPN |author=NHLPA |date=6 May 2015 |access-date=9 April 2024 |archive-date=9 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409194151/https://www.espn.co.uk/blog/nhl/post/_/id/36837/ted-lindsay-award-finalists-benn-price-ovechkin |url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2015 playoffs, Ovechkin recorded five goals and four assists for nine points in all 14 playoff games as the fourth-seeded Capitals defeated the fifth-seeded New York Islanders in seven games in the first round before getting defeated in the second round in seven games by the Presidents' Trophy-winning New York Rangers (despite the Capitals initially having a 3–1 series lead before the eventual 4–3 series defeat).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/400792789 |title=Rangers advance to East finals on Derek Stepan's OT goal; Caps ousted |agency=Associated Press |website=ESPN.com |date=14 May 2015 |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=22 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222194359/https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/400792789 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:Ovechkin (24672627026).jpg|thumb|right|Ovechkin at a Capitals practice in October 2015. During the 2015–16 season, he became the first Russian player to reach the 500-goal plateau in the NHL.]] On 7 November 2015, shortly into the 2015–16 season, in the second period of a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ovechkin scored his eighth goal of the season to tie Sergei Fedorov's tally for the most goals among Russian born players, with 483. On 19 November, Ovechkin scored his ninth goal of the season against goaltender Kari Lehtonen in a 3–2 loss to the Dallas Stars; that goal broke Fedorov's record. On 10 January 2016, Ovechkin scored his 500th and 501st goals in a 7–1 victory over the Ottawa Senators against goaltender Andrew Hammond, becoming the 43rd player to reach the 500-goal plateau, and the fifth-fastest player to do so in his 801st game, as well as the first Russian.<ref>[http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=797019 Capitals' Ovechkin scores 500th NHL goal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112180250/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=797019 |date=12 January 2016}}. National Hockey League. Retrieved 4 April 2017.</ref> On 9 April, in the 2015–16 season finale against the St. Louis Blues, Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the season and became the third player in NHL history to have seven or more 50-goal seasons.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Masisak|first1=Corey|title=Another 50-goal season puts Ovechkin in elite group|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/another-50-goal-season-puts-ovechkin-in-elite-group/c-760928|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=14 March 2018|date=1 April 2015|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315070455/https://www.nhl.com/news/another-50-goal-season-puts-ovechkin-in-elite-group/c-760928|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ovechkin nets hat-trick to score seventh 50-goal season|url=http://torontosun.com/2016/04/10/ovechkin-nets-hat-trick-to-score-seventh-50-goal-season/wcm/cb6e22b5-3965-4098-9e12-a873a6e57a4a|access-date=14 March 2018|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=10 April 2016|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315072202/http://torontosun.com/2016/04/10/ovechkin-nets-hat-trick-to-score-seventh-50-goal-season/wcm/cb6e22b5-3965-4098-9e12-a873a6e57a4a|url-status=live}}</ref> During the 2015–16 season, Ovechkin, for the first time in his career, did not lead the Washington Capitals in points, although he still led the team in goals and the entire league with 50 for his sixth Rocket Richard Trophy, and finished second on the team in points with 71, behind fellow countryman Evgeny Kuznetsov, who finished with 77.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gormley|first1=Chuck|title=2015–16 Capitals Season in Review: Evgeny Kuznetsov|url=http://www.nbcsports.com/washington/washington-capitals/2015-16-capitals-season-review-evgeny-kuznetsov|access-date=14 March 2018|date=15 June 2016|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315133320/http://www.nbcsports.com/washington/washington-capitals/2015-16-capitals-season-review-evgeny-kuznetsov|url-status=live}}</ref> The Capitals would win the Presidents' Trophy as the regular season champions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.berkshireeagle.com/archives/presidents-trophy-brings-mixed-emotions-for-capitals/article_ec30afc5-556d-5974-8d55-46595fc95644.html |title=Presidents' Trophy brings mixed emotions for Capitals |website=the brokshireeasgle.com |agency=Associated Press |first=Stephen |last=Whyno |date=30 March 2016 |access-date=26 June 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627011539/https://www.berkshireeagle.com/archives/presidents-trophy-brings-mixed-emotions-for-capitals/article_ec30afc5-556d-5974-8d55-46595fc95644.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin was named a finalist for the Mark Messier Leadership Award for his contributions both on and off the ice during the regular season, which was eventually awarded to Nashville Predators defenseman and captain Shea Weber.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2016/05/05/Alex-Ovechkin-John-Tavares-Shea-Weber-named-finalists-for-Messier-Award/1121462424468/ |title=Alex Ovechkin, John Tavares, Shea Weber named finalists for the Messier Award |work=United Press International |author=The Sports Xchange |date=5 May 2016 |access-date=19 January 2024 |archive-date=7 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507182245/http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2016/05/05/Alex-Ovechkin-John-Tavares-Shea-Weber-named-finalists-for-Messier-Award/1121462424468/ |url-status=live}}</ref> After defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in six games in the first round of the 2016 playoffs,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/400874101 |title=Capitals avoid first-round collapse, close out Flyers in six games |agency=Associated Press |website=ESPN.com |date=24 April 2016 |access-date=9 April 2025}}</ref> the Capitals lost their second-round series to the Pittsburgh Penguins in game six after a 4–3 overtime defeat.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/11/sports/hockey/pittsburgh-penguins-score-in-overtime-ending-the-washington-capitals-run.html |title=Pittsburgh Penguins Score in Overtime, Ending the Washington Capitals' Run |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |date=11 May 2016 |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=29 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429194435/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/11/sports/hockey/pittsburgh-penguins-score-in-overtime-ending-the-washington-capitals-run.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
On 11 January 2017, Ovechkin scored his 1,000th career point with a goal on Marc-André Fleury in a 7–1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, becoming the 37th player in NHL history to reach 1,000 points with only one team.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Chalk|first1=Tommy|title=From No. 1 to 1,000: Ovechkin reaches 1,000 points on home ice|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/11/alex-ovechkin-reaches-1000-career-point-milestone/|website=The Washington Times|access-date=12 January 2017|date=11 January 2017|archive-date=12 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112112957/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/11/alex-ovechkin-reaches-1000-career-point-milestone/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin finished the 2016–17 season playing all 82 games with 33 goals, 36 assists and 69 points to help the Capitals clinch their second consecutive presidents' Trophy and third in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/04/05/capitals-beat-rangers-to-clinch-presidents-trophy-again/100108298/ |title=Washington Capitals clinch a second consecutive Presidents' Trophy |website=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |date=6 April 2017 |access-date=26 June 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627011536/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/04/05/capitals-beat-rangers-to-clinch-presidents-trophy-again/100108298/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2017 playoffs, the Capitals defeated the eighth-seeded Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round. Still, they were defeated in the second round for the second consecutive year by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, this time in seven games.<ref name="Doyle">{{cite news|url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/ovechkin-is-the-best-player-to-never-make-a-conference-final/|title=Ovechkin Is The Best Player To Never Make A Conference Final|last=Doyle|first=Terrence|date=27 April 2018|work=FiveThirtyEight|access-date=8 October 2018|archive-date=8 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008214128/https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/ovechkin-is-the-best-player-to-never-make-a-conference-final/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the fallout of their playoff loss, Ovechkin was considered among the greatest players to have never won the Stanley Cup.<ref name="Doyle"/> Upon returning to training camp the following season, Ovechkin arrived in Washington two weeks early and predicted: "We're not going to be suck this year {{sic}}."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theringer.com/2018/12/11/year-in-review/alex-ovechkin-stanley-cup-washington-capitals-best-of-2018 | title=Alex Ovechkin Showed Us What It Means to be a Stanley Cup Champion | date=11 December 2018 | access-date=8 April 2025 | archive-date=7 April 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407101602/https://www.theringer.com/2018/12/11/year-in-review/alex-ovechkin-stanley-cup-washington-capitals-best-of-2018 | url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Alex Ovechkin with Stanley Cup.jpg|left|thumb|Ovechkin with the Stanley Cup in June 2018]] Ovechkin broke many NHL and Capitals' records during the 2017–18 season. On 7 October 2017, he became the first player in 100 years with back-to-back hat tricks to start the season against the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens, respectively.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ovechkin-makes-history-back-back-hat-tricks/|title=Ovechkin makes history with back-to-back hat tricks|work=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008231546/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ovechkin-makes-history-back-back-hat-tricks/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 October, in a game against the Detroit Red Wings, Ovechkin surpassed Jaromír Jágr for most regular season overtime goals with the 20th of his career.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ovechkin passes Jagr for most regular-season overtime goals|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-passes-jaromir-jagr-morning-report-oct-21/c-292145394|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=22 March 2018|date=21 October 2017|archive-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322143135/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-passes-jaromir-jagr-morning-report-oct-21/c-292145394|url-status=live}}</ref> On 25 November, Ovechkin passed Peter Bondra as the team's all-time leader in hat tricks with the 20th of his career.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Vogel|first1=Mike|title=#CapsLeafs Postgame Notebook: Hat Trick Of Hat Tricks|url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/capsleafs-postgame-notebook-hat-trick-of-hat-tricks/c-293400688|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=14 March 2018|date=27 November 2017|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315070429/https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/capsleafs-postgame-notebook-hat-trick-of-hat-tricks/c-293400688|url-status=live}}</ref> On 25 January 2018, Ovechkin recorded his 500th career assist on a Nicklas Bäckström goal in a 4–2 win over the Florida Panthers.<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-ovechkin-gets-500th-nhl-assist/c-295295430 |title=Capitals Ovechkin gets 500th assist for Capitals |publisher=National Hockey League |date=25 January 2018 |access-date=16 July 2023 |archive-date=17 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717002320/https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-ovechkin-gets-500th-nhl-assist/c-295295430 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 12 March, Ovechkin scored his 600th career goal against Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, making him the 20th player to do so, and the fourth to do so in fewer than 1,000 games.<ref name="600th">{{cite web|title=Ovechkin scores 600th NHL goal for Capitals|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-scores-600th-nhl-goal/c-296684564|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=12 March 2018|date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313092823/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-scores-600th-nhl-goal/c-296684564|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 April, Ovechkin would play against the Pittsburgh Penguins in his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the first Capitals player to play 1,000 games and the 54th NHL player to do so with the same franchise.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ovechkin to Play in His 1,000th Career NHL Game Tonight at Pittsburgh|url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/ovechkin-to-play-in-his-1000th-career-nhl-game-tonight-at-pittsburgh/c-297549984|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=1 April 2018|date=1 April 2018|archive-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402035446/https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/ovechkin-to-play-in-his-1000th-career-nhl-game-tonight-at-pittsburgh/c-297549984|url-status=live}}</ref> At the conclusion of the season, Ovechkin was awarded the Rocket Richard trophy for the seventh time in his career with his league leading 49 goals.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Battaglino|first1=Matt|title=Ovechkin leads NHL in goals for seventh time|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-leads-nhl-in-goals-wins-rocket-richard-trophy/c-297794578|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=9 April 2018|date=9 April 2018|archive-date=8 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408161754/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-leads-nhl-in-goals-wins-rocket-richard-trophy/c-297794578|url-status=live}}</ref> He became the second player, tied with Bobby Hull, to win the NHL's goal scoring title seven times.<ref name="2017-18 Richard">{{cite web|title=Alex Ovechkin Captures 2017–18 Rocket Richard Trophy|url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/alex-ovechkin-captures-2017-18-rocket-richard-trophy/c-297819484|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=9 April 2018|date=9 April 2018|archive-date=9 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409171714/https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/alex-ovechkin-captures-2017-18-rocket-richard-trophy/c-297819484|url-status=live}}</ref> Besides his 49 goals, Ovechkin also recorded 38 assists for 87 points in all 82 contests played as the Capitals finished as the second seed in the Eastern Conference and fifth in the NHL overall. During the 2018 playoffs, Ovechkin scored 15 goals, 12 assists and 27 points in all 24 games averaging 20:44 of ice time per game.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/trotz-on-ovechkin-he-s-been-on-a-mission-1.1093891|title=Trotz on Ovechkin: He's 'been on a mission' |date=24 May 2018|work=TSN|access-date=24 May 2018|archive-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524180639/https://www.tsn.ca/trotz-on-ovechkin-he-s-been-on-a-mission-1.1093891|url-status=live}}</ref> After defeating the seventh-seeded Columbus Blue Jackets in six games in the first round, the Capitals would once again meet their longtime rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, in the second round for the third straight season; headed by Penguins center and captain Sidney Crosby, Ovechkin's main rival for the greatest player of their generation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/sidney-crosby-vs-alex-ovechkin-debated-by-nhl-writers/c-298249538|title=Crosby vs. Ovechkin debated by NHL.com writers|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=8 October 2018|archive-date=9 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009013117/https://www.nhl.com/news/sidney-crosby-vs-alex-ovechkin-debated-by-nhl-writers/c-298249538|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2018/04/26/turn-it-up-to-11-pens-caps-have-a-lot-to-live-up-to/34261281/|title=Turn it up to 11? Pens, Caps have lots of playoff history|date=26 April 2018|work=USA Today|access-date=8 October 2018|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=8 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008214129/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2018/04/26/turn-it-up-to-11-pens-caps-have-a-lot-to-live-up-to/34261281/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/04/25/sidney-crosby-alex-ovechkin-penguins-capitals-stanley-cup-playoffs|title=Can Ovechkin finally beat Crosby in the playoffs?|last=Rosenberg|first=Michael|date=25 April 2018|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=8 October 2018|archive-date=27 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927005340/https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/04/25/sidney-crosby-alex-ovechkin-penguins-capitals-stanley-cup-playoffs|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin assisted on Evgeny Kuznetsov's game six overtime goal for 4–2 defeat in the series against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion and fourth-seeded Penguins to clinch his first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 13 seasons.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2018/5/7/17326270/penguins-capitals-game-6-score-results|title=Capitals finally vanquish the Penguins with this OT winner|last=Kirshner|first=Alex|date=7 May 2018|work=SBNation.com|access-date=27 October 2018|archive-date=27 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027232010/https://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2018/5/7/17326270/penguins-capitals-game-6-score-results|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2018/05/nhl_stanley_cup_final_2018_vegas_golden_knights_vs.html|title=Stanley Cup Final: Vegas vs. Washington preview, pick|last=Ryan|first=Chris|date=26 May 2018|work=The Star-Ledger|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527030529/http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2018/05/nhl_stanley_cup_final_2018_vegas_golden_knights_vs.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After defeating the Penguins in round two, Ovechkin would face another main rival of his generation in Tampa Bay Lightning center and captain Steven Stamkos in the Eastern Conference Finals.<ref name="Game7recap_DanRosen">{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-tampa-bay-lightning-game-7-recap/c-298766662 |title=Capitals shutout Lightning again in game 7, reach Stanley Cup Final |publisher=National Hockey League |first=Dan |last=Rosen |date=24 May 2018 |access-date=26 June 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627011537/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-tampa-bay-lightning-game-7-recap/c-298766662 |url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin and the Capitals recovered from a 3–2 series deficit to defeat the top-seeded Lightning in seven games and reach the Stanley Cup Final, the second time in franchise history (they previously did in 1998 before Ovechkin came to the team),<ref name="Game7recap_DanRosen"/> and defeated the second-seeded Vegas Golden Knights in five games to win the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history and first in Ovechkin's career.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/07/sports/stanley-cup-washington-capitals-vegas-golden-knights.html|title=The Washington Capitals, After Years of Frustration, Win the Stanley Cup|last=Shpigel|first=Ben|date=7 June 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=1 October 2018|archive-date=8 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608045538/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/07/sports/stanley-cup-washington-capitals-vegas-golden-knights.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin won the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player for his team in the playoffs by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-conn-smythe-trophy-winners-complete-list/c-287709808 | title=NHL Conn Smythe Trophy Winners | access-date=11 September 2018 | archive-date=18 November 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118205110/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-conn-smythe-trophy-winners-complete-list/c-287709808 | url-status=live}}</ref>
