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Alex Ovechkin’s road to 800 goals

By Michael Marzzacco

Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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I started writing consistently about the Washington Capitals seven years ago. I don’t do it for credentials or fame, but rather a love for the game and the team. And I’ve grown to love the game even more. But enough about me, this article is all about Alex Ovechkin and the chase to 800 and beyond.

I will say one more thing. It is an honor to write about this guy night after night. It is a joy watching history unfold before our eyes and the fact that FanSided entrusted me to chronicle this journey means a lot.

Ovechkin changed the game of hockey. He changed the culture around D.C., turning it from a football to a hockey town. And his legacy will be felt long after that dreadful day he hangs up his skates.

Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /

The draft

The Caps initiated a fire sale in the 2003-04 season and tanked so they can get this once in a lifetime player. Boy did it pay off.

Ovechkin was taken first overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Sadly we had to wait a whole year to see him lace it up in a Capitals uniform thanks to a lockout. But one year later the wait was worth it.

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