Alexander Ovechkin's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Alexander Ovechkin.
Alexander Ovechkin, nicknamed "The Great 8" and "Ovi", is a Russian professional ice hockey left winger and captain of the Washington Capitals. He is second in all-time NHL goal scoring, behind Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin holds numerous NHL records, including most power play goals, away game goals, overtime goals, goalies scored upon, and goals with one team. He is one of three players to reach 800 career goals, along with Gretzky and Gordie Howe, solidifying his place as a hockey legend.
1943: Surpassed Bill Durnan's Record
In 2009-10, Ovechkin surpassed the mark of Hall of Fame goaltender Bill Durnan (first four seasons from 1943–44 through 1946–47) and became the first player in NHL history voted a First Team All-Star in each of his first five seasons.
1946: Surpassed Bill Durnan's Record
In 2009-10, Ovechkin surpassed the mark of Hall of Fame goaltender Bill Durnan (first four seasons from 1943–44 through 1946–47) and became the first player in NHL history voted a First Team All-Star in each of his first five seasons.
1965: Left-Winger Leading NHL
Ovechkin led the NHL in points for the first time in 41 seasons that a left-winger led the NHL in points since Bobby Hull led the league with 97 points in 1965–66.
1968: Tim Horton's 3-Point Games at 39+
In 1968, Tim Horton recorded 3-points in consecutive games at 39+ years of age, achieving what Ovechkin would later accomplish.
1980: Jean Ratelle's 3-Point Games at 39+
In 1980, Jean Ratelle recorded 3-points in consecutive games at 39+ years of age, achieving what Ovechkin would later accomplish.
1995: Last 60-Goal Season
Ovechkin's 60-goal season in 2007-08 was the first since Mario Lemieux and Jaromír Jágr in 1995-96.
1999: Last 40 Even-Strength Goals
In 2007-08, Ovechkin became the first NHL player to score at least 40 even-strength goals in one season since Pavel Bure in 1999–2000.
2000: Last 40 Even-Strength Goals
In 2007-08, Ovechkin became the first NHL player to score at least 40 even-strength goals in one season since Pavel Bure in 1999–2000.
2000: Rocket Richard Trophy Back-to-Back seasons
With 110 points (56 goals and 54 assists), Ovechkin finished as runner-up to countryman Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins for the Art Ross Trophy. Also, Ovechkin won his second consecutive Rocket Richard Trophy, becoming the second player after Bure (2000 and 2001) to win the award in back-to-back seasons.
2001: Rocket Richard Trophy Back-to-Back seasons
With 110 points (56 goals and 54 assists), Ovechkin finished as runner-up to countryman Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins for the Art Ross Trophy. Also, Ovechkin won his second consecutive Rocket Richard Trophy, becoming the second player after Bure (2000 and 2001) to win the award in back-to-back seasons.
2002: Youngest Player for Russian National Team
At the age of 17, Ovechkin became the youngest skater ever to play for the Russian national team in the Česká Pojišťovna Cup EuroTour tournament in 2002 and also the youngest player to score for the team.
2003: World Junior Championships Gold Medal
In 2003, Ovechkin and the Russian team won a gold medal in the World Junior Championships.
2004: World Cup of Hockey
At the age of 19, Ovechkin was named to the Russian national team for the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, making him the youngest player to play in the tournament.
January 2005: World Junior Ice Hockey Championships Silver Medal
In January 2005, Ovechkin and his team received the silver medal after losing the gold medal game to Canada on January 4. Ovechkin was named the Best Forward of the tournament.
2005: Calder Memorial Trophy
In the 2005–06 season, Ovechkin captured the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year and finished third overall in league scoring.
January 2006: First Career Hat Trick
On 13 January 2006, Ovechkin scored his first career hat trick against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Also, on 16 January, he scored "The Goal" against the Phoenix Coyotes. On 1 February, Ovechkin was named NHL Rookie of the Month for January 2006 as well as being named Offensive Player of the Month.