On 6 December 2018, Ovechkin became the fastest player in NHL history and ninth overall to take 5,000 shots on goal, reaching that mark in 1,031 career games. Marcel Dionne, the previous holder of the record, required 184 more games than Ovechkin.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/gametracker/recap/NHL_20181206_WAS@ARI|title=Recaps|website=CBSSports.com|access-date=7 December 2018}}</ref> He scored the 21st hat trick of his NHL career in a 6–2 win over Detroit Red Wings on 11 December, passing Pavel Bure for most by a Russian-born player in league history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://novacapsfans.com/2018/12/11/capitals-thump-red-wings-6-2-alex-ovechkin-scores-hat-trick-t-j-oshie-scores-in-return/|title=Capitals Thump Red Wings 6–2; Alex Ovechkin Scores Hat Trick; T.J. Oshie Scores in Return|last=Sorensen|first=Jon|date=12 December 2018|website=NoVa Caps|access-date=12 December 2018|archive-date=13 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213131159/https://novacapsfans.com/2018/12/11/capitals-thump-red-wings-6-2-alex-ovechkin-scores-hat-trick-t-j-oshie-scores-in-return/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 December in a 6–5 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin recorded his 23rd career hat trick with one of those goals being the 237th power play goal of his career on Hurricanes goaltender Scott Darling to pass Mario Lemieux for most power play goals with one franchise.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/news/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-pass-wayne-gretzky-empty-net-record |title=Ovechkin Breaks Another All-Time Record, Passes Gretzky For Most Empty-Net Goals In NHL History |first=Sammi |last=Sibler |website=thehockeywriters.com |publisher=The Hockey Writers |date=10 February 2024 |access-date=9 April 2024 |archive-date=10 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410012901/https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/news/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-pass-wayne-gretzky-empty-net-record |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/401044811 |title=Ovechkin, Vrana lead Caps over Hurricanes 6–5 in shootout |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=14 December 2018 |access-date=9 April 2024 |archive-date=10 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410012901/https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/401044811 |url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin had a career-best 14 game point streak from 16 November to 15 December,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/12/15/capitals-alex-ovechkin-scores-point-streak-sabres|title=Ovechkin scores, extends point streak as Caps beat Sabres|date=15 December 2018|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=16 December 2018|archive-date=17 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217014933/https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/12/15/capitals-alex-ovechkin-scores-point-streak-sabres|url-status=live}}</ref> which included back-to-back hat tricks against the Red Wings on 10 December and Hurricanes on 15 December, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/alex-ovechkin-joins-rare-nhl-club-second-straight-hat-trick/2tuy844jolye1vnl1lmmriav7|title=Alex Ovechkin joins rare NHL club with second straight hat trick|last=Weinstein|first=Arthur|date=15 December 2018|website=Sporting News|access-date=17 December 2018|archive-date=18 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218010407/http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/alex-ovechkin-joins-rare-nhl-club-second-straight-hat-trick/2tuy844jolye1vnl1lmmriav7|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{efn|The first player to score two back-to-back hat tricks in his NHL career since Alexei Kovalev in 2001.}} On 2 January 2019, Ovechkin was named a captain for the upcoming 2019 National Hockey League All-Star Game, but announced that he was choosing to skip the game to rest, forcing him to serve an automatic one game suspension as a result.<ref>{{cite web |title=Capitals' Alex Ovechkin to skip NHL All-Star Game |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/report-alex-ovechkin-skip-nhl-star-game/ |website=sportsnet.ca |access-date=3 January 2019 |date=2 January 2019 |archive-date=3 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103110230/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/report-alex-ovechkin-skip-nhl-star-game/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On 5 February, Ovechkin recorded an assist on a T.J. Oshie goal for his 1,180th career point in a 3–2 win over the Vancouver Canucks, surpassing Sergei Federov for the most points recorded by a Russian-born player, doing so in 193 fewer games than Fedorov.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/vancouver-canucks-washington-capitals-game-recap-304511104 |title=Ovechkin sets points record for Russia-born player, Capitals top Canucks |publisher=National Hockey League |first=Harvey |last=Valentine |date=5 February 2019 |access-date=5 March 2025 |archive-date=7 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307002304/https://www.nhl.com/news/vancouver-canucks-washington-capitals-game-recap-304511104 |url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin ended the 2018–19 season with 51 goals, 38 assists and 89 points in 81 games played while the Capitals as a team finished as the Metropolitan division champions for the fourth consecutive season and the second seed in the Eastern Conference overall for the second consecutive season and fourth in the NHL overall. His 51 goals earned him the Rocket Richard Trophy for the eighth time in his NHL career.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2019/04/07/alex-ovechkin-wins-rocket-richard-trophy-for-8th-time/ |title=Alex Ovechkin wins Rocket Richard Trophy for 8th time |work=RMNB |first=Peter |last=Hassett |date=7 April 2019 |access-date=26 June 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627011538/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2019/04/07/alex-ovechkin-wins-rocket-richard-trophy-for-8th-time/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin would also record four goals and five assists for nine points in all seven playoff games as the defending Stanley Cup champion Capitals were upset in seven games in the first round of the 2019 playoffs by the seventh-seeded Carolina Hurricanes, despite having a 3–2 series lead at one point.<ref>{{cite web |last=Perez |first=A. J. |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2019/04/24/nhl-playoffs-2019-carolina-hurricanes-eliminate-washington-capitals/3569150002/ |title=Hurricanes eliminate defending Stanley Cup champion Capitals in double-overtime Game 7 |work=USA Today |date=25 April 2019 |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416052746/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2019/04/24/nhl-playoffs-2019-carolina-hurricanes-eliminate-washington-capitals/3569150002/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
====Chasing goals record (2019–2025)==== On 30 November 2019, in a 5–2 win over the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena, Ovechkin recorded his 24th career hat trick which passed Jari Kurri for 10th most hat tricks in NHL history.<ref name="Dave Hogg">{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-detroit-red-wings-game-recap/c-311981476 |title=Ovechkin's four points help Capitals top sliding Red Wings |publisher=National Hockey League |first=Dave |last=Hogg |date=30 November 2019 |access-date=26 June 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627011536/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-detroit-red-wings-game-recap/c-311981476 |url-status=live}}</ref> In that same game, he also recorded an assist on a goal by Tom Wilson for a four-point night.<ref name="Dave Hogg"/> On 24 January 2020, Ovechkin was named to the NHL all decade team for the 2010s.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2020/01/24/crosby-kane-ovechkin-highlight-nhls-all-decade-team/ | title = Crosby, Kane, Ovechkin highlight NHL's All-Decade Team | publisher = NBC Sports | date = 24 January 2020 | access-date = 27 January 2020 | archive-date = 25 January 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200125025925/https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2020/01/24/crosby-kane-ovechkin-highlight-nhls-all-decade-team/ | url-status = live}}</ref> He ended the 2010s decade as the leading goal scorer (437 goals between 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2019) and the third most points (with 780), only trailing Sidney Crosby (788) and Patrick Kane (802), respectively. Ovechkin would be named captain for the 2020 National Hockey League All-Star Game, and again chose to skip the game on 26 January, to rest, and would serve another automatic one game suspension.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-wont-play-in-2020-nhl-all-star-game/c-313108674|title=Ovechkin won't play in NHL All-Star Game, Capitals forward was captain|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=30 December 2019|archive-date=28 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228091943/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-wont-play-in-2020-nhl-all-star-game/c-313108674|url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 February, Ovechkin scored his 700th career goal in the third period of a 3–2 loss against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center, making him the eighth player in NHL history to accomplish the feat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-700th-nhl-goal/c-314805220 |title=Ovechkin scores 700th NHL goal for Capitals|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=23 February 2020|archive-date=18 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318143828/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-700th-nhl-goal/c-314805220 |url-status=live}}</ref> The 2019–20 season ended three weeks early due to restriction surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, so Ovechkin and Boston Bruins forward David Pastrňák were named co-winners of the Rocket Richard Trophy, with each having 48 goals at the time.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McNally |first1=Brian |title=Ovechkin shares ninth Rocket Richard Trophy, but Capitals miss other milestones |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/alex-ovechkin-shares-ninth-rocket-richard-trophy-capitals-miss-some-other-milestones |website=NBC Sports Washington |access-date=27 May 2020 |date=26 May 2020 |archive-date=7 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607212325/https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/alex-ovechkin-shares-ninth-rocket-richard-trophy-capitals-miss-some-other-milestones |url-status=live}}</ref>
The 2020–21 season would mark the first time in Ovechkin's NHL career where he would not score at least 30 goals and having finished with 24 goals mainly due to the season being shortened due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2021/06/24/alex-ovechkin-2020-21-season-review/ |title=Alex Ovechkin: 2020–21 season review |website=russianmachineneverbreaks.com |publisher=Russian Machine Never Breaks |first=Peter |last=Hassett |date=24 June 2021 |access-date=5 July 2023 |archive-date=5 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705233050/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2021/06/24/alex-ovechkin-2020-21-season-review/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
Ovechkin signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract extension with the Capitals on 27 July 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-signs-5-year-deal-with-washington/c-325824224|title=Ovechkin signs five-year, $47.5 million contract with the Capitals|publisher=National Hockey League|accessdate=27 July 2021|archive-date=27 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727172532/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-signs-5-year-deal-with-washington/c-325824224|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin was a pending free agent at the time of the 2021 NHL expansion draft, allowing the Capitals to leave him unprotected for the Seattle Kraken to select and to protect other players; the Kraken ultimately selected goaltender Vítek Vaněček as their pick from Washington.<ref>[https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jul/18/alex-ovechkin-left-capitals-protected-list-upcomin/#:~:text=The%20NHL%20expansion%20draft%20begins,24%20goals%20in%2045%20games. Alex Ovechkin left off Capitals protected list in upcoming expansion draft] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407092323/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jul/18/alex-ovechkin-left-capitals-protected-list-upcomin/#:~:text=The%20NHL%20expansion%20draft%20begins,24%20goals%20in%2045%20games. |date=7 April 2025}} ''The Washington Times'' (18 July 2028)</ref> He scored his 28th career hat trick, tying Marcel Dionne and Bobby Hull for sixth most in NHL history, on 26 November against the Florida Panthers.<ref>{{cite web |last=Valentine |first=Harvey |date=26 November 2021 |title=Ovechkin scores hat trick, Capitals edge Panthers |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-washington-capitals-game-recap/c-328136378 |access-date=1 January 2022 |publisher=National Hockey League |archive-date=1 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101192619/https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-washington-capitals-game-recap/c-328136378 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 31 December, Ovechkin scored his 275th power play goal against the Detroit Red Wings, breaking Dave Andreychuk's all-time record.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=31 December 2021 |title=Ovechkin breaks NHL power-play goals record with No. 275, tops Andreychuk |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-ovechkin-nhl-power-play-goals-record/c-329359994 |access-date=1 January 2022 |publisher=National Hockey League |archive-date=1 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101192400/https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-ovechkin-nhl-power-play-goals-record/c-329359994 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 March 2022, Ovechkin scored his 767th career NHL goal in a 4–3 win over the New York Islanders, moving him into third place for goals scored all-time in the NHL, passing Jaromír Jágr;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/nhl-roundup-alex-ovechkin-makes-history-with-767th-goal-2022-03-16/|title=NHL roundup: Alex Ovechkin makes history with 767th goal|work=Reuters|date=16 March 2022|accessdate=26 March 2022|archive-date=16 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316175242/https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/nhl-roundup-alex-ovechkin-makes-history-with-767th-goal-2022-03-16/|url-status=live}}</ref> he achieved the feat in 477 fewer games than Jagr, yet had also taken 400 more shots on goal.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=15 March 2022 |title=Ovechkin passes Jagr with 767 goals |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-alex-ovechkin-moves-into-third-in-nhl-goals/c-331867912 |access-date=26 March 2022 |publisher=National Hockey League |archive-date=26 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326170307/https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-alex-ovechkin-moves-into-third-in-nhl-goals/c-331867912 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 20 April, in a 4–3 overtime loss against the Vegas Golden Knights, he scored his 50th goal of the season for the ninth time in his career, tying Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky for having the most 50-goal seasons in NHL history. At 36 years and 215 days of age, he is the oldest player to score 50 goals in a season; the previous oldest was Johnny Bucyk, doing so at the age of 35 years and 308 days.<ref name="Gulitti">{{cite web |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=21 April 2022 |title=Ovechkin scores twice, ties Gretzky, Bossy with nine 50-goal NHL seasons |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-scores-50-goals-in-season-for-ninth-time/c-333235844 |access-date=21 April 2022 |publisher=National Hockey League |archive-date=21 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421050822/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-scores-50-goals-in-season-for-ninth-time/c-333235844 |url-status=live}}</ref> He ended the 2021–22 season with 50 goals, 40 assists and 90 points in 77 games played as the Capitals finished the season as the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference.<ref name="Gulitti"/> Ovechkin would also record a goal and five assists for six points in all six playoff games in the Capitals first round loss in the 2022 playoffs by the Presidents' Trophy-winning Florida Panthers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pell |first=Samantha |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/05/13/capitals-eliminated-stanley-cup-playoffs-panthers-game-6/ |title=Capitals eliminated from Stanley Cup playoffs with Game 6 loss to Panthers |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=13 May 2022 |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=17 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517112104/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/05/13/capitals-eliminated-stanley-cup-playoffs-panthers-game-6/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
thumb|right|Ovechkin in March 2022 On 5 November 2022, Ovechkin scored his 787th goal with the Washington Capitals against the Arizona Coyotes, setting a new NHL record for most goals with one team, a record previously held by Gordie Howe.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wyshynski |first1=Greg |title=Alex Ovechkin sets NHL record for most goals with one team |url=https://www.espn.com.sg/nhl/story/_/id/34957472/alex-ovechkin-sets-nhl-record-most-goals-one-team |access-date=5 November 2022 |publisher=ESPN |date=5 November 2022 |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106003027/https://www.espn.com.sg/nhl/story/_/id/34957472/alex-ovechkin-sets-nhl-record-most-goals-one-team |url-status=live}}</ref> He set another NHL best on 29 November, surpassing Gretzky for most road goals with 403, after scoring two goals against the Vancouver Canucks.<ref>{{cite web |last=Karstens-Smith |first=Gemma |date=30 November 2022 |title=Ovechkin scores twice, makes history as Capitals down Canucks 5–1 |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2022/11/30/ovechkin-scores-twice-makes-history-as-capitals-down-canucks-5-1.html |access-date=30 November 2022 |website=Toronto Star |archive-date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130094339/https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2022/11/30/ovechkin-scores-twice-makes-history-as-capitals-down-canucks-5-1.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin became the third player in NHL history to score 800 regular season goals, behind Howe and Gretzky, by scoring a hat trick against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center on 13 December.<ref>{{cite news |date=14 December 2022 |title=Alex Ovechkin scores 800th NHL goal to complete hat trick against Chicago |work=Daily Faceoff |url=https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/alex-ovechkin-scores-800th-nhl-goal-to-complete-hat-trick-against-chicago-washington-capitals/ |access-date=14 December 2022 |archive-date=14 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214070204/https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/alex-ovechkin-scores-800th-nhl-goal-to-complete-hat-trick-against-chicago-washington-capitals/ |url-status=live}}</ref> It was also his 29th hat trick in the NHL, giving him the sixth most hat tricks by any player in the league's history.<ref>{{cite web |last=Miles |first=Bruce |date=13 December 2022 |title=Ovechkin gets No. 800 in Capitals win against Blackhawks |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-chicago-blackhawks-game-recap/c-338497528 |access-date=14 December 2022 |publisher=National Hockey League |archive-date=14 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214073229/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-chicago-blackhawks-game-recap/c-338497528 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 December, Ovechkin scored his 801st and 802nd career goals in a 4–1 win against the Winnipeg Jets, passing Gordie Howe for the second most goals in NHL history, behind only Wayne Gretzky.<ref>{{cite news |last=Whyno |first=Stephen|date=23 December 2022 |title=Ovechkin scores 801st goal, ties Howe for 2nd in NHL history |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nhl/ovechkin-scores-801st-goal-ties-howe-for-2nd-in-nhl-history/2022/12/23/d7501752-8324-11ed-8738-ed7217de2775_story.html|access-date=23 December 2022|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref name="second">{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/12/24/1145436994/alex-ovechkin-nhl-goals-gordie-howe |title=Alex Ovechkin moves to 2nd in NHL goals with 802, passing Gordie Howe |date=24 December 2022 |accessdate=24 December 2022 |publisher=NPR |archive-date=25 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225001351/https://www.npr.org/2022/12/24/1145436994/alex-ovechkin-nhl-goals-gordie-howe |url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin tied Mike Gartner for having the most 30-goal seasons upon recording a 30-goal season for the 17th time on 14 January 2023,<ref>{{cite web |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=14 January 2023 |title=Ovechkin reaches 30 goals for 17th time with Capitals |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-reaches-30-goals-for-17th-time-with-capitals/c-339949056 |access-date=14 January 2023 |publisher=National Hockey League |archive-date=15 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115025203/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-reaches-30-goals-for-17th-time-with-capitals/c-339949056 |url-status=live}}</ref> in a 3–1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.<ref>{{cite web |last=Valentine |first=Harvey |date=14 January 2023 |title=Ovechkin ties NHL record for 30-goal seasons in Capitals loss to Flyers |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/philadelphia-flyers-washington-capitals-game-recap/c-339531616 |access-date=15 January 2023 |publisher=National Hockey League |archive-date=15 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115025853/https://www.nhl.com/news/philadelphia-flyers-washington-capitals-game-recap/c-339531616 |url-status=live}}</ref> He surpassed Gretzky to set a new NHL record for most 40-goal seasons after securing his 13th on 21 March, in a 7–6 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=21 March 2023 |title=Ovechkin reaches 40 goals for NHL-record 13th season: Capitals forward scores against Columbus Blue Jackets to break tie with Gretzky |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-passes-wayne-gretzky-for-most-40-goal-seasons/c-342529574 |access-date=21 March 2023 |publisher=National Hockey League |archive-date=22 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322130422/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-passes-wayne-gretzky-for-most-40-goal-seasons/c-342529574 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Capitals would miss the 2023 playoffs by 12 points in the standings mainly due to injuries to other players on the team, marking the first time since 2014 where the Capitals missed the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-miss-stanley-cup-playoffs-1st-time-in-9-seasons/c-343151802 |title=Capitals 'weren't good enough' missing playoffs 1st time in 9 seasons |publisher=National Hockey League |first=Tom |last=Gulitti |date=5 April 2023 |access-date=16 July 2023 |archive-date=17 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717002322/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-miss-stanley-cup-playoffs-1st-time-in-9-seasons/c-343151802 |url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the team difficulties, Ovechkin still continued his individual success by having ended the 2022–23 season with 42 goals, 33 assists and 75 points in 73 games played.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2023/06/18/alex-ovechkin-2022-23-season-review/ |title=Alex Ovechkin 2022–23 season review |website=russianmachineneverbreaks.com |publisher=Russian Machine Never Breaks |first=Peter |last=Hassett |date=18 June 2023 |access-date=18 July 2023 |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719020343/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2023/06/18/alex-ovechkin-2022-23-season-review/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
