Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals now needs seven goals to become the NHL leader for the most goals of all time. He scored goal number 888 to open up the scoring and set the Capital One Arena crowd into an early buzz.
888 and seven goals to GR8NESS
The Gr8 Chase has become the talk of the town. Here's some videos and what was said after the game plus some Ovi facts as the Caps punched their ticket to the playoffs last night to the tune of a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.
and yap too pic.twitter.com/o11lJ1pMqf
— x - Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 21, 2025
The goal marked Ovechkin's 35th goal in 53 games this season which is good for 0.66 goals per games played. He has scored 13 goals in his last 19 games.
Ovechkin, who ranks tied for fourth in the NHL in goals this season at age 39, has scored 182 goals in 327 games since turning 35. His 0.56 goals per game rate among players age 35 or older is the highest in NHL history.
It was his 52nd goal in his 78th career game against Philadelphia, the second most goals he has scored against a single franchise. Ovechkin now has 15 seasons with 35 goals which is the most in NHL history.
The game also featured Ovechkin's 240th career first period goal wich tied him with Phil Esposito for the second most in League history, behind Gretzky (241).
Ovechkin's 0.66 goals per game rate this season puts him on pace to pass Gretzky and complete The Gr8 Chase against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Capital One Arena on April 13. His career average of 0.60 has him on track breaking the record against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on April 15.
"I love to see it. Again, a big goal at a big time, gets us going there. The crowd gets into it... we got more people now and more people come to our games and a bigger spotlight. Credit to 'Ovi': another big goal and another goal off the mark. "Charlie Lindgren
Andrew Mangiapane, who dons the number 88, had the third goal of the contest which would help propel the Caps to two points on the night, 100 points on the season and a playoff spot clinched, all in their 69th game of the season.
"It was pretty fun there. I saw up on the banner there or whatever it was 888, so I said, 'Maybe it's a good sign for me and maybe I'll get one here.' It worked out pretty well and just kind of manifested it there. "Andrew Mangiapane
With 13 games remaining in the regular season, Caps games will be must see TV. Forget March Madness. It's Ovi Madness in D.C. and for good reason.