Alex Ovechkin Makes NHL History with 900th Goal, While Goalie Attempts to Hide the Milestone Puck

In a moment that will be etched into hockey history, Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin became the first player in NHL history to score 900 career goals on Wednesday night. The milestone came against the St. Louis Blues, with the Russian forward showing his trademark opportunism by backhanding a rebound past Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington early in the second period. What followed was a blend of celebration and comedy, as Binnington—perhaps recognizing the historic significance of the moment—attempted to hide the milestone puck by tucking it into his pants, trying to prevent the Capitals from claiming this piece of hockey memorabilia. As Ovechkin’s teammates poured off the bench to celebrate with their captain, the 40-year-old veteran smiled, having reached another remarkable milestone in his extraordinary career.

The road to 900 goals has been paved with consistency and remarkable durability throughout Ovechkin’s career. After surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s record with his 895th goal in April, Ovechkin entered this season needing just three more goals to reach the 900 mark. It wasn’t immediate—the first four games of the season came and went without Ovechkin lighting the lamp. But the drought ended on October 17th against Minnesota, setting the stage for Wednesday’s historic moment. Throughout his career, Ovechkin has rarely missed significant time due to injury, allowing his milestones to come at a relatively steady pace, though the journey from 800 to 900 goals did take a bit longer than previous century marks. This consistency has been a hallmark of his career, enabling him to maintain his scoring prowess even as he enters the latter stages of his playing days.

Ovechkin’s achievement stands as a testament to his exceptional skill, longevity, and dedication to his craft. With three MVP awards and nine goal-scoring titles to his name, the Russian forward has established himself as one of the greatest goal scorers in hockey history. His ability to find the back of the net from seemingly impossible angles, his lethal one-timer from the left circle (often dubbed “The Ovi Spot”), and his willingness to score goals through sheer determination have made him a nightmare for opposing goalies for nearly two decades. While many great players see their production decline significantly in their 30s, Ovechkin has continued to defy the aging process, remaining a dominant offensive force well into his fourth decade of life—something rarely seen in professional sports, let alone in a physically demanding sport like hockey.

What makes this milestone particularly poignant is that it could potentially be Ovechkin’s final round-number goal-scoring achievement. Currently in the final year of his contract with the Capitals, the future remains uncertain for the 40-year-old forward. The next major milestone—1,000 goals—would require 100 more tallies, a significant undertaking even for a player of Ovechkin’s caliber at this stage of his career. Whether he pursues that mark or not, his legacy as one of hockey’s greatest goal scorers is already secure. The 900-goal milestone further cements his place in hockey lore, representing a level of scoring prowess that no other NHL player has ever reached. For context, only two other players in NHL history have even scored 800 goals (Wayne Gretzky with 894 and Gordie Howe with 801), making Ovechkin’s achievement all the more remarkable.

Ovechkin’s journey to 900 goals reflects not just personal achievement but also speaks to the evolution of the game itself. He has maintained his scoring touch through multiple eras of NHL hockey—from the post-lockout offensive surge of the mid-2000s, through the defensive adjustments of the 2010s, and into the more balanced contemporary game. He’s weathered changes in goaltending techniques, defensive strategies specifically designed to contain him, and the natural decline that comes with aging. Yet through it all, his signature moves, particularly his devastating one-timer, have remained effective weapons. Goalies know what’s coming, defenders know where he’ll be positioned, and yet Ovechkin continues to find ways to put the puck in the net—a testament to both his skill and his adaptability as a player.

The moment of Binnington attempting to hide the milestone puck adds an interesting footnote to this historic achievement—a light-hearted reminder of the value and significance attached to these pieces of hockey history. It’s also symbolic of how Ovechkin has always managed to bring entertainment and personality to the game, beyond just his scoring prowess. From his exuberant goal celebrations early in his career to his charismatic interactions with fans and media, Ovechkin has transcended being merely a great player to become an ambassador for the sport. As he continues his career, whether chasing further milestones or simply adding to his already legendary tally, hockey fans are witnessing something extraordinary—a once-in-a-generation talent who has redefined what’s possible for a goal scorer in the NHL. The 900-goal mark may or may not be his final round-number achievement, but it stands as compelling evidence of his status as one of hockey’s all-time greats.