Alex Ovechkin Reaches 1,000 Career Goals Milestone

On March 22, 2026, Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals became only the second player in NHL history to score 1,000 career goals, combining both regular season and playoff tallies. This milestone was achieved during a game against the Colorado Avalanche, where Ovechkin scored his 26th goal of the season with a power-play shot from his signature position in the left face-off circle, tying the game at 2-2 with 5:43 remaining in regulation. The Avalanche ultimately won the match 3-2 in overtime.

Avalanche Beat Capitals in OT After Ovechkin's 1,000th GoalAlex Ovechkin Reaches 1,000 Goals as Avalanche Edge Capitals in OTAlex Ovechkin scores 1,000th career goal in regular season, playoffs combinedESPN

Ovechkin's achievement places him alongside Wayne Gretzky, who holds the all-time record with 1,016 combined goals (894 regular season and 122 playoffs). Ovechkin's current totals stand at 923 regular season goals and 77 playoff goals. This milestone adds to Ovechkin's already illustrious career, which includes being the all-time leader in regular-season goals, a three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner, and a Stanley Cup champion with the Capitals in 2018.

ReutersCapitals’ Alex Ovechkin scores goal number 1,000 from the spot that made him famousCapitals’ Alex Ovechkin becomes second NHL player to score 1,000 goalsESPN

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery remarked on Ovechkin's milestone, stating, "It’s just another accolade for him and it’s just an incredible career to get 1,000 goals." He noted the significance of scoring the goal at home and in such a crucial moment of the game. Ovechkin himself expressed a sense of pride in reaching this milestone, saying, "It's always nice to reach something, and it was an important goal as well."

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Despite the historic achievement, the Capitals' loss to the Avalanche raised concerns about their playoff prospects. The team is currently five points away from the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and Ovechkin's milestone did little to alleviate the pressure on the team. Capitals general manager Chris Patrick acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Ovechkin's future, stating, "He's going to do it on his timeline," indicating that Ovechkin's decision regarding his career may not be made until the offseason.

ESPNCapitals reflect on Alex Ovechkin’s 1,000 combined goals milestone: ‘It’s unbelievable’Alex Ovechkin Reaches 1,000 Goals as Avalanche Edge Capitals in OT

With 11 games remaining in the regular season, Ovechkin sits 16 goals behind Gretzky for the all-time combined goals record. As he continues to chase this record, the Capitals will need to improve their performance to secure a playoff spot, making each game critical in the coming weeks.

Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin scores goal number 1,000 from the spot that made him famousOvechkin joins Gretzky as only players to score 1,000 goals in regular season and playoffsESPNCapitals reflect on Alex Ovechkin’s 1,000 combined goals milestone: ‘It’s unbelievable’

• “It's always nice to reach something, and it was an important goal as well,” — Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Captain

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• “It's just another accolade for him and it’s just incredible career to get 1,000 goals and do it on home ice and do it in that way,” — Spencer Carbery, Capitals Coach

Nelson, Avalanche recover for OT win against Capitals

• “Right now for us, every game is a seventh game.” — Alex Ovechkin

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Ovechkin's 1,000th goal not only marks a significant personal achievement but also highlights the competitive nature of the NHL, as the Capitals strive to remain relevant in the playoff race while celebrating their captain's historic milestone.

Alex Ovechkin Reaches 1,000 Goals as Avalanche Edge Capitals in OT