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'''Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin''' ({{lang-rus|Александр Михайлович Овечкин|p=ɐlʲɪˈksandr ɐˈvʲetɕkʲɪn}}; born 17 September 1985) is a Russian professional [[ice hockey]] [[Winger (ice hockey)|left winger]] and [[Captain (ice hockey)|captain]] of the [[Washington Capitals]] of the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL). Nicknamed "'''Ovi'''" (alternatively spelled "'''Ovie'''") and "'''the Great Eight'''" in reference to his jersey number, Ovechkin is widely regarded as one of the greatest goal scorers of all time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/analytics-say-ovechkin-one-of-top-goal-scorers-ever/c-796548|title=Analytics say Ovechkin one of top goal-scorers ever|website=NHL.com|access-date=27 December 2016|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011130629/https://www.nhl.com/news/analytics-say-ovechkin-one-of-top-goal-scorers-ever/c-796548/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/why-alex-ovechkin-could-be-the-best-goal-scorer-in-nhl-history/|title=Why Alex Ovechkin could be the best goal scorer in NHL history – Sportsnet.ca|newspaper=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=27 December 2016|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011130632/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/why-alex-ovechkin-could-be-the-best-goal-scorer-in-nhl-history//|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-its-time-we-treat-alex-ovechkin-as-an-nhl-all-time-great|title=It's time we treat Alex Ovechkin as an NHL all-time great|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=21 February 2020|last1=Kelly|first1=Cathal|access-date=8 December 2020|archive-date=23 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623024346/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-its-time-we-treat-alex-ovechkin-as-an-nhl-all-time-great/|url-status=live}}</ref> Second only to [[Wayne Gretzky]] for [[List of NHL players with 500 goals|all-time goal scoring]], Ovechkin
Ovechkin began his professional career with [[HC Dynamo Moscow|Dynamo Moscow]] of the [[Russian Superleague]] in 2001, playing there for four seasons and returning briefly during the [[2012–13 NHL lockout]]. A highly touted prospect, Ovechkin was selected by the Capitals [[List of first overall NHL draft picks|first overall]] in the [[2004 NHL Entry Draft]]. In the [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06 season]], Ovechkin's first with the Capitals, he scored 52 goals and 54 assists to lead all rookies in points, capturing the [[Calder Memorial Trophy]] as rookie of the year and finishing third overall in league scoring.
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==Early life==
Ovechkin was born on 17 September 1985 in [[Moscow]], the son of [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] athletes.<ref name="bio">{{Cite web|url=https://www.biography.com/people/alex-ovechkin-21366863|title=Alex Ovechkin|website=Biography|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026222634/https://www.biography.com/people/alex-ovechkin-21366863|url-status=live}}</ref> His mother, [[Tatyana Ovechkina]], is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (1976, 1980) and world champion (1975) in basketball.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sikids.com/si-kids/2017/01/10/catching-alex-ovechkin|title=Catching Up With Alex Ovechkin|last1=Kohn-Murphy|first1=Aidan|date=10 January 2017|work=[[Sports Illustrated Kids]]|access-date=8 June 2018|quote=The son of soccer star Mikhail Ovechkin and a two-time Olympic medalist in basketball, Tatyana Ovechkina|archive-date=15 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115012010/http://www.sikids.com/si-kids/2017/01/10/catching-alex-ovechkin|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="britannica">{{Cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alex-Ovechkin|title=Alex Ovechkin {{!}} Biography & Facts|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026223153/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alex-Ovechkin|url-status=live}}</ref> His father, Mikhail, was a [[association football|football]] player. He has two older brothers, Sergei and Mikhail.<ref>{{harvnb|Cox|Joyce|2010|p=20}}</ref> His mother sensed her youngest son was destined for "sporting greatness". "From birth, it was obvious," she said. "In a child, it's clear immediately. He was very active and walking and curious."<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/alex-ovechkin--captain-husband-expectant-father--reaches-hockeys-summit/2018/06/11/0a1018f0-6d67-11e8-bf86-a2351b5ece99_story.html|title=Alex Ovechkin — captain, husband, expectant father — reaches hockey's summit|last=Khurshudyan|first=Isabelle|date=11 June 2018|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=12 September 2018|archive-date=12 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912204528/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/alex-ovechkin--captain-husband-expectant-father--reaches-hockeys-summit/2018/06/11/0a1018f0-6d67-11e8-bf86-a2351b5ece99_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Early on, Ovechkin did not have a television growing up, but learned of the NHL and its biggest stars like [[Wayne Gretzky]], [[Mario Lemieux]], and [[Sergei Fedorov]] through videotapes that showed highlights of goals, hits, and fights. His favorite NHL team growing up was the [[San Jose Sharks]] and also was the first NHL jersey he got of.