2006: IIHF World Championships
At the 2006 IIHF World Championships, Ovechkin scored six goals and three assists and was selected to the Media All-Star team.
January 2007: First NHL All-Star Game
On 24 January 2007, Ovechkin appeared in his first NHL All-Star Game.
October 2007: 100th NHL Goal
On 12 October 2007, Ovechkin scored his 100th NHL goal against Henrik Lundqvist.
April 2008: Awards
After the 2007-2008 season ended, Ovechkin was awarded the Lester B. Pearson Award as the most outstanding player voted by the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) and the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's MVP.
2008: Led NHL in Goals and Points per Game
From 2008 to 2010, Ovechkin led the NHL in goals per game and points per game for three straight seasons.
2008: Hart Memorial Trophy
In 2008, Ovechkin was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy honoring the most valuable player in the league.
February 2009: 200th NHL Goal
On 5 February 2009, Ovechkin scored his 200th goal, against Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings, becoming only the fourth player in the NHL to reach the milestone in four seasons.
July 2009: Named Winter Olympics Ambassador
On July 6, 2009, Ovechkin was named an ambassador for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
2009: Hart Memorial Trophy
In 2009, Ovechkin was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy honoring the most valuable player in the league.
January 1, 2010: Start of Ovechkin's Dominance in the 2010s
On January 1, 2010, Ovechkin began his dominant run in the 2010s decade, ultimately becoming the leading goal scorer with 437 goals.
January 2010: Named Capitals' Captain and Reaches 500-Point Milestone
In January 2010, Ovechkin was named captain of the Washington Capitals, becoming the first European to be named captain. Also in January 2010, he reached the 500-point milestone of his NHL career.
2010: IIHF World Championships Finals Loss
After being eliminated in the first round of the NHL playoffs, Ovechkin joined Russia for the 2010 IIHF World Championships, where they lost to the Czech Republic in the finals.
2010: Hart Memorial Trophy Finalist
In 2010, Ovechkin was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy honoring the most valuable player in the league.
December 2011: Played 500th NHL Game
In December 2011, Ovechkin played in his 500th NHL game, a 3-2 OT win over the Ottawa Senators, recording an assist.
2012: IIHF World Championships Win
Ovechkin played in Russia's last three games of the 2012 IIHF World Championships, recording two goals and two assists as Russia won the tournament.
December 2013: Scored 400th Career Goal
In December 2013, Ovechkin scored his 400th career goal in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, becoming the sixth-fastest player to reach that mark.
2013: Hart Memorial Trophy
In 2013, Ovechkin was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy honoring the most valuable player in the league.
November 2014: Franchise Point Record
In November 2014, Ovechkin recorded his 826th point in a game against the Calgary Flames, surpassing Peter Bondra for the franchise record.
2014: Russia wins gold at IIHF World Championships
In 2014, Ovechkin participated in the IIHF World Championships where Russia won gold. After the tournament, he requested Vladimir Putin reward the Russian hockey team, drawing criticism due to the perceived insignificance of the World Championship compared to the Olympic gold.
2014: Named ambassador for the 2014 Winter Olympics
In 2014, Ovechkin was an ambassador for the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
2014: Won Richard Trophy but Missed Playoffs
In 2014, Ovechkin won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy with 51 goals but had a -35 plus-minus rating and the Capitals missed the playoffs.
March 2015: Sixth 50-Goal Season
In March 2015, Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the year in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, becoming the sixth player in NHL history to have six 50-goal seasons.
November 2015: Ties and Breaks Sergei Fedorov's Goal Record
In November 2015, Ovechkin tied Sergei Fedorov's record for most goals among Russian-born players with 483 and subsequently broke the record.
2015: Russia wins silver at IIHF World Championships
In 2015, Ovechkin joined the Russian team late in the IIHF World Championships, where Russia won the silver medal.
2015: Hart Memorial Trophy Finalist
In 2015, Ovechkin was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy honoring the most valuable player in the league.
