Alex Ovechkin Becomes 84th Player in NHL with 1,000 Points

Alex Ovechkin became the 84^th player in National Hockey League history to reach the 1,000-point mark just 35 seconds into the Washington Capitals matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night. 

Before the fans at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC had barely enough time to settle into their seats, the Capitals captain lit the lamp with the goal that gave him the milestone point. In addition to being the 84^th player to accomplish the feat in the 100-year history of the NHL, he is only the 37^th to do with one team. 

Prior to the game, Ovechkin said, “It is a big number. It is nice to get it at home, in front of fans, my family, and it is a big moment. It does not matter which team we are going to play or where you get those kinds of milestones.”

 

Ovechkin registered his 500^th goal just over a year ago, and tied Maurice “Rocket” Richard for 29^th place in goals with his 544 goal on Monday night up at the Bell Centre in Montreal. On Wednesday, he moved into sole possession of 29^th finding the back of the net for number 545.

The Capitals selected the six time, Rocket Richard Trophy winner, with the number one overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He led the league in scoring in six of the seven years he put up 50 goals. 

The 2005-2006 Calder Trophy winner, for Rookie of the Year and 2007-2008 Art Ross Trophy winner, as the leading point scorer in the NHL, also is a three-time Hart Trophy winner, for Most Valuable Player (2008-2009, 2009-2010 & 2013-2014). He has also scored more than 100 points in a season four times in his career. 

Ovechkin also started his journey to 2,000 in the Capitals 5-2 victory over the Penguins, 8:02 into the middle frame as he found the back of the net for goal number 546 of his career. In 880 NHL games, over his 12-year career, he has put up 546 goals 455 assists for 1001 points. 

The Capitals captain is the franchise’s all-time leader in goals and points. He has also scored the most goals of any Russian born player. 

The NHL’s all-time goals and points leader, Wayne Gretzky, accomplished the feat in 424 games and then picked up his 2,000^th point in his 433^rd game. 

With Ovechkin picking his 1,000^th in his 880^th game, ranks him second fastest among active players. Jaromir Jagr, currently with the Florida Panthers, registered his 1000^th point in his 763^rd game. 

Penguins captain, Sidney Crosby is currently shy of the 1,000-point mark by 13 points and has only played in 741 games, so he has a chance to accomplish the feat, faster than Jagr and Ovechkin.