On 7 December 2023, Ovechkin recorded his 1,500th point with an assist on a goal scored by Dylan Strome in a 5–4 shootout loss to the Dallas Stars to become the 16th player in NHL history to reach the mark.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/capitals-ovechkin-gets-1500th-point-in-shootout-loss-to-stars/ |publisher=Sportsnet |title=Capitals' Ovechkin gets 1,500th point in shootout loss to Stars |agency=Associated Press |date=7 December 2023 |access-date=9 December 2023 |archive-date=9 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209014015/https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/capitals-ovechkin-gets-1500th-point-in-shootout-loss-to-stars/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin later scored his 57th career empty-net goal in a 3–0 Capitals win over the Boston Bruins on 10 February 2024, passing Wayne Gretzky for the most all-time.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pohoryles |first=Joe |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-boston-bruins-game-recap-february-10 |title=Ovechkin scores in 4th straight, Capitals shut out Bruins to end 6-game skid |publisher=National Hockey League |date=10 February 2024 |access-date=10 February 2024 |archive-date=11 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211000521/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-boston-bruins-game-recap-february-10 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 April, Ovechkin scored his 30th goal of the season on Detroit Red Wings goaltender Alex Lyon for his 18th 30-goal campaign, passing Mike Gartner for most 30-goal seasons in NHL history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-alex-ovechkin-nhl-record-18th-30-goal-season |title=Ovechkin reaches 30 goals for NHL-record 18th season |first=Tom |last=Gulitti |publisher=National Hockey League |date=9 April 2024 |access-date=9 April 2024 |archive-date=10 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410010749/https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-alex-ovechkin-nhl-record-18th-30-goal-season |url-status=live}}</ref> He finished the 2023–24 season with 31 goals, 34 assists and 65 points in 79 games played. Ovechkin and the Capitals narrowly got back into the playoffs as the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference, however, Ovechkin did not record a single goal or assist as the Capitals were swept in four games by the presidents' Trophy-winning New York Rangers in the first round of the 2024 playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |last=Whyno |first=Stephen |url=https://apnews.com/article/rangers-capitals-score-f7b1d43c98e672e9f442bcdae71b1390 |title=Rangers finish off sweep of the Capitals, move on to the 2nd round of the NHL playoffs |agency=Associated Press |website=apnews.com |date=29 April 2024 |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=1 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401025249/https://apnews.com/article/rangers-capitals-score-f7b1d43c98e672e9f442bcdae71b1390 |url-status=live}}</ref>
On 15 October 2024, Ovechkin recorded his 700th career assist on a goal by Aliaksei Protas in a 4–2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights, becoming the 60th player in NHL history to reach the mark.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/capitals-alex-ovechkin-becomes-the-60th-nhl-player-to-record-700-career-assists/article_990a6c0d-a468-577a-bf9d-c5aca2f6e2f4.html |title=Capitals' Alex Ovechkin becomes the 60th NHL player to record 700 career assists |work=Toronto Star |first=Stephen |last=Whyno |date=15 October 2024 |access-date=16 October 2024 |archive-date=18 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218185307/https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/capitals-alex-ovechkin-becomes-the-60th-nhl-player-to-record-700-career-assists/article_990a6c0d-a468-577a-bf9d-c5aca2f6e2f4.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 November, he became the fourth player in NHL history 39 years of age or older to record three points in consecutive games (a goal and two assists in a 6–3 win against the Montreal Canadiens on 31 October and a goal and two assists in a 7–2 victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets on 2 November) after Tim Horton (1968–69), Gordie Howe (1968–69) and Jean Ratelle (1980–81).<ref>{{cite web |date=2 November 2024 |title=#NHLStats: Live Updates |url=https://media.nhl.com/public/live-updates?date=2024-11-02 |access-date=3 November 2024 |publisher=National Hockey League |archive-date=2 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241102180206/https://media.nhl.com/public/live-updates?date=2024-11-02 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 18 November, in a 6–2 win over the Utah Hockey Club, Ovechkin sustained a broken fibula as a result of a knee-on-knee collision with Utah forward Jack McBain, sidelining him for four-to-six weeks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/takes/washington-capitals-equipped-cope-without-alex-ovechkin-tough-day-hockey-world |title=Greatness Has Been Put On Pause On A Heavy Day For The Hockey World. But The Show Goes On, And This Year's Capitals Are Well-Equipped To Cope |website=thehockeynews.com |publisher=The Hockey News |first=Sammi |last=Silber |date=20 November 2024 |access-date=21 November 2024 |archive-date=21 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121094259/https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/takes/washington-capitals-equipped-cope-without-alex-ovechkin-tough-day-hockey-world |url-status=live}}</ref> At the time of this injury, Ovechkin had a league-leading 15 goals (including two goals earlier in the game against Utah prior to the injury) along with 10 assists for 25 points in the first 18 games of the 2024–25 season. After missing 16 games, Ovechkin returned to the Capitals lineup on 28 December in a 5–2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he would record an empty-net goal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/capitals-maple-leafs-score-04fc3b45ab0bf80ad21f56495eceaf67 |title=Alex Ovechkin scores in return from injury as the Capitals defeat the Maple Leafs 5–2 |website=apnews.com |publisher=AP News |date=28 December 2024 |access-date=29 December 2024 |archive-date=29 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229041026/https://apnews.com/article/capitals-maple-leafs-score-04fc3b45ab0bf80ad21f56495eceaf67 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/takes/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-historic-run-refuses-spotlight |title=On A Historic Run Unlike Any Other, Alex Ovechkin Refuses To Take Spotlight, Passes On Question About Pursuit Of Wayne Gretzky |first=Sammi |last=Silber |website=thehockeynews.com |publisher=The Hockey News |date=4 January 2025 |access-date=8 January 2025 |archive-date=7 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250107120703/https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/takes/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-historic-run-refuses-spotlight |url-status=live}}</ref>
On 11 January 2025, Ovechkin scored an empty-net goal in a 4–1 win over the Nashville Predators, making him the second player in NHL history to record 20 consecutive 20-goal seasons, after Gordie Howe.<ref>{{cite web |date=12 January 2025 |title=Ovechkin reaches 20 goals for 20th straight season |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-20-goal-milestone |access-date=13 January 2025 |publisher=National Hockey League |language=en |archive-date=14 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114172106/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-20-goal-milestone |url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 January, Ovechkin recorded the lone goal of the game in a 1–0 overtime win against the Ottawa Senators. This goal on Senators goaltender Leevi Meriläinen resulted in Ovechkin surpassing Jaromir Jagr for most goalies scored on in NHL history with 179 different goaltenders since the start of his NHL career in 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/43446543/with-ot-goal-874th-ovechkin-scores-goalie-no-179 |title=With OT goal, No. 874, Alex Ovechkin scores on goalie No. 179 |publisher=ESPN |date=16 January 2025 |access-date=17 January 2025 |archive-date=17 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117033724/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/43446543/with-ot-goal-874th-ovechkin-scores-goalie-no-179 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 February, Ovechkin recorded his 32nd career hat trick in a 7–3 victory against the Edmonton Oilers, making him the first player in NHL history to score 200 or more goals in three different decades (245 goals in the 2000s, a league high 437 goals in the 2010s and 200 in the 2020s).<ref name=":2" /> Over a month later, on 4 April, Ovechkin scored his 893rd and 894th goals in a 5–3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, tying Wayne Gretzky for the all-time goals record. His 893rd goal also marked his 40th of the season, extending his own record for 40-goal seasons to 14 and becoming only the second player in NHL history, after Gordie Howe, to record a 40-goal season at age 39 or older.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/44537592/capitals-alex-ovechkin-ties-wayne-gretzky-894th-goal |title=Capitals' Alex Ovechkin ties Wayne Gretzky with 894th goal |publisher=ESPN |date=4 April 2025 |access-date=4 April 2025 |archive-date=5 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405020232/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/44537592/capitals-alex-ovechkin-ties-wayne-gretzky-894th-goal |url-status=live}}</ref> During the Capitals' next game two days later, on 6 April, against the New York Islanders, Ovechkin scored the Capitals' only goal in the second period of a 4–1 loss on a power play against goaltender Ilya Sorokin to become the all-time NHL leading goal scorer.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wyshynski |first1=Greg |title=Capitals' Alex Ovechkin passes Wayne Gretzky as NHL goal king |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/44560659/capitals-alex-ovechkin-passes-wayne-gretzky-nhl-goal-king |access-date=6 April 2025 |publisher=ESPN |date=6 April 2025 |archive-date=6 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406175619/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/44560659/capitals-alex-ovechkin-passes-wayne-gretzky-nhl-goal-king |url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin's record-breaking 895th goal came in his 1,487th career game, the same number of games as Gretzky's career total.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Greg |first1=Wyshynski |title=Capitals' Alex Ovechkin passes Wayne Gretzky as NHL goal king |url=https://abc30.com/post/capitals-alex-ovechkin-passes-wayne-gretzky-nhl-goal-king/16135264/ |access-date=6 April 2025 |work=abc30.com |date=6 April 2025}}</ref>
thumb|right|Ovechkin in February 2026 Ovechkin ended the season with 44 goals and 29 assists for 73 points in 65 games as the Capitals as a team finished as the top seed in the Eastern Conference and the Presidents' Trophy runner-up. His 44 goals ranked third in the league only behind the 45 goals by Toronto Maple Leafs' winger William Nylander and the league-leading 52 goals by Edmonton Oilers' center Leon Draisaitl, respectively. Ovechkin was also named the Capitals' nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy as the player who shows the best qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game of hockey but was not named a top three finalist by the NHL.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/capitals_alex_ovechkin_nominated_for_2025_bill_masterton_trophy/s1_16448_42033806 |title=Capitals' Alex Ovechkin Nominated for 2025 Bill Masterton Trophy |website=yardbreaker.com |publisher=Yardbreaker |author=The Hockey Writers |date=10 April 2025 |access-date=18 April 2025 |archive-date=11 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411025852/https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/capitals_alex_ovechkin_nominated_for_2025_bill_masterton_trophy/s1_16448_42033806 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 April, in the first game of the first round of the 2025 playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens, Ovechkin recorded two goals (including the game-winner) on goaltender Sam Montembeault and an assist on a goal by Anthony Beauvillier. The game-winning goal was Ovechkin's first career playoff overtime goal to give the Capitals a 3–2 overtime victory to give the Capitals a 1–0 lead in the series.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/04/21/capitals-canadiens-game-1/ |title=Alex Ovechkin scores first overtime playoff winner to give Capitals Game 1 |newspaper=The Washington Post |author=Washington Post |date=21 April 2025 |access-date=21 April 2025 |archive-date=22 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250422042047/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/04/21/capitals-canadiens-game-1/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin and the Capitals would eventually defeat the eighth-seeded Canadiens in five games, marking the first time the Capitals won a playoff series of any kind since the 2018 Stanley Cup Final. The Capitals, however, were upset in the second round in five games by the Carolina Hurricanes. Ovechkin ended the playoffs with five goals and an assist for six points in all 10 games. For his efforts in the season and his continued impact off the ice, Ovechkin was named the winner of the Mark Messier Leadership Award by Mark Messier himself as the most superior leader within their sport by setting a positive example through on-ice performance and as a contributing member of his community.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/ovechkin-returns-russia-reflects-hell-203547267.html |title=Ovechkin Returns To Russia, Reflects On 'Hell Of A Year' & Latest Award Win: 'It Means A Lot' |website=yahoosports.com |publisher=Yahoo Sports |author=Sammi Silber |date=24 May 2025 |access-date=24 May 2025}}</ref>
====NHL's all-time leading goal scorer (2025–present)==== Prior to and during the 2025–26 season, Ovechkin had stated multiple times that he was not decided on whether or not he would retire following the final year of his contract, which was set to expire following the conclusion of the season.
On 5 November 2025, in a 6–1 victory over the St. Louis Blues at Capital One Arena, Ovechkin scored his 900th career goal on goaltender Jordan Binnington, making him the first player in NHL history to reach that milestone.<ref>{{cite web |title=Every Ovechkin goal on road to 900 |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/every-alex-ovechkin-nhl-goal-video-and-list |access-date=6 November 2025 |website=NHL.com |date=6 November 2025}}</ref> In a 2–1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, Ovechkin scored his 442nd goal in Capital One Arena on 17 November, surpassing Gordie Howe for the most regular season goals scored in one building.<ref>{{cite web |last=Silber |first=Sammi |date=17 November 2025 |title=Ovechkin scores 903rd career goal as Capitals edge Kings |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/nov/17/alex-ovechkin-scores-903rd-career-goal-capitals-edge-kings-2-1/ |access-date=20 November 2025 |website=The Washington Times}}</ref>
On 22 March 2026, Ovechkin scored a goal in a 3–2 overtime loss against the Colorado Avalanche, becoming only the second player, after Gretzky, to score 1,000 career goals combined between the regular season and Stanley Cup playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Colorado Avalanche - Washington Capitals - March 22, 2026 |url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/col-vs-wsh/2026/03/22/2025021111 |access-date=22 March 2026 |website=NHL.com |date=22 March 2026}}</ref> On 26 March, Ovechkin scored the 34th hat trick of his career against the Utah Mammoth, breaking Brett Hull's NHL record for the most hat tricks against different teams, with 21.<ref name=anotherhattie>{{cite web |title=Ovechkin sets NHL mark with hat trick against 21st franchise, Capitals top Mammoth |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-utah-mammoth-game-recap-march-26-2026 |access-date=15 April 2026 |website=NHL.com |date=26 March 2026}}</ref> His performance also surpassed Hull for the 4th most hat tricks in NHL history.<ref name="anotherhattie" /> Ovechkin scored his 30th goal of the season against the Philadelphia Flyers on 31 March, extending his own record for the most 30-goal seasons to 20. In doing so, he became the fourth player in NHL history to score 30 goals at age 40 or older, with the only others being Gordie Howe, Johnny Bucyk, and Teemu Selänne.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ovechkin reaches 30 goals for 20th time with Capitals |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-reaches-30-goals-for-20th-time-with-capitals |access-date=14 April 2026 |website=NHL.com |date=31 March 2026}}</ref> On 10 April, Ovechkin was named as the Capitals' nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities and makes notable contributions to the community.<ref>{{cite web |title=2025-26 King Clancy Memorial Trophy nominees announced |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/2025-2026-king-clancy-trophy-nominees-announced-by-nhl |access-date=14 April 2026 |website=NHL.com |date=10 April 2026}}</ref> On 12 April, Ovechkin and the Capitals played their final home game of the regular season against the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was widely believed by fans that this would be Ovechkin's final game in Washington before retirement. Prior to puck-drop, Capitals center Dylan Strome intentionally violated faceoff rules in order for Ovechkin to take the draw against Sidney Crosby.<ref>{{cite web |title= Crosby, Ovechkin take opening face-off in 100th game against each other |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ovechkin-crosby-100th-game-opening-face-off |access-date=13 April 2026 |website=NHL.com |date=12 April 2026}}</ref> The Capitals would end up winning the game 3–0, with Ovechkin getting one assist. After the game, the Pittsburgh Penguins remained on the ice to take part in a ceremonial handshake line led by Crosby, but Ovechkin waved them off the ice before it could begin, much to the delight of the crowd in Washington.<ref name="Onemoreyear">{{cite web |title= Ovechkin 'will think about' 1 more year with Capitals after season concludes |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-to-make-decision-on-nhl-future-after-season-ends |access-date=13 April 2026 |website=NHL.com |date=12 April 2026}}</ref> Following chants of "One more year," from the Washington crowd, Ovechkin responded in a post-game interview that he "will think about it."<ref name="Onemoreyear" />
