After leaving last season on a high - playoffs be damned - no one thought we would be knocking on the doorstep of November still chasing 900 goals with our team captain.
Ovechkin has started the season strong, with Strome his go-to partner for setting up golden opportunities from his office. With 2 goals and 5 assists since the season opener he's the best performing 40 year old in the league and an asset to the Capitals by any standard. But many of us thought we would be celebrating 900 by now.
We did, however, get to celebrate the Gr8 one's 1,500th game in high style. The whole team came out in Ovechkin's white tee and cap to honor their leader. And his family was in attendance to celebrate, even if the game did result in a 7-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators.
It's one of only three losses, to an impressive six Capitals wins so far, and Ovechkin did score a goal and an assist the night before in Columbus.
The Journey is better than the Destination
It's easy to feel frustrated after a year full of waiting, but let's remember there's also something delicious about the anticipation. Of course, we're going to lose our minds at this next amazing milestone.
But, we have the record holder on our team. Today. Right now. And every single goal he scores sets him one step apart from every other hockey player on the planet. Even after he reaches 900 - and he will - we'll set ourselves up for the next marker and we'll print new T-shirts.
Remember to enjoy the lead up and the excitement. This is the fun part. The extra spice when we're at the game and this might be the day.
That said, I think we'll get 900 as a nice little Halloween treat.