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oland |first=Ian |date=2023-12-15 |title=Alex Ovechkin and Capitals players name the first jerseys they had as kids |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2023/12/15/alex-ovechkin-and-capitals-players-name-the-first-jerseys-they-had-as-kids/ |access-date=2024-07-22 |website=RMNB |language=en-US}}</ref> He was two years old when he first picked up a hockey stick. Whenever a hockey game came on television, he would drop whatever he was doing, refusing to allow his parents to change the channel.<ref name=":4" />
In early childhood, he moved with his family to a tall high-rise building surrounded by a "crumbling neighborhood" on the outskirts of Moscow.<ref name="bio" /> There he attended public school #596, infamous for military discipline and a "tyrannical" principal, completing eight and a half grades before starting at [[Dynamo Moscow]]'s sports school.{{refn|group="n"|The development program of Dynamo Moscow of the [[Russian Superleague]] (RSL).<ref name="bio" />}} While he saw his friends "getting high and getting dead," Ovechkin was attending daily training sessions morning and night. "You dive into sport with your head and arms and legs, and there's no time for anything else," he said of this early training.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ovi-takes-gq-magazine-inside-his-russian-childhood/c-541564|title=Ovi takes GQ magazine inside his Russian childhood|website=NHL.com|access-date=27 October 2018|archive-date=27 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027190014/https://www.nhl.com/news/ovi-takes-gq-magazine-inside-his-russian-childhood/c-541564|url-status=live}}</ref>
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Whenever his parents were no longer able to get young Alex to hockey events, his elder brother Sergei stepped up, making sure his little brother got where he needed to go.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://thehockeywriters.com/alexander-the-great-ovechkin-biography/|title=Alexander Ovechkin Biography|date=26 March 2009|work=The Hockey Writers|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119131338/https://thehockeywriters.com/alexander-the-great-ovechkin-biography/|url-status=live}}</ref> When Ovechkin was 10, his brother Sergei died of a blood clot following a car accident. Ovechkin had a youth hockey game the next day, which his parents insisted he play in.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/nhl/story/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-opens-up-about-brother-s-death-100915|title=Alex Ovechkin opens up for first time about brother's death|date=9 October 2015|website=foxsports.com|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529203453/https://www.foxsports.com/nhl/story/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-opens-up-about-brother-s-death-100915|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin credits his elder brother Sergei for introducing him to, and encouraging him to pursue hockey. When he scores, Alex will often kiss his glove and point to the sky in a salute to his brother.<ref name=":4" />
Ovechkin established his reputation within the Dynamo Moscow system by scoring 56 goals at the age of 11, surpassing the previous record held by [[Pavel Bure]], who had scored 53 goals.<ref name=":4" /> Meanwhile, Ovechkin dreamed of playing in the NHL, keeping the cards of star players stashed in his room, especially those of his idol,
==Playing career==
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Ovechkin began playing in the [[Russian Super League]] (RSL) for [[HC Dynamo Moscow|Dynamo Moscow]] at the age of 16. Making his professional debut in the 2001–02 season, he scored four points in 21 games. He would spend three seasons there prior to being drafted by the NHL, and he would rack up 36 goals and 32 assists in 152 career games.<ref name="Biography Today, pp.117">"Biography Today", pp.117</ref>
The following off-season, Ovechkin was [[List of first overall NHL draft picks|selected first overall]] in the [[2004 NHL Entry Draft]] by the [[Washington Capitals]]. He had been projected as the first overall pick for nearly two years<ref name="Draft Prospect">{{cite web|url=
Due to the [[2004–05 NHL lockout]], Ovechkin remained with Dynamo for one more season. He recorded 27 points in 37 games in 2004–05, while missing nearly two months of play because of a shoulder injury sustained in the gold medal game against [[Canada men's national junior ice hockey team|Canada]] in the [[2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships|2005 World Junior Championships]]. In the playoffs, he helped Dynamo win the RSL title.
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====Early dominance (2005–2007)====
[[File:Ovechkin (44167919).jpg|thumb|left|Ovechkin in September 2005 at the [[Washington Capitals]] training camp prior to the [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06 season]].]]