==Player profile== {{Quote box|width=31%|align=right|quote="When (other) guys shoot it, it goes in somewhat of a straight line. His is dipping, diving, rising, sinking. It just comes at you. It's not like any other shot.|source=-Dallas Stars goaltender Ben Bishop on Ovechkin, February 2019.<ref name=DR>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/the-history-of-alex-ovechkins-famous-one-timer/c-304324662 |title=How Ovechkin's one-timer became unstoppable on Capitals power play |publisher=National Hockey League |first=Tom |last=Gulitti |date=1 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724170412/https://www.nhl.com/news/the-history-of-alex-ovechkins-famous-one-timer/c-304324662 |archive-date=24 July 2023 |access-date=2 May 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>}} [[File:Alexander Ovechkin 3 2016-03-01.JPG|thumb|Ovechkin waits for the pass for a one-timer from the inside of the faceoff circle during a game in March 2016]] Ovechkin is widely considered a generational talent and the greatest goal scorer in NHL history.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2016/03/02/alex-ovechkin-washington-capitals-greatest-nhl-goal-scorers|title=The case for Ovechkin: greatest goal scorer ever|last=Fleming|first=Colin|date=2 March 2016|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=25 October 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025185912/https://www.si.com/nhl/2016/03/02/alex-ovechkin-washington-capitals-greatest-nhl-goal-scorers|url-status=live}}</ref> He overtook Wayne Gretzky in total career goals (894) in April 2025. Gretzky himself had stated he was cheering for Ovechkin to break his record,<ref>{{cite web |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=22 October 2024 |title=Gretzky believes 'it's just a matter of time' when Ovechkin breaks NHL goal record |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/wayne-gretzky-believes-it-s-just-a-matter-of-time-alex-ovechkin-breaks-nhl-goal-record |access-date=19 December 2024 |publisher=National Hockey League |archive-date=20 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220025812/https://www.nhl.com/news/wayne-gretzky-believes-it-s-just-a-matter-of-time-alex-ovechkin-breaks-nhl-goal-record |url-status=live}}</ref> and when asked about it in April 2019, Gretzky stated he wanted to be the first one to shake Ovechkin's hand if he were to do so;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2019/05/04/wayne-gretzky-alex-ovechkin-goals-record-washington-capitals/ |title=WAYNE GRETZKY My Goals Record??? |website=tmz.com |publisher=TMZ |author=TMZ Sports |date=4 May 2019 |access-date=29 July 2023 |archive-date=30 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730022842/https://www.tmz.com/2019/05/04/wayne-gretzky-alex-ovechkin-goals-record-washington-capitals/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/wayne-gretzky-alex-ovechkin-goals-record-1.5096364 |title=Wayne Gretzky says Alex Ovechkin 'absolutely' can break his goal record |website=cbcsports.com |publisher=CBC Sports |first=Cole |last=Shelton |date=17 April 2019 |access-date=15 October 2024 |archive-date=2 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241102004239/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/wayne-gretzky-alex-ovechkin-goals-record-1.5096364 |url-status=live}}</ref> Gretzky went down to ice level to congratulate Ovechkin when he set the new record on 6 April 2025.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/alex-ovechkin-breaks-wayne-gretzkys-nhl-goals-record-895-career/ |title=Alex Ovechkin breaks Wayne Gretzky's NHL goals record with 895th of his career |agency=Associated Press |work=CBS News |date=7 April 2025 |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=8 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250408014330/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/alex-ovechkin-breaks-wayne-gretzkys-nhl-goals-record-895-career/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
He is known<ref>{{cite news|url=https://deadspin.com/alex-ovechkins-bullet-one-timers-will-never-get-old-1821638555|title=Alex Ovechkin's Bullet One-Timers Will Never Get Old|last=Theisen|first=Lauren|date=28 December 2017|work=Deadspin|access-date=25 October 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025185951/https://deadspin.com/alex-ovechkins-bullet-one-timers-will-never-get-old-1821638555|url-status=live}}</ref> for his deadly one-timer,<ref name="analyzing-one-timer">{{cite news|url=http://www.nhlspecialteams.com/blog/2016/2/1/statistically-analyzing-hockeys-one-timer|title=Statistically Analyzing Hockey's One-Timer|last=Parnass|first=Arik|date=2 February 2016|work=Special Teams Project|access-date=25 October 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025225528/http://www.nhlspecialteams.com/blog/2016/2/1/statistically-analyzing-hockeys-one-timer|url-status=live}}</ref> which he usually fires from the left faceoff circle,<ref name=":3">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/ovechkin-at-work-you-know-its-going-there-and-you-still-cant-stop-him/2014/10/08/b78054ec-4d0d-11e4-aa5e-7153e466a02d_story.html|title=Power at play: Alex Ovechkin flexes his one-time shot with man-advantage|last=Prewitt|first=Alex|date=8 October 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=25 October 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025190154/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/ovechkin-at-work-you-know-its-going-there-and-you-still-cant-stop-him/2014/10/08/b78054ec-4d0d-11e4-aa5e-7153e466a02d_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> an area known as his "office".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2017/03/31/alex-ovechkin-is-busy-scoring-goals-from-his-office-please-hold-all-his-calls/|title=Alex Ovechkin is busy scoring goals from his office. Please hold all his calls.|last=Khurshudyan|first=Isabelle|date=31 March 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=25 October 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025190118/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2017/03/31/alex-ovechkin-is-busy-scoring-goals-from-his-office-please-hold-all-his-calls/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2006, New York Rangers forward Jaromír Jágr expressed admiration for Ovechkin's goal scoring productivity by quoting "All his goals, they are not flukes. Most of the time, he beats guys one-on-one, then you get your highlight".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/25/alex-ovechkin-interview |first=Jon |last=Robinson |website=ign.com |publisher=IGN |title=Alex Ovechkin Interview |date=25 August 2006 |access-date=23 March 2024 |archive-date=3 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803212436/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/25/alex-ovechkin-interview |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2014, teammate Brooks Orpik said of his one-timer: "You know it's going there, and you still can't stop him."<ref name=":3" /> Ovechkin proves "the exception rather than the rule when it comes to success" on one-timers, which "can be very difficult to pull off," involving "taking a hard pass and timing a shot perfectly, when the puck may be rolling or on end, while also aiming at a small net, particularly from far distances."<ref name="analyzing-one-timer"/> In October 2014, Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos said of Ovechkin's playing style, "He's a guy that not only uses his skill set, but his physicality, that's what sets him apart. He's willing to go to those areas and has one of the best shots in the league."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/steven-stamkos-alex-ovechkin-have-hunger-to-score/2204649/|title=Steven Stamkos, Alex Ovechkin have hunger to score|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|first=Joe |last=Smith|date=31 October 2014|access-date=19 July 2023|archive-date=19 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719120339/https://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/steven-stamkos-alex-ovechkin-have-hunger-to-score/2204649/|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2015, Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick quoted Ovechkin's powerful shooting skills by saying "Guys like Ovi shoot it so hard that it's almost like you're a batter in baseball. You see the blur of the puck coming at you in frames."<ref>Quick, Jonathan (29 July 2015). [http://www.theplayerstribune.com/jonathan-quick-kings-snipers/ Elite Snipers 101] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201042453/http://www.theplayerstribune.com/jonathan-quick-kings-snipers/ |date=1 December 2015}}, theplayerstribune.com. Retrieved 29 December 2015.</ref>
Ovechkin's ability to shoot and hit heavily as a power forward<ref>Drance, Thomas (4 January 2015). [https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/673118 "Roberto Luongo 'fine' after being steamrolled by Ovechkin"], thescore.com. Retrieved 3 June 2016.</ref><ref>Stubits, Brian (25 March 2014). [http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24500770/gifs-alex-ovechkin-jack-hillen-collide-in-overtime "GIFS: Alex Ovechkin, Jack Hillen collide in overtime"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219123348/http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24500770/gifs-alex-ovechkin-jack-hillen-collide-in-overtime |date=19 February 2015}}, cbssports.com. Retrieved 3 June 2016.</ref><ref>Richards, George (4 January 2015). [http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nhl/florida-panthers/article5417898.html "Florida Panthers' rally falls short as misery in Washington continues"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219123256/http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nhl/florida-panthers/article5417898.html |date=19 February 2015}}, miamiherald.com. Retrieved 3 June 2016.</ref> has been well documented. After clinching the hardest shot title at the 2018 National Hockey League All-Star Game skills competition with a 98.8 mph first attempt, he became the only player in the 2018 All Star game to break the century mark, surpassing 100 mph on his second shot,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2018/01/27/alex-ovechkin-has-hardest-shot-at-skills-competition/109882472/|title=Alex Ovechkin has hardest shot at NHL All-Star skills competition|date=27 January 2018|work=USA Today|access-date=23 October 2018|archive-date=23 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023235833/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2018/01/27/alex-ovechkin-has-hardest-shot-at-skills-competition/109882472/|url-status=live}}</ref> stepping "up to plate and delivered a blistering 101.3 MPH blast."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bardown.com/hockey-fans-will-love-marc-andre-fleury-s-comments-on-trying-to-stop-ovechkin-s-one-timer-1.1096383|title=Hockey fans will love Marc-Andre Fleury's comments on trying to stop Ovechkin's one-timer|date=27 May 2018|work=BARDOWN|access-date=21 November 2018|archive-date=22 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122005551/https://www.bardown.com/hockey-fans-will-love-marc-andre-fleury-s-comments-on-trying-to-stop-ovechkin-s-one-timer-1.1096383|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2025, Capitals teammate Tom Wilson exclaimed on Ovechkin's capabilities by saying: “He's a machine. He's out there creating energy for our team, scoring. ... That's what a leader does. It's one thing to be good all season long, but the guys that show up and hit and block shots and lead the team, that's why he's a legend.”<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/article/alex-ovechkin-makes-more-history-032529477.html |title=Alex Ovechkin makes more history with his first NHL playoff overtime goal |website=yahoosports.com |publisher=Yahoo Sports |author=Stephen Whyno |date=21 April 2025 |access-date=1 May 2025 |archive-date=2 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250502005703/https://sports.yahoo.com/article/alex-ovechkin-makes-more-history-032529477.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
Ovechkin has been awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy honoring the most valuable player in the league three times (2008, 2009, 2013) and was also a finalist for the award two other times (in 2010 and 2015). Ovechkin's most enduring nickname is "The Great 8".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://wtop.com/washington-capitals/2016/01/column-ovechkin-has-always-been-the-great-8/slide/1/|title=Column: Ovechkin has always been the Great 8|last=Warner|first=Jonathan|date=14 January 2016|publisher=WTOP|access-date=25 October 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025190218/https://wtop.com/washington-capitals/2016/01/column-ovechkin-has-always-been-the-great-8/slide/1/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|His nickname "Great 8" refers to the Capitals uniform number he wears.}}
While Ovechkin has been well known for being a prolific goal-scorer with his powerful shooting skills, he has also been shown to be a proficient passer and setting up goals scored by teammates.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thehockeywriters.com/capitals-ovechkin-criticism-elite-leadership/ |title=Alex Ovechkin Has Become an Elite Leader |first=Ben |last=Little |website=thehockeywriters.com |publisher=The Hockey Writers |date=14 August 2021 |access-date=23 March 2024 |archive-date=24 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324022415/https://thehockeywriters.com/capitals-ovechkin-criticism-elite-leadership/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On 25 January 2018, when Ovechkin recorded his 500th assist on a Nicklas Bäckström goal in a 4–2 win over the Florida Panthers, then–Capitals head coach Barry Trotz said after the game, "He's a legendary player. He's getting the points, the goals, the assists. Everybody thinks of Alex as a pure goal-scorer, which he is, and he's got to those numbers hundreds of games before other people have reached that number but you always tend to forget he's a pretty good playmaker as well."<ref name="auto"/> On 22 October 2018, in a game against the Vancouver Canucks, after Vancouver had pulled their goalie, Ovechkin passed the puck to teammate T. J. Oshie rather than score the easy hat trick for himself since he had scored twice earlier in the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://novacapsfans.com/2018/10/25/has-alex-ovechkin-finally-shed-the-selfish-narative-our-captains-evolution-in-the-worlds-eye/ |title=Has Alex Ovechkin Finally Shed The "Selfish" Narrative? Our Captains Evolution in the World's Eye |website=novacaps.com |publisher=NOVA Caps |first=Jon |last=Sorensen |date=25 October 2018 |access-date=19 February 2025 |archive-date=20 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250220040847/https://novacapsfans.com/2018/10/25/has-alex-ovechkin-finally-shed-the-selfish-narative-our-captains-evolution-in-the-worlds-eye/ |url-status=live}}</ref> "[Oshie asked] 'Why did you pass me the puck?{{'"}} Ovechkin said. "But he was so wide open and I try to give him pass. Save mine for next time."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/washington-capitals-vancouver-canucks-1.4873981|title=Ovechkin dominant as Capitals overwhelm Canucks {{!}} CBC Sports|last=Karstens-Smith|first=Gemma|date=23 October 2018|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=23 October 2018|archive-date=23 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023051241/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/washington-capitals-vancouver-canucks-1.4873981|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcsportswashington.com/nhl/the-goal-that-no-one-wanted-alex-ovechkin-gives-up-hat-trick-to-set-up-t-j-oshie/305766/ |title=The goal that no one wanted: Alex Ovechkin gives up hat trick to set up T.J. Oshie |website=nbcswashington.com |publisher=nbcswashington |first=J.J. |last=Regan |date=23 October 2018 |access-date=6 July 2023 |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162208/https://www.nbcsportswashington.com/nhl/the-goal-that-no-one-wanted-alex-ovechkin-gives-up-hat-trick-to-set-up-t-j-oshie/305766/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 February 2025, after a 5–4 shootout loss to the Utah Hockey Club, a game where Ovechkin was held goalless but recorded three assists, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery described Ovechkin's passing abilities by remarking "Everybody is so focused on his shot when he gets the puck, you're always thinking shot, shot, shot. But he's got that look-off pass too, the shot-pass, I call it".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2025/02/09/alex-ovechkin-playmaker-hat-trick-assists-utah/ |title=Spencer Carbery thinks Alex Ovechkin is not appreciated enough as a playmaker after hat trick of assists against Utah |website=russianmachineneverbreaks.com |publisher=Russian Machine Never Breaks |first=Chris |last=Cerullo |date=9 February 2025 |access-date=9 February 2025 |archive-date=10 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210023747/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2025/02/09/alex-ovechkin-playmaker-hat-trick-assists-utah/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
Ovechkin has also been recognized for showing opposing players respect for either returning to their team after overcoming hard obstacles off the ice or by their performance on the ice.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://novacapsfans.com/2022/04/17/alex-ovechkin-and-lars-eller-welcome-carey-price-back-to-nhl-after-stint-in-residential-treatment-facility-for-substance-use/ |title=Alex Ovechkin And Lars Eller Welcome Carey Price Back To NHL After Stint In Residential Treatment Facility For Substance Use |first=Jon |last=Sorensen |website=novacapsfans.com |publisher=NOVACAPSFANS |date=16 April 2022 |access-date=23 March 2024 |archive-date=24 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324020912/https://novacapsfans.com/2022/04/17/alex-ovechkin-and-lars-eller-welcome-carey-price-back-to-nhl-after-stint-in-residential-treatment-facility-for-substance-use/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/alex-ovechkin-greets-kris-letang-pittsburgh-penguins-washington-capitals |first=Nick |last=Horwat |title=Alex Ovechkin Greets Kris Letang Prior to Penguins vs Capitals |website=thehockeynews.com |publisher=The Hockey News |date=27 January 2023 |access-date=23 March 2024 |archive-date=24 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324020912/https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/news/alex-ovechkin-greets-kris-letang-pittsburgh-penguins-washington-capitals |url-status=live}}</ref> In a game against the Montreal Canadiens on 19 November 2018, early in to the 2018–19 season, Canadiens goaltender Carey Price made a sprawling stop on Ovechkin's signature left circle slapshot in the dying seconds of the third period with both teams tied 4–4 and Ovechkin having scored twice earlier in the game. Ovechkin skated over to Price and applauded him for his effort in denying him a hat trick and the game-winner in regulation.<ref name="bardown">{{cite news |url=https://www.bardown.com/alex-ovechkin-applauded-and-high-fived-carey-price-after-he-robbed-him-of-a-game-winning-goal-1.1212858 |website=bardwown.com |title=Ovechkjn applauded and high-fived Carey Price after he robbed him of a game-winning goal |publisher=Bardown |date=19 November 2018 |access-date=18 January 2024 |archive-date=19 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119020003/https://www.bardown.com/alex-ovechkin-applauded-and-high-fived-carey-price-after-he-robbed-him-of-a-game-winning-goal-1.1212858 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Capitals would go on to defeat the Canadiens in OT 5–4 with former Canadien Lars Eller scoring the winning goal for the Capitals.<ref name="bardown"/> Also, in a game against the Canadiens on 16 April 2022, towards the end of the 2021–22 season, Ovechkin showed respect and admiration for Price by giving him a fist bump from across their respective benches during a stoppage of play. The Canadiens game the previous day against the New York Islanders was Price's first game back from a knee injury he sustained the previous summer in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He had multiple setbacks in his recovery and a brief stint in the NHL Players' Assistance Program to get help with his mental health after coming forward about his struggles from alcohol abuse. When asked about this welcome back gesture in a post-game interview, Ovechkin responded "Obviously, he's one of the best players in the league. He's a warrior and good for him, his organization, his family and the game of hockey."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/alex-ovechkin-welcomes-carey-price-back-to-the-nhl |first=Jonathan |last=Larrievee |website=hockeyfeed.com |publisher=Hockey Feed |title=Alex Ovechkin welcomes Carey Price back to the NHL |date=15 April 2022 |access-date=18 January 2024 |archive-date=19 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119020004/https://www.hockeyfeed.com/nhl-news/alex-ovechkin-welcomes-carey-price-back-to-the-nhl |url-status=live}}</ref>
