Washington Capitals: Top 5 Alex Ovechkin goals of 2021
#4 Farewell Phil
On March 16 the Caps had a big home game against the New York Islanders where they rocked the screaming eagle. T.J. Oshie gave the Caps the 1-0 lead before an Ovechkin goal right from his office on the power play doubled Washington’s lead. Nicklas Backstrom added a PPG in the third for good measure.
For Ovechkin. it was his 718th career goal which passed Phil Esposito on the all time goals list, putting him in sixth place. Ovechkin told the media after the game in an article by Roman Stubbs of The Washington Post (subscription required):
"“It’s history. It’s pretty good numbers and happy to be in that category. It’s done. How I say, it’s history.”"
Backstrom added:
"“I think the way he shoots the puck, the way he scores, the way he plays the game is just fun to see. As a teammate, you’re just enjoying every moment.”"
During a pause in the game action there was a video message from Esposito himself:
"“Hey, Alex, I got to tell you, man, congratulations. You are a fantastic hockey player. I don’t know how you score all those goals with the way these guys block shots with the great equipment that they wear.”"
And now a message from the great Phil Esposito for Alex Ovechkin on taking over sixth place on the all-time goals list!#ALLCAPS | #Gr8 pic.twitter.com/8NydChJFE8
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 17, 2021