January 2016: 500th Career Goal
In January 2016, Ovechkin scored his 500th career goal in a victory over the Ottawa Senators, becoming the 43rd player to reach the 500-goal plateau and the fifth-fastest to do so.
2016: Capitals Clinch Presidents' Trophy
Ovechkin helped the Capitals clinch their second consecutive Presidents' Trophy and third in franchise history.
January 2017: Scored 1,000th Career Point
In January 2017, Ovechkin scored his 1,000th career point in a win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, becoming the 37th player in NHL history to reach 1,000 points with only one team.
October 2017: Back-to-Back Hat Tricks to Start the Season
In October 2017, Alexander Ovechkin became the first player in 100 years to start the season with back-to-back hat tricks, playing against the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens.
2017: Named One of 100 Greatest NHL Players
In 2017, Ovechkin was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players of all time.
January 2018: Ovechkin Records 500th Career Assist
In January 2018, Alexander Ovechkin recorded his 500th career assist on a goal by Nicklas Bäckström in a game against the Florida Panthers.
June 2018: Celebrated Stanley Cup victory
Following the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup victory, Ovechkin participated in celebrations, including swimming in the fountains at the Georgetown waterfront with the Cup on June 9, 2018. The summer of 2018 was dubbed "The Summer of Ovi."
December 2018: Fastest to 5,000 Shots & 23rd Hat Trick
In December 2018, Alexander Ovechkin became the fastest player in NHL history to take 5,000 shots on goal and recorded his 23rd career hat trick, passing Pavel Bure for most by a Russian-born player.
2018: Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy
In 2018, Ovechkin won the Stanley Cup for the first time, and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for most valuable player in the 2018 playoffs.
November 2019: Ovechkin's 24th Career Hat Trick
In November 2019, Ovechkin recorded his 24th career hat trick in a game against the Detroit Red Wings, surpassing Jari Kurri for 10th most hat tricks in NHL history.
2019: Tied Single Tournament Goals Record
In 2019, Cole Caufield matched Ovechkin's record of 14 goals in a single tournament at the IIHF World U18 Championships.
December 31, 2019: End of Ovechkin's Dominant Decade
By December 31, 2019, Alexander Ovechkin concluded the 2010s as the leading goal scorer with 437 goals, solidifying his legacy.
January 24, 2020: Ovechkin Named to NHL All-Decade Team
On January 24, 2020, Ovechkin was named to the NHL all-decade team for the 2010s, recognizing his outstanding performance as the leading goal scorer during that period.
March 2022: Ovechkin Moves to Third All-Time in Goals Scored
In March 2022, Alexander Ovechkin scored his 767th career NHL goal, moving him into third place for goals scored all-time in the NHL, passing Jaromír Jágr.
November 2022: Most Goals with One Team
In November 2022, Alexander Ovechkin scored his 787th goal with the Washington Capitals, setting a new NHL record for most goals with one team.
January 2023: Ovechkin Ties Mike Gartner for Most 30-Goal Seasons
In January 2023, Alexander Ovechkin tied Mike Gartner for having the most 30-goal seasons, recording his 17th 30-goal season.
December 2023: Ovechkin Reaches 1,500 Career Points
In December 2023, Alexander Ovechkin recorded his 1,500th point, becoming the 16th player in NHL history to reach the milestone.
February 2024: Most Empty-Net Goals All-Time
In February 2024, Alexander Ovechkin scored his 57th career empty-net goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky for the most all-time.
October 2024: Ovechkin Records 700th Career Assist
In October 2024, Alexander Ovechkin recorded his 700th career assist, becoming the 60th player in NHL history to reach the mark.
January 11, 2025: Ovechkin Reaches 20 Consecutive 20-Goal Seasons
On January 11, 2025, Alexander Ovechkin became the second player in NHL history to record 20 consecutive 20-goal seasons, joining Gordie Howe.