The Capitals' morning skate ritually begins with Ovechkin "sprinting around the rink, a solo lap to the sound of sticks tapping from his teammates." After he completes the lap, the rest of the team comes onto the ice to join him.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/05/13/2018-nhl-playoffs-capitals-lightning-game-2-analysis/|title=Capitals-Lightning Game 2: Washington crushes Tampa, takes 2–0 series lead back to D.C.|last1=Khurshudyan|first1=Isabelle|date=13 May 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=14 May 2018|last2=Pell|first2=Samantha|issn=0190-8286|last3=Allen|first3=Scott|last4=Greenberg|first4=Neil|archive-date=13 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513224158/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/05/13/2018-nhl-playoffs-capitals-lightning-game-2-analysis/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin is known as a durable player, losing little time to injuries, illnesses, or suspensions. After being struck on the foot by a teammate's wrist shot during an 26 October 2006 practice in Vancouver, he "crumpled to the ice and had to be helped to the locker room." Exhibiting no ill effects in practice the next day, Ovechkin famously told reporters, "I'm okay; Russian machine never breaks."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/26/AR2006102601518.html|title=Caps' 'Russian Machine' Fine After Puck Hits Foot|journal=The Washington Post and Times-Herald|last=El-Bashir|first=Tarik|date=27 October 2006|access-date=7 June 2018|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=5 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605215301/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/26/AR2006102601518.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Late in the 2008–09 season, Ovechkin garnered some criticism over his exuberant after-goal celebrations. On 28 February 2009, during a segment of ''Hockey Night in Canada'''s Coach's Corner, Canadian hockey analyst Don Cherry likened Ovechkin's celebrations of jumping into the boards and his teammates to that of soccer players, concluding that this was not the Canadian way and advising Canadian kids to ignore Ovechkin's example. Then-Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau came to Ovechkin's defense, stating Cherry "doesn't know Alex like we know Alex", and Ovechkin himself stated that he "doesn't care" about Cherry.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/don-t-care-about-cherry-ovechkin-1.836098|title='Don't care' about Cherry: Ovechkin|date=1 March 2009|access-date=20 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307033813/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2009/03/01/hockey-cherry-boudreau.html|archive-date=7 March 2009|url-status=live|publisher=CBC Sports}}</ref> The next notable incident happened on 19 March 2009, in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. After scoring his 50th goal of the season, Ovechkin put his stick on the ice, pretending to warm his hands over it because it was "hot". The incident sparked an immediate response from then–Tampa Bay head coach Rick Tocchet, who said that "[Ovechkin] went down a notch in my books." Boudreau had also stated that he would discuss the incident with Ovechkin, and then-teammate Mike Green, despite being the first to celebrate with Ovechkin afterwards, commented that he did not wish to join in the pre-meditated celebration.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=271894&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_nhl%27|title=Ovechkin Scores 50th goal of the Season in Caps' Win|date=20 March 2009|access-date=20 March 2009|agency=The Canadian Press|archive-date=16 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090516015216/http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=271894&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_nhl%27|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ovechkin himself was unapologetic, and said about Don Cherry in particular, "He's going to be pissed off for sure...I love it!".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bryanafloyd.blogspot.com/2009/03/quest-for-fire-ends-at-hockey-supremacy.html|title=The Quest For Fire Ends at Hockey Supremacy|date=25 March 2009|access-date=28 December 2010|archive-date=8 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708025944/http://bryanafloyd.blogspot.com/2009/03/quest-for-fire-ends-at-hockey-supremacy.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
After using and endorsing CCM equipment for most of his career, Ovechkin made the move to Bauer Hockey in August 2011 following a decline in his point production in the 2010–11 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ovi-believes-bauer-switch-is-necessary-move/c-587749|title=Ovi believes Bauer switch is necessary move|last1=Masisak|first1=Corey|date=6 September 2011|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=4 June 2018|archive-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720165523/https://www.nhl.com/news/ovi-believes-bauer-switch-is-necessary-move/c-587749|url-status=live}}</ref> He continued to use Bauer equipment until the Stanley Cup-winning 2017–18 season, when he switched back to CCM.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/hot-start-alex-ovechkin-signs-165853880.html|title=After a hot start, Alex Ovechkin signs with CCM|last1=El-Bashir|first1=Tarik|date=11 October 2017|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|access-date=4 June 2018|archive-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720135752/https://sports.yahoo.com/hot-start-alex-ovechkin-signs-165853880.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Beginning in the 2023–24 season, Ovechkin began using a custom-manufactured-and-branded stick, featuring his own "8" logo.<ref>{{cite web |last=Silber |first=Sammi |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/takes/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-explains-switch-sticks |title=Ovechkin Opens Up About Changing Hockey Sticks, Says CCM Stopped Producing Usual Specs Due To New Technology |work=The Hockey News |date=30 May 2024 |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=4 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404203621/https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/takes/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-explains-switch-sticks |url-status=live}}</ref>
==International play== {{MedalTableTop|name = |Alexander Ovechkin Russia vs Latvia 2010.jpg|180px|Ovechkin at the 2010 Winter Olympics}} {{MedalSport|Men's ice hockey}} {{MedalCountry|{{ih|Russia}}}} {{MedalCompetition|World Championships}} {{MedalGold|2008 Canada|}} {{MedalGold|2012 Finland/Sweden|}} {{MedalGold|2014 Belarus|}} {{MedalSilver|2010 Germany|}} {{MedalSilver|2015 Czech Republic|}} {{MedalBronze|2005 Austria|}} {{MedalBronze|2007 Russia|}} {{MedalBronze|2016 Russia|}} {{MedalBronze|2019 Slovakia|}} {{MedalCompetition|World Junior Championships}} {{MedalGold|2003 Canada|}} {{MedalSilver|2005 United States|}} {{MedalCompetition|World U18 Championships}} {{MedalSilver|2002 Slovakia|}} {{MedalBronze|2003 Russia|}} {{MedalBottom}} At the age of 16, Ovechkin played at the 2002 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, where he scored two hat tricks, one against Switzerland and one against the United States, and an assist.<ref>{{harvnb|Cox|Joyce|2010|pp=38–39}}</ref>
At the age of 17, when he was selected by Russian coach Viktor Tikhonov to play in the Česká Pojišťovna Cup EuroTour tournament, Ovechkin became the youngest skater ever to play for the Russian national team. In that tournament, he also became the youngest player ever to score for the national team. He also was selected to play at the 2002 IIHF World U18 Championships, in which he amassed 14 goals and four assists in eight games, leading Russia to a silver medal.<ref name="Biography Today, pp.117"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.russianprospects.com/public/tournament.php?tour_id=1 |title=RussianProspects Tournament Coverage: 2002 U18 World Junior Championships (Czech Republic – 04/11/2002-04/21/2002) |publisher=Russianprospects.com |access-date=15 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823015430/http://www.russianprospects.com/public/tournament.php?tour_id=1 |archive-date=23 August 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Ovechkin now shares the single tournament goals record with Cole Caufield, who scored as many in seven games at the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championships.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.quanthockey.com/wjc-u18/en/records/most-goals-in-one-season-by-wjc-u18-players.html |title=QuantHockey – IIHF U18 World Championship records |publisher=QuantHockey.com |access-date=12 May 2019 |archive-date=12 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512172149/https://www.quanthockey.com/wjc-u18/en/records/most-goals-in-one-season-by-wjc-u18-players.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
At the age of 18, Ovechkin was named captain of the junior Russian national team. Russia finished fifth in the tournament. In 2003, the team would go on to win a gold medal in the World Junior Championships.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kenney |first=Forest |date=5 January 2003 |title=Russia Wins Gold With 3–2 Win Over Canada |url=https://www.hockeycanada.ca/news/2003-FEA-066-en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230180107/https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/news/2003-fea-066-en |archive-date=30 December 2017 |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=Hockey Canada}}</ref>
At the age of 19, Ovechkin was named to the Russian national team for the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, making him the youngest player to play in the tournament.<ref>"Biography Today", p.117</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Alex Ovechkin healthy, preparing for World Cup|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-healthy-ready-for-world-cup/c-281302378|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=16 April 2018|date=9 August 2016|quote=At 19, he was the youngest player in the tournament.|archive-date=16 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416200605/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-healthy-ready-for-world-cup/c-281302378|url-status=live}}</ref> That same year, Ovechkin was named captain of the junior team in the 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.<ref>{{cite web |last=Vogel |first=Mike |date=4 April 2025 |title=Eight Gr8 Moments: 2005 IIHF World Junior Championship {{!}} Washington Capitals |url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/eight-gr8-moments-2005-iihf-world-junior-championship |access-date=7 April 2025 |publisher=National Hockey League |language=en |archive-date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407164019/https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/eight-gr8-moments-2005-iihf-world-junior-championship |url-status=live}}</ref> The tournament, lasting from 25 December 2004 to 4 January 2005, was Ovechkin's third and last. At the conclusion of the tournament, he had collected seven goals,<ref name="CBC2005">{{cite web |date=5 August 2005 |title=Capitals come to terms with Ovechkin |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/capitals-come-to-terms-with-ovechkin-1.535711 |website=CBC Sports |access-date=7 April 2025 |archive-date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407163345/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/capitals-come-to-terms-with-ovechkin-1.535711 |url-status=live}}</ref> tied for the tournament lead. His team received the silver medal after losing the gold medal game to Canada on 4 January,<ref>{{cite web |last=Schlossman |first=Brad Elliot |date=1 May 2020 |title=Herald Top 5 Memories: World Juniors brought a stunning collection of talent to Grand Forks |url=https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/herald-top-5-memories-world-juniors-brought-a-stunning-collection-of-talent-to-grand-forks |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=Grand Forks Herald |language=en |archive-date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407163345/https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/herald-top-5-memories-world-juniors-brought-a-stunning-collection-of-talent-to-grand-forks |url-status=live}}</ref> and Ovechkin was named the Best Forward of the tournament<ref name="CBC2005" /> as well as selected to the tournament All-Star team. In 2005, Ovechkin played in his first IIHF men's World Championships.<ref>{{cite web |last=Associated Press |date=16 May 2005 |title=Czech Republic claims gold medal over Canada |url=https://www.deseret.com/2005/5/16/19892606/czech-republic-claims-gold-medal-over-canada/ |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=Deseret News |language=en |archive-date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407163345/https://www.deseret.com/2005/5/16/19892606/czech-republic-claims-gold-medal-over-canada/ |url-status=live}}</ref> He scored five goals and three assists, landing eighth in the top scorers list and sharing third place in goal scoring.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/wc/stats/2004-2005 |title=Stats – World Championships, 2004–2005 |website=eliteprospects.ca |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=22 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522230005/https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/wc/stats/2004-2005 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2006, Ovechkin played in his first Winter Olympic Games.<ref>{{cite web |last=Svrluga |first=Barry |date=24 February 2006 |title=Ovechkin inspired by Russian legend |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna11534622 |access-date=7 April 2025 |publisher=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407163345/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna11534622 |url-status=live}}</ref> Although Russia came away from the games without a medal, Ovechkin scored five goals in the tournament, including the game-winner against Canada's Martin Brodeur, eliminating Canada from the tournament.<ref>{{cite web |date=22 February 2006 |title=Russia ousts Canada from Olympics |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/2.722/russia-ousts-canada-from-olympics-1.629537 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=7 April 2025 |archive-date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407163956/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/2.722/russia-ousts-canada-from-olympics-1.629537 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Wade |first=Stephen |date=22 February 2006 |title=Russians advance past Team Canada |url=https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2006/02/23/russians-advance-past-team-canada/31150977007/ |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=The Star Banner |language=en-US}}</ref> Ovechkin was the only non-Swedish or Finnish player named to the all-tournament team, with the former two nations having won the gold and silver medals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/alexander-ovechkin |title=Alexander Ovechkin |publisher=International Olympic Committee |access-date=9 April 2025 |quote=Although his Russia failed to win a medal, Ovechkin scored five goals in the [2006 Olympic] tournament and was the only player not on the Swedish (gold medal winners) or Finnish (silver medal winners) teams to be named to the all-tournament team. |archive-date=16 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816114220/https://olympics.com/en/athletes/alexander-ovechkin |url-status=live}}</ref>
At the 2006 IIHF World Championships, Ovechkin scored six goals and three assists (nine points) in seven games before Russia lost 4–3 to the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iihf.com/Hydra/Tournaments_06/output/WS/ihm046z17_85b_1_0.pdf|title=2006 Scoring Leaders|publisher=IIHF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604135211/http://www.iihf.com/Hydra/Tournaments_06/output/WS/ihm046z17_85b_1_0.pdf |access-date=8 April 2025|archive-date=4 June 2011}}</ref> For his efforts, Ovechkin was one of six players selected to the Media All-Star team.<ref name="IIHFAllStars">{{cite web |url=https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/team-canada/men/world-championship/history/all-star-team |title=IIHF World Championship – All-Star Teams |publisher=Hockey Canada |access-date=9 April 2025 |archive-date=26 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526190740/https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/team-canada/men/world-championship/history/all-star-team |url-status=live}}</ref>
At the 2008 IIHF World Championships, Ovechkin helped lead Russia to the gold medal by finishing with 12 points (six goals, six assists) in nine games.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200724142041/http://reports.iihf.hockey/Hydra/132/IHM132Z17_85B_1_0.pdf 2008 Scoring leaders]</ref> He was selected to the Media All-Star team for the second time in five tournament appearances.<ref name="IIHFAllStars" />
[[File:OvechkinKuba2010WinterOlympics.jpg|thumb|left|Ovechkin with the Russian national men's ice hockey team skates the puck forward during the 2010 Winter Olympics.]] In the 2010 Winter Olympics, Ovechkin and Team Russia were one of the favorites to win the Gold Medal. Despite high expectations, Russia lost to Canada 7–3 in the quarterfinals. Ovechkin finished with two goals and two assists in Russia's four games.<ref>{{cite web |first=Pierre |last=LeBrun |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/winter/2010/icehockey/columns/story?columnist=lebrun_pierre&id=4944674 |title=2010 Winter Olympics – Alex Ovechkin and Russia collapse mightily in Vancouver |publisher=ESPN |date=25 February 2010 |access-date=15 April 2012 |archive-date=12 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812004231/http://sports.espn.go.com/olympics/winter/2010/icehockey/columns/story?columnist=lebrun_pierre&id=4944674 |url-status=live}}</ref>
After being eliminated in the first round of the NHL playoffs, Ovechkin joined Russia for the 2010 IIHF World Championships along with many other Russian stars, such as Evgeni Malkin, Pavel Datsyuk and Ilya Kovalchuk. Despite being heavily favored to win the tournament, Russia lost to the Czech Republic in the finals.<ref>{{cite web |last=O'Brien |first=James |date=23 May 2010 |title=2010 IIHF World Championships: Alex Ovechkin, Russia fall short as Czechs take gold |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/2010-iihf-world-championships-alex-ovechkin-russia-fall-short-as-czechs-take-gold |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US |archive-date=27 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927175729/https://www.nbcsports.com/nhl/news/2010-iihf-world-championships-alex-ovechkin-russia-fall-short-as-czechs-take-gold |url-status=live}}</ref>
Ovechkin also joined the Russian team for the 2011 IIHF World Championships after the Capitals were eliminated from the NHL playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |last=Oland |first=Ian |date=7 May 2011 |title=Photos: Alex Ovechkin Arrives in Slovakia for Worlds |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2011/05/07/photos-alex-ovechkin-arrives-in-slovakia-for-worlds/ |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=Russian Machine Never Breaks |language=en-US |archive-date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407161918/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2011/05/07/photos-alex-ovechkin-arrives-in-slovakia-for-worlds/ |url-status=live}}</ref> He played in five games for the Russian team, but did not manage to score any points, the first time he failed to score any points in a World Championship tournament.<ref>{{cite web |last=Doyle |first=T. J. |date=15 May 2011 |title=Alex Ovechkin Goes Pointless As Team Russia Finishes Fourth At World Championships |url=https://dc.sbnation.com/washington-capitals/2011/5/15/2172388/alex-ovechkin-russia-world-ice-hockey-championship |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=SB Nation DC |language=en |archive-date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407161915/https://dc.sbnation.com/washington-capitals/2011/5/15/2172388/alex-ovechkin-russia-world-ice-hockey-championship |url-status=live}}</ref>
Ovechkin played in Russia's last three games of the 2012 IIHF World Championships. He recorded two goals and two assists as Russia won the tournament.<ref>{{cite web |last=Doyle |first=T. J. |date=19 May 2012 |title=2012 IIHF World Championship: Alex Ovechkin Notches Goal, Russia Advances To Final |url=https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/5/19/3030520/2012-iihf-world-championship-russia-alex-ovechkin |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=SB Nation DC |language=en |archive-date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407161914/https://dc.sbnation.com/2012/5/19/3030520/2012-iihf-world-championship-russia-alex-ovechkin |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Leahy |first=Sean |date=20 May 2012 |title=Russia dominates Slovakia to win 2012 IIHF gold; 2014 Sochi groups announced |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/russia-dominates-slovakia-win-2012-iihf-gold-2014-205052024.html |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US |archive-date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407161914/https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/russia-dominates-slovakia-win-2012-iihf-gold-2014-205052024.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
Ovechkin also represented Russia in 2013 IIHF World Championships. He joined the national team after the Capitals were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |date=14 May 2013 |title=Capitals Captain Alex Ovechkin to Represent Russia at 2013 IIHF World Championship |url=http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=670702&navid=DL%7CWSH%7Chome |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625165116/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=670702&navid=DL%7CWSH%7Chome |archive-date=25 June 2013 |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=Washington Capitals}}</ref> Russia had already advanced to the first playoff round where they faced the U.S. The Americans defeated Russia 8–3, eliminating them from the tournament.<ref>{{cite web |last=Aykroyd |first=Lucas |date=23 May 2019 |title=Russia outlasts U.S. in quarter-final |url=https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2019/wm/news/12674/rus-usa-qf |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=International Ice Hockey Federation |language=en |archive-date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407161914/https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2019/wm/news/12674/rus-usa-qf |url-status=live}}</ref>
