Ovechkin scores 1,000th career goal

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin made history by scoring his 1,000th career NHL regular season and Stanley Cup playoff goal, becoming only the second player to achieve this milestone, joining Wayne Gretzky.

This significant goal came during a match against the Colorado Avalanche, with 5:43 left in the third period, which tied the game at 2-2. Ovechkin's 1,000th goal was a classic power-play one-timer from his favored left circle position, marking his 26th goal of the current 2025-26 season.

With this goal, Ovechkin's tally stands at 923 regular season goals and 77 playoff goals, trailing Gretzky by 16 combined goals. After the game, Ovechkin reflected on the importance of the milestone and expressed pride in reaching such an achievement.

Despite this personal success, the Capitals faced a 3-2 overtime loss, further complicating their playoff aspirations as they sit out of the postseason picture. Ovechkin is in the final year of his contract, and his future remains uncertain, with indications that he may consider returning to Dynamo Moscow, his boyhood club.

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery acknowledged Ovechkin's pursuit of the milestone, stating it adds to his incredible career accolades. Ovechkin’s achievement has sparked renewed attention on his chase of Gretzky's all-time goal record, which remains a driving force in his determination on the ice.