Washington Capitals: Top 10 greatest moments in franchise history

#6 Alex Ovechkin’s NHL debut

When Alex Ovechkin was drafted in 2004, the unfortunate thing was we all had to wait a full year to see his first game thanks to the NHL lockout. When things were resolved it was well worth the wait.

The Capitals opened the 2005-06 season at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets where fans couldn’t wait to see the great eight in action. All the goals in this game came in the second period and the Caps would go on to win 3-2.

Dan Fritsche got things started with a goal at 6:53 before Ovechkin answered at 7:21 with a rocket from downtown for his first NHL goal.

“Ovechkin fires he scores! Alex Ovechkin, welcome on board!,” said play by play broadcaster Joe Beninati.

Fritsche added his second of the game at 10:22 before Ovechkin matched him at 11:51 with a goal on the power play to tie the game. The Caps took the lead at 16:51 with a power play strike from Dainius Zubrus.

Ovechkin scored 52 goals in his rookie season to go along with 54 assists for 106 points. Ovechkin went on to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year and it was just the beginning of what would be a legendary career.