In the 2014 Winter Olympics, Ovechkin represented Russia under enormous pressure as the tournament was hosted on home ice in Sochi.<ref>{{cite web |last=Purdy |first=Mark |date=11 February 2014 |title=Purdy: Alex Ovechkin, Russian hockey team under huge pressure |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/02/10/purdy-alex-ovechkin-russian-hockey-team-under-huge-pressure/ |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US |archive-date=11 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411014602/https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/02/10/purdy-alex-ovechkin-russian-hockey-team-under-huge-pressure/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Russia lost to arch-rivals Finland 3–1 in the quarter-final round.<ref>{{cite web |last=LeBrun |first=Pierre |date=19 February 2014 |title=LeBrun: Nightmare ending for Team Russia |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/winter/2014/icehockey/story/_/id/10482517/2014-sochi-olympics-nightmare-ending-team-russia |access-date=7 April 2025 |publisher=ESPN |language=en |archive-date=24 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024212111/https://www.espn.com/olympics/winter/2014/icehockey/story/_/id/10482517/2014-sochi-olympics-nightmare-ending-team-russia |url-status=live}}</ref>
Ovechkin participated in the 2014 IIHF World Championships where Russia won gold.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hassett |first=Peter |date=25 May 2014 |title=Alex Ovechkin Scores in Gold Medal Game, Russia Wins World Championship |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2014/05/25/alex-ovechkin-scores-in-gold-medal-game-russia-wins-world-championship-gifs/ |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=Russian Machine Never Breaks |language=en-US |archive-date=5 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205182426/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2014/05/25/alex-ovechkin-scores-in-gold-medal-game-russia-wins-world-championship-gifs/ |url-status=live}}</ref> After the tournament, he asked Vladimir Putin to reward the Russian hockey team on an equal basis with the 2014 Olympic champions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Овечкин попросил Путина подарить хоккеистам сборной России автомобили за победу на чемпионате мира|url=https://www.sports.ru/hockey/1020876899.html|website=sports.ru|access-date=13 March 2018|language=ru-RU|date=12 March 2014|archive-date=15 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215055349/https://www.sports.ru/hockey/1020876899.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=ЧЕМПИОНАТ МИРА|url=https://www.sport-express.ru/hockey/world/news/692433/|website=sport-express.ru|date=27 May 2014|access-date=13 March 2018|language=ru-RU|archive-date=5 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305232446/http://www.sport-express.ru/hockey/world/news/692433/|url-status=live}}</ref> That was criticized as the World Championship was considered insignificant compared to Olympic gold, which Russia had failed to win earlier that year in Sochi.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bullitt|first1=Rud|title="Дольше Путина он любит только Америку". Навальный против Овечкина|url=https://www.sports.ru/tribuna/blogs/rudnev/1467880.html|website=sports.ru|access-date=13 March 2018|language=ru-RU|date=10 November 2017|archive-date=15 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215000547/https://www.sports.ru/tribuna/blogs/rudnev/1467880.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He also joined the Russian team late in the 2015 IIHF World Championships,<ref>{{cite web |last=Oland |first=Ian |date=14 May 2015 |title=Alex Ovechkin Flew From Dulles Today to Join Russia at World Championship |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2015/05/14/alex-ovechkin-flew-from-dulles-today-to-join-russia-at-world-championship/ |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=Russian Machine Never Breaks |language=en-US |archive-date=9 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209233121/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2015/05/14/alex-ovechkin-flew-from-dulles-today-to-join-russia-at-world-championship/ |url-status=live}}</ref> where Russia won the silver medal.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=19 May 2015 |title=Russia faces punishment after Canada national anthem snub |url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2015/05/19/russia-canada-iihf-anthem-snub |access-date=7 April 2025 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-US |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325210100/https://www.si.com/nhl/2015/05/19/russia-canada-iihf-anthem-snub |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Oland |first=Ian |date=24 August 2015 |title=Despite Alex Ovechkin's Leadership, Team Russia's Bad Sportsmanship Draws Fine |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2015/08/24/despite-alex-ovechkins-leadership-team-russias-bad-sportsmanship-draws-fine/ |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=Russian Machine Never Breaks |language=en-US |archive-date=6 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206003349/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2015/08/24/despite-alex-ovechkins-leadership-team-russias-bad-sportsmanship-draws-fine/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Off the ice== Ovechkin was the cover athlete of 2K Sports hockey simulation video game ''NHL 2K10'', as well as the cover athlete of EA Sports' ''NHL 07 and NHL 21''. On 11 June 2008, Ovechkin launched his own line of designer streetwear with CCM.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2008/29/c5651.html |title=CNW Group | Reebok-CCM Hockey | Media Alert/Photo Opportunity – NHL Superstar Alexander Ovechkin and CCM Bring Together Sports and Style at Official Launch of New Designer Str |publisher=Newswire.ca |access-date=15 April 2012 |archive-date=17 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917133418/http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2008/29/c5651.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On 6 July 2009, Ovechkin was named an ambassador for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.<ref>{{cite news|title=Brief|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=7 July 2009|page=S6|quote=Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin...will serve as an "official ambassador" for the 2014 Sochi Games, officials said yesterday.}}</ref> In late 2009, he was named ''GQ'''s 48th most powerful person in Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gq.com/news-politics/politics/200911/50-most-powerful-people-in-dc#slide=48=|title=The 50 Most Powerful People in D.C.|date=November 2009|magazine=GQ|access-date=9 September 2017|archive-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610225933/http://www.gq.com/news-politics/politics/200911/50-most-powerful-people-in-dc#slide=48=|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2011, Ovechkin signed a long-term sponsorship deal with sportswear brand Nike.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sportspro.com/news/ovechkin_signs_long-term_global_partnership_with_nike/ | title=Ovechkin signs 'long-term global partnership with Nike' | date=2 September 2011}}</ref>
On 4 January 2011, halfway into the 2010–11 season, Ovechkin was featured in one of ESPN's ''This is SportsCenter'' commercials, in which he laughed off a question by ESPN personality Steve Levy accusing him of being a Russian spy before being pulled upward by a line through an open ceiling tile by countryman and then-Capitals teammate Semyon Varlamov.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/04/alex-ovechkin-sportscenter-commercial_n_804331.html|title=Alex Ovechkin's New SportsCenter Commercial: Capitals Star Pretends To Be Russian Spy (VIDEO)|work=HuffPost|date=4 January 2011|access-date=2 January 2013|first=Michael|last=Klopman|archive-date=13 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313022258/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/04/alex-ovechkin-sportscenter-commercial_n_804331.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:The 2018 Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals (33598201908).jpg|thumb|Ovechkin and United States President Donald Trump at a White House ceremony celebrating the Capitals' Stanley Cup championship, March 2019]] Ovechkin is a dedicated car enthusiast, owning many fine automobiles, such as a Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series and a custom Mercedes S63 AMG.<ref>{{cite news |title=Alex Ovechkin needs two spots to park Mercedes |publisher=Driving.ca |url=https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/alex-ovechkin-needs-two-spots-to-park-mercedes |access-date=6 April 2025 |date=11 October 2013 |archive-date=23 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723202258/https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/alex-ovechkin-needs-two-spots-to-park-mercedes |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kleyner |first1=Igor |title=Alex Ovechkin's Parents Don't Know Why He Needs Seven Cars |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/12/03/alex-ovechkins-parents-dont-know-why-he-needs-seven-cars/ |access-date=6 April 2025 |issue=3 December 2013 |publisher=RMNB |archive-date=6 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406213208/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/12/03/alex-ovechkins-parents-dont-know-why-he-needs-seven-cars/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2015, at the 2015 NHL All-Star Game, Ovechkin lobbied Honda for a new car, and brought an element of silliness to the "draft" where he was chosen third to last; the last two players selected, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Filip Forsberg, each received a new car, but Ovechkin would not give up. When Honda representatives asked his agent why he wanted a car so badly, they were told that he planned to donate it to the American Special Hockey Association, and at the end of the event, he was handed the keys to a new Honda Accord. That Accord was auctioned off, and the proceeds used to benefit the charity Ovechkin highlighted and brought attention to with his antics.<ref>{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Vignan|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=752542|title=Capitals captain Ovechkin donates new car to charity|access-date=9 February 2015|archive-date=10 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210021322/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=752542|url-status=live}}</ref>
Following the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup victory, Ovechkin participated in a number of memorable celebrations, including an incident on 9 June 2018, two days after the Capitals' victory, where he and teammates T. J. Oshie, Braden Holtby, Lars Eller and Tom Wilson swam in the fountains at the Georgetown waterfront with the Cup.<ref>{{cite web |date=26 February 2019 |title='Ok, let's do it, we're champions': Alex Ovechkin on being convinced to swim in fountains after winning Stanley Cup |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2019/02/26/ok-lets-do-it-were-champions-alex-ovechkin-on-being-convinced-to-swim-in-fountains-after-winning-stanley-cup/ |access-date=18 June 2019 |website=russianmachineneverbreaks.com |archive-date=23 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523195426/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2019/02/26/ok-lets-do-it-were-champions-alex-ovechkin-on-being-convinced-to-swim-in-fountains-after-winning-stanley-cup/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The summer of 2018 was dubbed by the Washington media as "The Summer of Ovi."<ref>{{cite web |date=14 September 2018 |title=Remembering the Summer of Ovi and the Caps |url=https://wtop.com/washington-capitals/2018/09/remembering-the-summer-of-ovi-and-the-caps/ |access-date=18 June 2019 |publisher=WTOP |archive-date=23 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123210117/https://wtop.com/washington-capitals/2018/09/remembering-the-summer-of-ovi-and-the-caps/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
Ovechkin is a keen soccer fan and an avid supporter of Liverpool F.C.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 September 2018 |title=Capitals get some quality time with Premier League Trophy |publisher=National Hockey League |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-pose-with-premier-league-trophy/c-300453526 |access-date=22 January 2021 |archive-date=29 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129204815/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-pose-with-premier-league-trophy/c-300453526 |url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2021, he was reportedly also an investor in the Washington Spirit, a professional team in the National Women's Soccer League,<ref>{{cite web |date=9 May 2021 |title=Ovechkin becoming investor in NWSL's Spirit |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/31415661/washington-capitals-star-alex-ovechkin-becoming-investor-nwsl-washington-spirit |access-date=12 May 2021 |archive-date=9 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509130745/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/31415661/washington-capitals-star-alex-ovechkin-becoming-investor-nwsl-washington-spirit |url-status=live}}</ref> but Sportico reported in June 2022 that he might not have formally completed the process to acquire the stake, and that even if he had, it was unclear whether he retained his stake after the club was sold in February 2022.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2022/capitals-alex-ovechkin-washington-spirit-investment-1234680026/ |title=Alex Ovechkin's Touted NWSL D.C. Buy In, Payout Never Came to Be |date=30 June 2022 |access-date=5 April 2023 |work=Sportico |first1=Emily |last1=Caron |first2=Eben |last2=Novy-Williams |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406013349/https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2022/capitals-alex-ovechkin-washington-spirit-investment-1234680026/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2022, he signed a one-game contract with FC Dynamo Moscow, the club his father played for, in a friendly against FC Amkal Moscow.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=24 June 2022 |title=Alex Ovechkin signs one-day contract with Dynamo Moscow to play in a soccer game |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2022/06/24/alex-ovechkin-signs-one-day-contract-with-dynamo-moscow-to-play-in-a-soccer-game/ |access-date=25 June 2022 |website=RMNB |archive-date=25 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625204600/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2022/06/24/alex-ovechkin-signs-one-day-contract-with-dynamo-moscow-to-play-in-a-soccer-game/ |url-status=live}}</ref> He wore the number 3 jersey in honor of his father, who wore the number when he played for the club.<ref name=":0" /> Ovechkin scored a goal in the match.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 June 2022 |title=Extremely excited Alex Ovechkin scores goal in Dynamo Moscow soccer game |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2022/06/25/extremely-excited-alex-ovechkin-scores-goal-in-dynamo-moscow-soccer-game/ |access-date=25 June 2022 |website=RMNB |archive-date=25 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625204545/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2022/06/25/extremely-excited-alex-ovechkin-scores-goal-in-dynamo-moscow-soccer-game/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
Ovechkin has appeared in three films: ''Zaytsev, zhgi! Istoriya shoumena'' (2010) as an actor, and ''NHL: Just Like Me'' (2008) and ''Boys to the Bigs'' (2008) as himself.<ref>{{cite web |title=Alexander Ovechkin |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2307140/bio |access-date=26 October 2018 |publisher=IMDb |archive-date=1 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201223038/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2307140/bio |url-status=live}}</ref> He also served as an inspiration for the character of Ilya Rozanov in Rachel Reid's ''Game Changers'' novel series, most notably in ''Heated Rivalry'' (2019) and its sequel ''The Long Game'' (2022). In 2025, the novels were adapted into the television series ''Heated Rivalry'', in which Rozanov was portrayed by Connor Storrie.<ref>{{cite book|title=Heated Rivalry|last=Reid|first=Rachel|publisher=Carina Press|year=2019|isbn=9781488051241|chapter=Acknowledgements|author-link=Rachel Reid (author)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.out.com/gay-tv-shows/heated-rivalry-inspirition-explained#rebelltitem1|title=Is ''Heated Rivalry'' Based on a True Story? Yes ... sort of|date=8 December 2025|access-date=10 January 2026|website=Out|last=Messman-Rucker|first=Ariel}}</ref>
On 23 August 2025, it was announced that he had become one of the official ambassadors of Intervision 2025.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bundy |first=Austen |date=23 August 2025 |title=Alex Ovechkin announced as cultural ambassador for Russia's Intervision song competition |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2025/08/23/alex-ovechkin-cultural-ambassador-russia-intervision-2025/ |access-date=3 September 2025 |website=Russian Machine Never Breaks |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Nekrasov |first=Anton |date=23 August 2025 |title=Овечкин стал послом международного музыкального конкурса «Интервидение» |trans-title=Ovechkin became an ambassador for the international music contest "Intervision" |url=https://www.championat.com/hockey/news-6135914-ovechkin-stal-poslom-mezhdunarodnogo-muzykalnogo-konkursa-intervidenie.html |access-date=3 September 2025 |website={{Ill|Championat|ru|Чемпионат (сайт)|uk|Чемпионат (сайт)}} |language=ru |archive-date=2 September 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250902033130/https://www.championat.com/hockey/news-6135914-ovechkin-stal-poslom-mezhdunarodnogo-muzykalnogo-konkursa-intervidenie.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=23 August 2025 |title=Овечкин стал послом "Интервидения-2025" |trans-title=Ovechkin became an ambassador for "Intervision-2025" |url=https://tass.ru/kultura/24855855 |access-date=3 September 2025 |website=TASS |language=ru |archive-date=23 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823130625/https://tass.ru/kultura/24855855 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Philanthropy=== In 2006, Ovechkin created a program called Ovi's Crazy 8's, a program through which he purchases and donates eight Capitals season tickets to Most Valuable Kids which allows fans who normally wouldn't have access to tickets the opportunity to attend Capitals home games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://capitalsoutsider.com/2014/12/13/alex-ovechkin-grants-wish/ |title=Alex Ovechkin Grants a Wish |first=Barbra |last=Banks |website=capitalsoutsider.com |publisher=Capitals Outsider |date=13 December 2014 |access-date=23 March 2024 |archive-date=24 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324020912/https://capitalsoutsider.com/2014/12/13/alex-ovechkin-grants-wish/ |url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2024, more than 5,700 individuals have had a chance to see a game free of charge through this program.<ref name="2024arlnow">{{cite web |url=https://www.arlnow.com/2024/01/11/photos-alex-ovechkin-leads-youth-hockey-clinic-for-kids-with-disabilities/ |title=Photos: Alex Ovechkin leads youth hockey clinic for kids with disabilities |first=James |last=Jarvis |website=arlnow.com |publisher=ARLNOW |date=11 January 2024 |access-date=23 March 2024 |archive-date=24 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324020912/https://www.arlnow.com/2024/01/11/photos-alex-ovechkin-leads-youth-hockey-clinic-for-kids-with-disabilities/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
Since 2014, Ovechkin has been an ambassador for the American Special Hockey Association, a charity which supports individuals with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities and the mission to give them a chance to learn and grow by playing ice hockey.<ref name="2024arlnow" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/article/Ovechkin-hosts-his-seventh-American-Special-Hockey-Association-clinic |title=Ovechkin hosts his seventh American Special Hockey Association clinic |first=Ethan |last=Cadeaux |website=monumentalsprots.com |publisher=Monumental Sports |date=10 January 2024 |access-date=23 March 2024 |archive-date=24 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240324020914/https://www.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/article/Ovechkin-hosts-his-seventh-American-Special-Hockey-Association-clinic |url-status=live}}</ref>
In March 2025, Ovechkin announced that he would be partnering up with Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer for every goal he scores as he closed in on breaking the all time goal-scoring record.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/alex-ovechkin-donates-pediatric-cancer-research-he-chases-nhl-history |title=Alex Ovechkin donates to pediatric cancer research as he chases NHL history |publisher=Fox News |first=Paulina |last=Dedaj |date=6 March 2025 |access-date=6 March 2025 |archive-date=7 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307122705/https://www.foxnews.com/sports/alex-ovechkin-donates-pediatric-cancer-research-he-chases-nhl-history |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Russian politics=== In January 2017, Ovechkin said: "I have a good relationship with Russians and with Americans. So, I'm neutral."<ref>{{cite news |title=Alex Ovechkin on being a Russian living in Washington area: 'I'm neutral' |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/01/17/alex-ovechkin-donald-trump-president-politics/96664318/ |work=USA Today |date=17 January 2017 |access-date=22 December 2018 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112001048/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/01/17/alex-ovechkin-donald-trump-president-politics/96664318/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2017, Ovechkin started a movement called PutinTeam in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 2018 Russian presidential election.<ref name="WP">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/alex-ovechkin-is-one-of-putins-biggest-fans-the-question-is-why/2017/11/25/c5f8bb2e-ce36-11e7-9d3a-bcbe2af58c3a_story.html|title=Alex Ovechkin is one of Putin's biggest fans. The question is, why?|last1=Maese|first1=Rick|last2=Khurshudyan|first2=Isabelle|date=25 November 2017|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=26 November 2017|last3=Roth|first3=Andrew|archive-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126050057/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/alex-ovechkin-is-one-of-putins-biggest-fans-the-question-is-why/2017/11/25/c5f8bb2e-ce36-11e7-9d3a-bcbe2af58c3a_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Asked whether it was political, Ovechkin described his actions as a show of support for Russia, "I just support my country, you know? That's where I'm from, my parents live there, all my friends. Like every human from different countries, they support their president. It's not about political stuff."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/11/02/capitals-alex-ovechkin-voices-support-for-vladimir-putin/107273716/ |title=Capitals' Alex Ovechkin voices support for Vladimir Putin |date=2 November 2017 |newspaper=USA Today |access-date=17 September 2020 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109012618/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/11/02/capitals-alex-ovechkin-voices-support-for-vladimir-putin/107273716/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Of his participation in PutinTeam, Ovechkin also said:
