Alex Ovechkin Sets new NHL Record with 30th Career 30-Goal Season
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin achieved teh remarkable feat of reaching 30 goals in a season for the 19th time in his 20-year career, further cementing his place in NHL history. This milestone comes after setting a league record last season with his 18th 30-goal season.
Ovechkin secured his latest 30-goal season on Tuesday night at home against the Calgary Flames. His impressive one-timer on the power play, which came 4:52 into the third period, saw him beat Flames’ goaltender Dan Vladar. The Washington crowd erupted, chanting “Ovi! Ovi!” in celebration.
“I was cheating a little bit, but ther is a reason why he has so many goals like that,” Vladar commented after the flames won 3-1, taking a step towards a playoff spot.
Joining the ranks of Teemu Selanne, johnny Bucyk, and Gordie Howe, Ovechkin is the only player to score 30 or more goals in a season at age 39 or older, with Howe achieving the feat three times.
“My linemates, teammates do a pretty good job finding me out there and I just have to finish it up,” ovechkin remarked after the game.
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In celebrating his 883rd career goal, Ovechkin is now just 12 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record of 894, a record that seemed nearly unbreakable for years. With a hat trick against Edmonton earlier this season, Ovechkin is on pace to surpass Gretzky by early April.
“He’s obviously doing such special things,” remarked Matt Coronato of the flames, who also scored in the game. “Obviously, when you’re competing against him, you don’t want to see it, but definitely cool to watch all season long.”
Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who wore ice bags on his right thigh and left foot and ankle post-game, blocked eight shots, two of which were ovechkin’s. “He’s on a great chase, and you’ve got to eat a few,” Andersson said. “That’s just the way the game whent. Now, it feels good.”
– What record did Ovechkin set last season?
Frequently Asked Questions
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How many 30-goal seasons does Alex Ovechkin have?
Alex Ovechkin has achieved a remarkable 19 seasons with 30 or more goals, solidifying his place as a goal-scoring legend.
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What record did Ovechkin set last season?
Last season, Ovechkin set a new NHL record by reaching his 18th 30-goal season.
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Which other players have scored 30 or more goals at age 39 or older?
Ovechkin joins an elite group: Teemu Selanne, Johnny Bucyk, and Gordie Howe.
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How many goals does Ovechkin need to break Wayne Gretzky’s record?
Ovechkin is just 12 goals away from breaking Gretzky’s seemingly unbreakable record of 894 career goals.
Witnessing Ovechkin’s historic pursuit of Gretzky’s record is a testament to his enduring greatness and the captivating nature of sports history in the making.