{{blockquote|I'm not a politic. I don't know what's happening out there. I know it's a hard situation, but it is what it is. You know, I play here, and this is my second home. I don't want to fight between two countries, because it's going to be a mess.<ref name="WP"/>}}
[[File:Putin Ovechkin.jpg|thumb|left|Ovechkin with Vladimir Putin during an award ceremony for the Russian national ice hockey team at the Grand Kremlin Palace, May 2014]] PutinTeam was first announced in a 2 November 2017 post on Ovechkin's Instagram account, which has over one million followers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba_72RJBE8h/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/aleksandrovechkinofficial/1639292003386937121 |archive-date=23 December 2021 |url-access=subscription|title=instagram post |last=Ovechkin |first=Alexander |date=2 November 2017 |website=instragam.com |publisher=Instagram |access-date=26 November 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 23 November, Ovechkin announced on his Instagram that the group's official website had been launched.<ref>{{cite Instagram |postid=Bb2mHX7BZGe |user=aleksandrovechkinofficial |title=Сайт движения Putin Team открыт – www.putinteam.ru! С его помощью вы сможете стать частью огромной команды. Команды Путина, объединяющей людей, которые гордятся страной и хотят сделать Россию сильной. В нашем лидере мы ценим доверие и уважение к людям, справедливость, порядочность и неравнодушие. Все кто поддерживают эти ценности и есть PutinTeam. Если вы хотите вместе с нами участвовать в мероприятиях – присоединяйтесь! Регистрируйтесь на сайте, следите за новостями, будет интересно! Ну и, конечно, делитесь этим постом с друзьями! Добро пожаловать в Putin Team! @putin__team #putinteam |date=23 November 2017 |first=Alexander |last=Ovechkin |access-date=2 June 2024 |language=ru |trans-title=The website of the Putin Team movement is open – www.putinteam.ru! With its help you can become part of a huge team. Putin's team, uniting people who are proud of the country and want to make Russia strong. In our leader we value trust and respect for people, fairness, decency and caring. Everyone who supports these values is PutinTeam. If you want to participate in events with us, join us! Register on the site, follow the news, it will be interesting! And, of course, share this post with your friends! Welcome to Putin Team!}}</ref> On the soft launch of the site, visitors were encouraged to sign up for the team, track related news, participate in contests and attend and organize events.<ref name=WP/> Ovechkin has claimed that the idea for PutinTeam was all his and that the group is non-political in its nature. Vedomosti, a Russian financial newspaper, reported that Kremlin sources have said that IMA-Consulting were behind the creation of the organization.<ref name="WP" /> A Kremlin-supported public-relations firm, IMA-Consulting reportedly held a $600,000 contract to promote the 2018 Russian presidential elections. The Kremlin spoke in support of the movement after its announcement.<ref name="malkinjoins1">{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/penguins/2017/11/17/penguins-evgeni-malkin-joins-vladimir-putin-team/873638001/ |title=Penguins' Evgeni Malkin joins 'Putin Team' |last=Gleeson |first=Scott |date=17 November 2017 |work=USA Today |access-date=26 November 2017 |archive-date=23 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123013453/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/penguins/2017/11/17/penguins-evgeni-malkin-joins-vladimir-putin-team/873638001/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/capitals/2017/11/03/kremlin-pleased-alex-ovechkin-capitals-support-vladimir-putin-russia/828678001/ |title=Kremlin pleased with Alex Ovechkin's support of Vladimir Putin |last=Gleeson |first=Scott |date=3 November 2017 |work=USA Today |access-date=26 November 2017 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201075133/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/capitals/2017/11/03/kremlin-pleased-alex-ovechkin-capitals-support-vladimir-putin-russia/828678001/ |url-status=live}}</ref> According to ''The Washington Post'', Ovechkin has a personal relationship with Putin.<ref name="WP" /> Ovechkin has a personal phone number for Putin, who is a big hockey fan, and received a gift from Putin at his 2016 wedding.<ref name="WP" /> Ovechkin said that he and Putin do not have much in common: "We talk about hockey and all that stuff. That's it."<ref name="WP"/>
On 25 February 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ovechkin called for peace and no more war without mentioning Russia or Ukraine directly.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/02/25/alex-ovechkin-russia-ukraine-putin/ |title=Alex Ovechkin, the Russian star of the Capitals, says, 'Please, no more war' |newspaper=The Washington Post |last=Pell |first=Samantha |date=25 February 2022 |access-date=15 March 2022 |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225231528/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/02/25/alex-ovechkin-russia-ukraine-putin/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.startribune.com/no-war-russian-athletes-rublev-ovechkin-call-for-peace/600150642/|title='No war': Russian athletes Rublev, Ovechkin call for peace|agency=Associated Press|website=Star Tribune|date=25 February 2022|access-date=25 February 2022|archive-date=25 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225223943/https://www.startribune.com/no-war-russian-athletes-rublev-ovechkin-call-for-peace/600150642/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He said "I have family back in Russia. It's scary moments. We can't do anything. We just hope it's going to end soon and everyone's going to be all right."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wyshynski |first1=Greg |title=Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin addresses Russia's invasion of Ukraine, pleads for peace: 'No more war' |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/33370783/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-addresses-russia-invasion-ukraine-pleads-peace-no-more-war |publisher=ESPN |date=25 February 2022 |archive-date=7 April 2025 |access-date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407142500/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/33370783/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-addresses-russia-invasion-ukraine-pleads-peace-no-more-war |url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2022, Ovechkin responded to a question about Putin: "He is my president, right? I am Russian. What else can I say?" According to some experts and people close to Ovechkin, renouncing Putin and condemning the invasion of Ukraine could have negative consequences for Ovechkin and his family members living in Russia, given the repressive nature of Putin's regime.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/05/17/alex-ovechkin-putin-ukraine/|title=Alex Ovechkin's situation isn't as simple as Putin is 'my president'|work=Barry Svrluga|date=17 May 2022|access-date=4 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://awinninghabit.com/2022/03/01/ovechkin-sports-outside-world-separate/ |title=Reflecting On Ovechkin: Sports And Outside World Need To Be Separate |website=awinninghabit.com |publisher=A Winning Habit |first=Patrick |last=Lortie |date=1 March 2022 |access-date=15 October 2024 |archive-date=22 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322221031/https://awinninghabit.com/2022/03/01/ovechkin-sports-outside-world-separate/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin reportedly wanted to change his Instagram profile picture from Putin to a peace symbol after the invasion but was warned that doing so would potentially put his family in Russia in danger.<ref>{{cite news |first=David |last=Shoalts |title=Alex Ovechkin Skates Into Canada's Ukrainian Enclave as a Scorned Star |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/09/sports/hockey/alex-ovechkin-putin-russia-ukraine-nhl.html |work=The New York Times |date=9 March 2022 |archive-date=7 April 2025 |access-date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407143925/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/09/sports/hockey/alex-ovechkin-putin-russia-ukraine-nhl.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Feud with Evgeni Malkin=== [[File:2011-10-13 Capitals vs Penguins Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Game.JPG|thumb|Evgeni Malkin and Ovechkin take a ceremonial face-off with Mario Lemieux dropping the puck for the face-off in October 2011, nearly three years after their feud had ended.]] Ovechkin was involved in a feud with Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin, who was drafted second behind Ovechkin in the 2004 NHL entry draft. Though the two were reported to be good friends when they roomed together during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, this friendship quickly saw tension arise.<ref name="Ovechkin/Malkin Feud">{{cite web|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_597246.html|title=Ovechkin Malkin Feud Festering|last=Starkey|first=Joe|date=30 November 2008|work=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323090159/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_597246.html|archive-date=23 March 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=3 February 2009}}</ref> The feud may have started in August 2007 when Ovechkin punched Malkin's Russian agent, Gennady Ushakov, at a Moscow nightclub. Ovechkin denied that version of events, while Malkin confirmed it. On 21 January 2008, in Pittsburgh, Ovechkin took a run at Malkin, which would have seemingly resulted in a devastating hit had Malkin not ducked out of the way just in time. The two would also not make eye contact at the 2008 NHL Awards Ceremony. Ovechkin has repeatedly denied "having it out" for Malkin.<ref name="Ovechkin/Malkin Feud" /> In 2009, in an interview with RT, Ovechkin would confirm that the event in which he punched Malkin's agent was true, while also stating "but is okay".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Little |first1=Benjamin |title=Washington Capitals: When Alexander Ovechkin Hit Evgeni Malkin's Agent in the Face |url=https://starsandsticks.com/2020/07/01/washington-capitals-alexander-ovechkin-hit-evgeni-malkins-agent-face/ |website=Stars & Sticks |date=July 2020 |access-date=26 June 2023 |archive-date=26 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626125138/https://starsandsticks.com/2020/07/01/washington-capitals-alexander-ovechkin-hit-evgeni-malkins-agent-face/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
The feud raised many concerns as to its effect on the league,<ref name="Ovechkin/Malkin Feud" /> and the Russian national team at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=3830831|title=Ovechkin-Malkin friendship grows cold|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=13 January 2009}}</ref> On 24 January 2009, at the SuperSkills Competition, Malkin assisted Ovechkin in his stunt during the Breakaway Challenge.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_608711.html|title=Malkin, Ovechkin put feud to rest|date=25 January 2009|work=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review|access-date=3 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203132149/http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_608711.html|archive-date=3 February 2009|url-status=dead|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Malkin handed Ovechkin his props for the stunt as well as handing him his stick and pouring some sports drink down Ovechkin's throat. It has been reported that Ilya Kovalchuk, who was then the Atlanta Thrashers' captain and a teammate of Ovechkin and Malkin on the Russian national team, brokered the peace between the two.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/2009/01/kovalchuk_brokers_ovechkin-mal.html|title=Kovalchuk Brokers Ovechkin-Malkin Peace|date=25 January 2009|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=12 February 2009|archive-date=7 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007172802/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/2009/01/kovalchuk_brokers_ovechkin-mal.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Malkin gave a speech at Ovechkin's 35th birthday party in September 2020. The two are reportedly very close friends again, with the feud long in the past.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2020/09/25/evgeni-malkins-kind-speech-for-alex-ovechkin-during-birthday-party/|title=Evgeni Malkin's kind speech for Alex Ovechkin during his birthday party|date=25 September 2020|website=RMNB|access-date=14 May 2022|archive-date=1 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701181553/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2020/09/25/evgeni-malkins-kind-speech-for-alex-ovechkin-during-birthday-party/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Personal life== In 2006 at a preseason charity golf tournament in Springfield, Virginia, while playing golf for his first time, Ovechkin made a hole in one on a par 3 hole.<ref name="golf">{{cite web |last=Dethier |first=Dylan |title=Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin made a hole-in-one during his first-ever round |url=https://golf.com/news/washington-capitals-star-alexander-ovechkin-made-a-hole-in-one-during-his-first-ever-round/ |publisher=Golf.com |access-date=23 April 2025 |date=8 June 2018 |archive-date=29 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429205345/https://golf.com/news/washington-capitals-star-alexander-ovechkin-made-a-hole-in-one-during-his-first-ever-round/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
Ovechkin was formerly engaged to tennis player Maria Kirilenko. On 21 July 2014, Kirilenko announced that the wedding was called off and that the two were no longer seeing each other.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/11242201/maria-kirilenko-ends-engagement-washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin|title=Capitals' Ovechkin Engaged to Tennis Star Kirilenko|publisher=The Sports Network|date=31 December 2012|access-date=2 January 2013|archive-date=22 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722141255/http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/11242201/maria-kirilenko-ends-engagement-washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin|url-status=live}}</ref> On 11 September 2015, Ovechkin announced his engagement to Nastya Shubskaya, the daughter of Russian actress Vera Glagoleva,<ref>[http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2015/09/11/alex-ovechkin-and-nastya-shubskaya-are-engaged/#more-90292 Alex Ovechkin and Nastya Shubskaya Are Engaged] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915025215/http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2015/09/11/alex-ovechkin-and-nastya-shubskaya-are-engaged/#more-90292 |date=15 September 2015}}. Russianmachineneverbreaks.com (11 September 2015). Retrieved 10 January 2016.</ref> whom he subsequently married.<ref>{{cite news|title=NHLer Ovechkin, model Shubskaya announce marriage|url=http://torontosun.com/2016/08/28/nhler-ovechkin-model-shubskaya-announce-marriage-on-twitter/wcm/faef7bd4-8a5d-4201-bd27-d5bbcfd26ce2|access-date=4 April 2017|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=28 August 2017|archive-date=19 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119021821/http://torontosun.com/2016/08/28/nhler-ovechkin-model-shubskaya-announce-marriage-on-twitter/wcm/faef7bd4-8a5d-4201-bd27-d5bbcfd26ce2|url-status=live}}</ref>
Ovechkin and his wife have two children. In August 2018, the couple had a son, whom they named Sergei after Ovechkin's late brother.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-shares-news-of-birth-of-son/c-299795388|title=Ovechkin announces birth of baby Sergei|publisher=National Hockey League|date=18 August 2018|access-date=18 August 2018|archive-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819114408/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-shares-news-of-birth-of-son/c-299795388|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2020, the couple had a second son whom they named Ilya.<ref>{{cite web |title=Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, wife Nastya announce birth of second son |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/capitals-star-alex-ovechkin-wife-nastya-announce-birth-of-second-son/ |access-date=26 February 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |date=27 May 2020 |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226171345/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/capitals-star-alex-ovechkin-wife-nastya-announce-birth-of-second-son/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
By June 2021, Ovechkin was studying for and close to obtaining a Candidate of Sciences,<ref name="sovsport.ru">{{cite web |url=https://www.sovsport.ru/hockey/articles/2:995710 |title=Ovechkin is about to settle down. Alexander the Great is going to defend his thesis |date=16 July 2021|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716175722/https://www.sovsport.ru/hockey/articles/2:995710|url-status=live}}</ref> the Russian equivalent of a PhD.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2015/02/17/dr-ovechkin-tatyana-ovechkina-says-son-alex-will-soon-have-advanced-degree/|title=Dr. Ovechkin? Tatyana Ovechkina Says Son Alex Will Soon Have Advanced Degree|date=17 February 2015|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=13 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413045626/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2015/02/17/dr-ovechkin-tatyana-ovechkina-says-son-alex-will-soon-have-advanced-degree/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin's field of study is Pedagogical Sciences.<ref name="sovsport.ru"/>
==Career statistics== ===Regular season and playoffs=== <!-- DO NOT UPDATE STATS DURING THE SEASON. This is not meant to be an up to date stats database and it clutters up the edit history--> (Sources:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=63735 |title=Alex Ovechkin |website=HockeyDB |access-date=8 April 2025 |archive-date=4 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250404094322/https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=63735 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NHLstats">{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/3101/alex-ovechkin | title=Alex Ovechkin Career Stats – NHL | access-date=8 April 2025 | archive-date=9 April 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409111115/https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/3101/alex-ovechkin | url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="hockey-reference"/>)
'''Bold''' indicates led league<br/>'''''Bold italics''''' indicate NHL record
{| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:60em" |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! rowspan="100" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! colspan="5"|Regular season ! rowspan="100" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! colspan="5"|Playoffs |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! Season ! Team ! League ! GP !! G !! A !! Pts !! PIM ! GP !! G !! A !! Pts !! PIM |- | 2001–02 | Dynamo Moscow-2 | RUS-3 | 19 || 18 || 8 || 26 || 20 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2001–02 | Dynamo Moscow | RSL | 21 || 2 || 2 || 4 || 4 | 3 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- | 2002–03 | Dynamo Moscow | RSL | 40 || 8 || 7 || 15 || 29 | 5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2003–04 | Dynamo Moscow | RSL | 53 || 13 || 11 || 24 || 40 | 3 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 |- | 2004–05 | Dynamo Moscow | RSL | 37 || 13 || 13 || 26 || 32 | 10 || 2 || 4 || 6 || 31 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2005–06 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 81 || 52|| 54 || 106 || 52 | — || — || — || — || — |- | 2006–07 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 82 || 46 || 46 || 92 || 52 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2007–08 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 82 || '''65''' || 47 || '''112''' || 40 | 7 || 4 || 5 || 9 || 2 |- | 2008–09 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 79 || '''56''' ||54 || 110 || 72 | 14|| 11 || 10 || 21 || 8 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2009–10 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 72 || 50 || 59 || 109|| 89 | 7 || 5 || 5 || 10 || 8 |- | 2010–11 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 79 || 32 || 53 || 85 || 48 || 9 | 5 || 5 || 10 || 10 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2011–12 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 78 || 38 || 27 || 65 || 56 | 14 || 5 || 4 || 9 || 8 |- | 2012–13 | Dynamo Moscow | KHL | 31 || 19 || 21 || 40 || 14 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2012–13 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 48 || '''32''' || 24 || 56 || 46 | 7 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 4 |- | 2013–14 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 78 || '''51''' || 28 || 79 || 49 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2014–15 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 81 || '''53''' || 28 || 81 || 58 | 14|| 5 || 4 || 9 || 6 |- | 2015–16 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 79|| '''50''' || 21 || 71 || 33 | 12 || 5 || 7 || 12 || 2 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2016–17 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 82 || 33 || 36 || 69 || 50 | 13 || 5 || 3 || 8|| 8 |- | 2017–18 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 82 || '''49''' || 38 || 87 || 32 | 24 || '''15''' || 12 || 27 || 8 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2018–19 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 81 || '''51''' || 38 || 89 || 40 | 7 || 4 || 5 || 9 || 19 |- | 2019–20 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 68 || '''48''' || 19 || 67 || 30 | 8 || 4 || 1 || 5 || 2 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2020–21 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 45 || 24 || 18 || 42 || 12 | 5 || 2 || 2 || 4 || 2 |- | 2021–22 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 77 || 50 || 40 || 90 || 18 | 6 || 1 || 5 || 6 || 0 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2022–23 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 73 || 42 || 33 || 75 || 48 | — || — || — || — || — |- | 2023–24 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 79 || 31 || 34 || 65 || 20 | 4 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2024–25 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 65 || 44 || 29 || 73 || 14 | 10 || 5 || 1 || 6 || 6 |- | 2025–26 | Washington Capitals | NHL | 82 || 32 || 32 || 64 || 26 | — || — || — || — || — |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" | RSL totals ! 151 !! 36 !! 33 !! 69 !! 106 ! 21 !! 2 !! 4 !! 6 !! 35 |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" | NHL totals ! 1,573 !! ''929'' !! 758 !! 1,687 !! 857 ! 161 !! 77 !! 70 !! 147 !! 83 |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3" | KHL totals ! 31 !! 19 !! 21 !! 40 !! 14 ! — !! — !! — !! — !! — |} <!-- DO NOT UPDATE STATS DURING THE SEASON. This is not meant to be an up to date stats database and it clutters up the edit history-->
===International=== {| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" ID="Table3" style="text-align:center; width:40em" |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! Year ! Team ! Event ! rowspan="102" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! GP !! G !! A !! Pts !! PIM |- | 2002 | Russia | U17 | 5 || 12 || 2 || 14 || 17 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2002 | Russia | WJC18 | 8 || 14 || 4 || 18 || 0 |- | 2003 | Russia | WJC | 6 || 6 || 1 || 7 || 4 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2003 | Russia | WJC18 | 6 || 9 || 4 || 13 || 6 |- | 2004 | Russia | WJC | 6 || 5 || 2 || 7 || 25 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2004 | Russia | WC | 6 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 0 |- | 2004 | Russia | WCH | 2 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2005 | Russia | WJC | 6 || 7 || 4 || 11 || 4 |- | 2005 | Russia | WC | 8 || 5 || 3 || 8 || 4 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2006 | Russia | OLY | 8 || 5 || 0 || 5 || 8 |- | 2006 | Russia | WC | 7 || 6 || 3 || 9 || 6 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2007 | Russia | WC | 8 || 1 || 2 || 3 || 29 |- | 2008 | Russia | WC | 9 || 6 || 6 || 12 || 8 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2010 | Russia | OLY | 4 || 2 || 2 || 4 || 2 |- | 2010 | Russia | WC | 9 || 5 || 1 || 6 || 4 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2011 | Russia | WC | 5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 4 |- | 2012 | Russia | WC | 3 || 2 || 2 || 4 || 2 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2013 | Russia | WC | 1 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 0 |- | 2014 | Russia | OLY | 5 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 0 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2014 | Russia | WC | 9 || 4 || 7 || 11 || 8 |- | 2015 | Russia | WC | 2 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 0 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2016 | Russia | WC | 6 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 2 |- | 2016 | Russia | WCH | 4 || 1 || 2 || 3 || 6 |- bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | 2019 | Russia | WC | 10 || 2 || 1 || 3 || 2 |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3"| Junior totals ! 37 !! 53 !! 17 !! 70 !! 56 |- bgcolor="#e0e0e0" ! colspan="3"| Senior totals ! 106 !! 45 !! 34 !! 79 !! 85 |}
==Honors, awards, and achievements== [[File:Stanley Cup at Nationals Park 125A4006 (42723315701).jpg|thumb|Ovechkin hoisting the Stanley Cup at Nationals Park in June 2018 following the Capitals' victory in the 2018 Stanley Cup Final.]] {| class="wikitable" |- ! Award ! Year ! Ref |- ! colspan="3"|NHL |- | Calder Memorial Trophy | 2006 | |- | NHL All-Rookie Team | 2006 | |- | NHL First All-Star team | 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2019 |<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-all-star-teams-announced-for-2018-19-season/c-307914356 | title = NHL names 2018–19 All-Star teams | publisher = National Hockey League | date = 20 June 2019 | access-date = 20 June 2019 | archive-date = 8 November 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201108000340/https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-all-star-teams-announced-for-2018-19-season/c-307914356 | url-status = live}}</ref> |- | NHL All-Star Game | 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 | |- | EA Sports ''NHL'' cover athlete | 2007, 2021 | |- | NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition Breakaway Challenge Winner | 2008, 2009, 2011 | |- | Art Ross Trophy | 2008 | |- | Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy | 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 | |- | Hart Memorial Trophy | 2008, 2009, 2013 | |- | Lester B. Pearson Award/Ted Lindsay Award | 2008, 2009, 2010 | |- | NHL 2000s All-Decade First Team | 2009 | |- | NHL Second All-Star team | 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016 | |- | NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition Hardest Shot Winner | 2018 | |- | Stanley Cup champion | 2018 | |- | Conn Smythe Trophy | 2018 | |- | NHL 2K cover athlete | 2010 | |- | NHL 2010s All-Decade First Team | 2020 | |- | Mark Messier Leadership Award | 2025 | |- ! colspan="3"|RSL/KHL |- | Russian Superleague champion | 2005 | |- | Gagarin Cup champion | 2013 |<ref>[http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/05/21/alex-ovechkin-goes-on-parade-receives-gold-medal-for-dynamo-moscow-championship-photos/ Alex Ovechkin Goes on Parade, Receives Gold Medal For Dynamo Moscow Championship (Photos)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811084624/http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/05/21/alex-ovechkin-goes-on-parade-receives-gold-medal-for-dynamo-moscow-championship-photos/ |date=11 August 2015}}. Russianmachineneverbreaks.com (21 May 2013). Retrieved 10 January 2016.</ref> |- ! colspan="3"|International |- | World Junior Championships All-Star team | 2005 | |- | Winter Olympics All-Star team | 2006 | |- | World Championships All-Star team | 2006, 2008 | |- | Kharlamov Trophy | 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2025 | |- | Wayne Gretzky International Award | 2019 |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-to-receive-wayne-gretzky-international-award/c-309255856|title=Ovechkin of Capitals to receive Wayne Gretzky International Award|last=Gulitti|first=Tom|date=18 September 2019|publisher=National Hockey League|access-date=16 July 2021|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716144041/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-to-receive-wayne-gretzky-international-award/c-309255856|url-status=live}}</ref> |- class=sortbottom !scope=row colspan=3 |Sources:<ref name="yahooawards"/><ref name="espnawards"/> |}
* 30px Order of Honour * Asteroid 257261 Ovechkin was named in his honor by Leonid Elenin.<ref>[http://itar-tass.com/sport/1498487 Астероид, открытый российским астрономом, назван в честь Александра Овечкина] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017073328/http://itar-tass.com/sport/1498487 |date=17 October 2014}}. itar-tass.com. 10 October 2014</ref> * Ride of Fame honored Alex Ovechkin with a double-decker sightseeing bus in Washington, D.C.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2015/04/08/a-fascinated-alex-ovechkin-experiments-with-periscope/ A fascinated Alex Ovechkin experiments with Periscope] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509203610/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2015/04/08/a-fascinated-alex-ovechkin-experiments-with-periscope/ |date=9 May 2015}}. Washington Post. 8 April 2015</ref> * The day after he received his first Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP for the 2007–08 season, he was given the key to the city by Washington Mayor Adrian M. Fenty for being the first Washington MVP winner in a major sport since Joe Theismann of the Washington Redskins in 1983.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=240617&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl|title=Ovechkin given key to the city in Washington, D.C.|date=13 June 2008|publisher=The Sports Network|agency=The Canadian Press|access-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310214424/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=240617&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl|archive-date=10 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> * In 2023, was ranked number 6 in ''The Athletic’s'' list of the 100 greatest hockey players of all time<ref>{{cite news |last=Staff |first=The Athletic NHL |date=2025-12-23 |title=NHL99: A project ranking the greatest players in modern NHL history |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3550299/2023/02/08/nhl99-ranking-the-greatest-players-in-modern-nhl-history/ |access-date=2026-01-17 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
==Records== (Sources:<ref name="yahooawards">{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/alex-ovechkins-records-milestones-awards-233600633.html |title=All of Alex Ovechkin's records, milestones, awards, streaks and career statistics |work=Yahoo! Sports |author=Steven Shoemaker |date=20 April 2023 |access-date=8 April 2025 |archive-date=8 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250408071005/https://sports.yahoo.com/alex-ovechkins-records-milestones-awards-233600633.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="espnawards">{{cite web |title=Alex Ovechkin's NHL awards and hockey accomplishments |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/43259893/alex-ovechkin-nhl-awards-hockey-accomplishments |work=ESPN |author=Keith Jenkins |date=6 April 2025 |access-date=8 April 2025 |archive-date=8 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250408071005/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/43259893/alex-ovechkin-nhl-awards-hockey-accomplishments |url-status=live}}</ref>)
===NHL official records=== * Most regular season career goals (929) * Most goals scored by a left wing in a career (929) * Most goals by a left winger in a single season (65) * Most points scored by a left wing rookie (106) * Most career points by a left winger (1,623) * Most career shots on goal (6,757) * Most career game-winning goals (140) * Most overtime goals career (27) * Most career power-play goals (325) * Most goaltenders scored on (188) * Most career 30-goal seasons (20) * Most career 40-goal seasons (14) * Most career 50-goal seasons (9) – Tied with Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy * Most consecutive 30-goal seasons (15) – Tied with Jaromir Jagr
===NHL unofficial records=== * First player to win the Art Ross Trophy, Maurice Richard Trophy, Lester B. Pearson Award, and Hart Memorial Trophy in a single season.<ref>{{cite news| title=Ovechkin receives hero's welcome in Washington |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/ovechkin-receives-hero-s-welcome-in-washington-1.740284| publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | date=13 June 2008| access-date=14 June 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080614124825/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/06/13/hockey-ovechkin-key.html| archive-date= 14 June 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>{{efn|Prior to the establishment of the Richard Trophy for the league's leading goal-scorer in 1998–99, Wayne Gretzky had five seasons in which he led the league in goals and won the Art Ross, Pearson Award and Hart Trophy. Mario Lemieux also did so twice, and Phil Esposito and Guy Lafleur each did once.}} * Only player to be named to the NHL first All-Star team in each of his first five seasons<ref>{{cite web|publisher=National Hockey League|title=Alex Ovechkin, Mike Green Name to NHL first All-Star team|date=23 June 2010|url=http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=532566|access-date=23 June 2010|archive-date=7 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307235343/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=532566|url-status=live}}</ref> * Most goals for a single team – 926 * Most goals scored on the road in a career – 411 ({{As of|2023|02|16}})<ref>{{cite news |title=Capitals star Ovechkin passes Gretzky for most NHL road goals |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/35143578/capitals-star-ovechkin-passes-gretzky-most-nhl-road-goals |access-date=1 December 2022 |publisher=ESPN |date=1 December 2022 |archive-date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130041354/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/35143578/capitals-star-ovechkin-passes-gretzky-most-nhl-road-goals |url-status=live}}</ref> * Most shots on goal by a left wing in a season – 528 (2008–09) * Most shots on goal by a rookie in a season – 425 (2005–06) * Most regular season points by a Russian-born NHL rookie – 106 (2005–06) * Only player to be named to both the NHL first and second All-Star teams in the same season (2012–13) * Most goals scoring titles (9) * Most goals by a Russian-born player – 926 * Most points by a Russian-born player – 1,623 * Most career empty net goals – (61) * Most career game-opening goals – 136<ref>{{cite web |last=Sumner |first=Ben |date=13 December 2022 |title=Another Alex Ovechkin Record: Most Game-Opening Goals in NHL History |url=https://capitalsoutsider.com/2022/12/13/another-alex-ovechkin-record-most-game-opening-goals-in-nhl-history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214030540/https://capitalsoutsider.com/2022/12/13/another-alex-ovechkin-record-most-game-opening-goals-in-nhl-history/ |archive-date=14 December 2022 |access-date=22 December 2022 |website=Capitals Outsider}}</ref> * Most franchises scored against with a hat trick (21)<ref>{{cite web |last=Komma |first=Matt |date=26 March 2026 |title=Ovechkin sets NHL mark with hat trick against 21st franchise, Capitals top Mammoth |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-utah-mammoth-game-recap-march-26-2026 |access-date=1 April 2026 |website=NHL}}</ref> * Most Maurice Richard Trophies (9)
===Washington Capitals records=== * Most seasons with 50 or more goals – 9 (2005–06, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2018–19, 2021–22) * Most shots on goal in a season – 528 (2008–09) * Most goals in a season – 65 goals (2007–08) * Most power play goals – 325 * Most power play goals in a season – 25 goals (2014–15) * Most career penalty shots attempted – 12 shots (most recent on 19 January 2016) * Most goals in a season by a rookie – 52 goals (2005–06) * Most points in a season by a rookie – 106 points (2005–06) * Point streak by a rookie – 11 games (17 points; 5 goals, 12 assists; 18 March–7 April 2006) * Point streak by a rookie to start the season – 8 games * Goal streak by a rookie – 7 games (10 February–8 March 2006) * Most career hat tricks – 34 (as of 27 March 2026) * Most career goals – 926 * Most career points – 1,623 * Most goals in a single postseason – 15 (2017–18) * Fastest overtime goal (6 seconds)
==See also== * List of NHL players with 50-goal seasons * List of NHL players with 500 goals * List of NHL players with 100-point seasons * List of NHL players with 1,000 games played * List of NHL players with 1,000 points
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{reflist}}
===Bibliography=== {{refbegin}} * {{Citation|last1=Cox|first1=Damien|last2=Joyce|first2=Gare|year=2010|title=The Ovechkin Project: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Hockey's Most Dangerous Player |publisher=John Wily & Sons Canada|location=Mississauga, Ontario|isbn=978-0-470-67914-2}} {{refend}}
==External links== {{Sister project auto}} * {{Ice hockey stats}} * {{Olympics.com|alexander-ovechkin|Alexander Ovechkin}} * {{Olympedia|name=Aleksandr Ovechkin}} * {{InterSportStats|3000402987|Aleksandr Ovechkin}} * {{IMDb name|name=Alexander Ovechkin}} * {{Instagram|name=Alexander Ovechkin}}<!-- per WP:ELMINOFFICIAL, choose one official website only -->
{{s-start}} {{s-ach}} {{s-bef | before = Marc-André Fleury}} {{s-ttl | title = NHL first overall draft pick | years = 2004}} {{s-aft | after = Sidney Crosby}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef | before = Eric Fehr}} {{s-ttl | title = Washington Capitals first-round draft pick | years = 2004}} {{s-aft | after = Jeff Schultz}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef | before = Andrew Raycroft}} {{s-ttl | title = Winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy | years = 2006}} {{s-aft | after = Evgeni Malkin}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef | before = Sidney Crosby}} {{s-ttl | title = Winner of the Art Ross Trophy | years = 2008}} {{s-aft | after = Evgeni Malkin}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef | before = Sidney Crosby}} {{s-ttl | title = Winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy | years = 2008, 2009}} {{s-aft | after = Henrik Sedin}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef | before = Sidney Crosby}} {{s-ttl | title = Winner of the Lester B. Pearson Award | years = 2008, 2009}} {{s-non | award | reason = Renamed Ted Lindsay Award}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef | before = Vincent Lecavalier}} {{s-ttl | title = Winner of the Rocket Richard Trophy | years = 2008, 2009}} {{s-aft | after = Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos}} {{s-break}} {{s-new | award | reason = Formerly the Lester B. Pearson Award}} {{s-ttl | title = Winner of the Ted Lindsay Award | years = 2010}} {{s-aft | after = Daniel Sedin}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef | before = Evgeni Malkin}} {{s-ttl | title = Winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy | years = 2013}} {{s-aft | after = Sidney Crosby}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef | before = Steven Stamkos}} {{s-ttl | title = Winner of the Rocket Richard Trophy | years = 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016}} {{s-aft | after = Sidney Crosby}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef | before = Sidney Crosby}} {{s-ttl | title = Winner of the Rocket Richard Trophy | years = 2018, 2019, 2020 (with David Pastrňák)}} {{s-aft | after = Auston Matthews}} {{s-break}} {{s-bef | before = Sidney Crosby}} {{s-ttl | title = Conn Smythe Trophy winner | years = 2018}} {{s-aft | after = Ryan O'Reilly}} {{s-sports}} {{s-bef | before = Chris Clark}} {{s-ttl | title = Washington Capitals team captain | years = 2010–present}} {{s-inc}} {{s-end}}
{{NHLCaptains}} {{ESPY Male Athlete}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Ice hockey|Olympics|Russia|Washington, D.C.}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ovechkin, Alexander}} Category:1985 births Category:Living people Category:21st-century Russian sportsmen Category:Art Ross Trophy winners Category:Calder Trophy winners Category:Conn Smythe Trophy winners Category:First overall NHL draft picks Category:Hart Memorial Trophy winners Category:HC Dynamo Moscow players Category:Ice hockey people from Moscow Category:Ice hockey people from Washington, D.C. Category:Ice hockey players at the 2006 Winter Olympics Category:Ice hockey players at the 2010 Winter Olympics Category:Ice hockey players at the 2014 Winter Olympics Category:Lester B. Pearson Award winners Category:Mordvin people Category:National Hockey League All-Stars Category:NHL first-round draft picks Category:Olympic ice hockey players for Russia Category:Rocket Richard Trophy winners Category:Russian emigrants to the United States Category:Russian expatriate ice hockey people Category:Russian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States Category:Russian ice hockey left wingers Category:Russian Orthodox Christians from Russia Category:Russian philanthropists Category:Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism alumni Category:Stanley Cup champions Category:Washington Capitals captains Category:Washington Capitals draft picks Category:Washington Capitals players