Two days after signing, the lockout ended with a new CBA. Ovechkin played his first game with the Capitals in the [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06 season]] opener on 5 October 2005, scoring two goals against goalie [[Pascal Leclaire]] in a 3–2 victory over the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/recap;_ylt=Am9YSoQftwch4fjpu2bkPNUmvLYF?gid=2005100523&prov=ap&print=1|title=Capitals 3, Blue Jackets 2|date=5 October 2005|first=Joseph|last=White|agency=Associated Press|work=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref> On 13 January 2006, in [[Anaheim, California|Anaheim]], Ovechkin scored his first career [[Hat trick#Hockey|hat trick]] against [[Jean-Sébastien Giguère]] of the [[Mighty Ducks of Anaheim]] to help Washington win the game.<ref name=HatTrick>{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/recap;_ylt=An.2iXmgOXGFgHS9yii4dIYmvLYF?gid=2006011325&prov=ap&print=1|title=Capitals 3, Mighty Ducks 2, OT|date=14 January 2006|agency=Associated Press|work=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref> Three days later, on 16 January, he scored a goal that veteran hockey reporter [[Bill Clement]] called "one of the greatest goals of all time."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.athletepromotions.com/athletes/Alexander-Ovechkin-appearance-booking-agent.php |title=Athletepromotions.com |publisher=Athletepromotions.com |date=20 February 2009 |access-date=15 April 2012 |archive-date=7 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707183517/http://www.athletepromotions.com/athletes/Alexander-Ovechkin-appearance-booking-agent.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Knocked down by [[Phoenix Coyotes]] defenceman [[Paul Mara]] and sliding on his back facing away from the net, Ovechkin was able to hook the puck with one hand on his stick and slide it into the net past goalie [[Brian Boucher]] for his second goal of the night. It became referred to as "The Goal."<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Farber|first1=Michael|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1969/12/31/8397447/a-new-goal-standard|title=A New Goal Standard|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=25 December 2006|access-date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313031713/https://www.si.com/vault/1969/12/31/8397447/a-new-goal-standard|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Auston Matthews]], a future [[Toronto Maple Leafs]] first overall selection, was in attendance during the game; he said in an interview in November 2016, shortly into the [[2016–17 NHL season|2016–17 season]] that it was the best goal he ever saw live.<ref>{{cite web|title=Matthews was actually there for Ovechkin scoring goal on his back in 2006|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/matthews-actually-ovechkin-scoring-goal-back-2006/|website=sportsnet.ca|access-date=13 March 2018|date=26 November 2016|archive-date=29 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129033320/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/matthews-actually-ovechkin-scoring-goal-back-2006/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 February, Ovechkin was named NHL Rookie of the Month for January 2006 as well as being named Offensive Player of the Month, becoming only the third player in NHL history to earn both honors simultaneously.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=462124|title=Alex Ovechkin Named NHL Offensive Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month|publisher=Washington Capitals|date=1 February 2006|access-date=30 December 2011|archive-date=8 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110108044423/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=462124|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin finished the [[2005–06 Washington Capitals season|2005–06 season]] leading all NHL rookies in goals, points, power play goals and shots. He finished third overall in the NHL in scoring with 106 points and tied for third in goals with 52 and 54 assists. His 425 shots led the league, set an NHL rookie record,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Picarello|first1=Roberts|title=Southeast: Ovechkin's got a goal|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/southeast-ovechkins-got-a-goal/c-369465|website=NHL.com|access-date=1 May 2018|date=5 October 2007|quote=Ovechkin broke Capitals' rookie records for goals (52), assists (54), points (106), power play goals (21) and shots (425), while breaking the NHL rookie record for shots on goal (425)|archive-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227213844/https://www.nhl.com/news/southeast-ovechkins-got-a-goal/c-369465|url-status=live}}</ref> and was the fourth-highest total in NHL history. Ovechkin's point total was the second-best in Washington Capitals history and his goals total tied for third in franchise history. He was also named to the [[NHL first All-Star team]], the first rookie to receive the honor in 15 years.<ref>{{cite web|title=NHL All-Star, All-Rookie Teams|url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/nhl-all-star-all-rookie-teams/c-426534|website=NHL.com|access-date=1 May 2018|date=23 June 2006|quote=Washington Capitals left wing Alexander Ovechkin became the first rookie since Chicago's Ed Belfour in 1990–91 to earn First Team honors|archive-date=3 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503102230/https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/nhl-all-star-all-rookie-teams/c-426534|url-status=live}}</ref> After the season ended, Ovechkin received the [[Calder Memorial Trophy]], awarded to the NHL's best rookie.<ref>{{cite web|title=Super Ovie Wins the Calder|url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/super-ovie-wins-the-calder/c-462231|website=NHL.com|access-date=1 May 2018|date=22 June 2006|archive-date=3 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503235617/https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/super-ovie-wins-the-calder/c-462231|url-status=live}}</ref>
He was also a finalist in his rookie season for the [[Lester B. Pearson Award]].<ref>[
▲He was also a finalist in his rookie season for the [[Lester B. Pearson Award]].<ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4147184 Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Pavel Datsyuk up for Lester B. Pearson Award] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310213711/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4147184 |date=10 March 2014 }}. Sports.espn.go.com (6 May 2009). Retrieved on 10 January 2016.</ref> [[EA Sports]] made him one of the cover athletes for ''[[NHL 07]]''.
In the [[2006–07 Washington Capitals season|2006–07 season]], Ovechkin appeared in his first [[2007 NHL All-Star Game|NHL All-Star Game]] in on 24 January 2007. He completed his second NHL season with 46 goals, 46 assists and 92 points in all 82 games.
====Hart Trophy wins, beginning of captaincy (2007–2013)====
On 12 October 2007, Ovechkin scored his 100th NHL goal against goaltender [[Henrik Lundqvist]] in a 3–2 loss to the [[New York Rangers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thehockeywriters.com/ovechkin-milestone-goals-goalies-beat/ |title=Ovechkin, His Milestone Goals & the Goalies He Beat |website=thehockeywriters.com |publisher=The Hockey Writers |author=Andrew Forbes |date=12 March 2023 |access-date=26 June 2023 |archive-date=27 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627011537/https://thehockeywriters.com/ovechkin-milestone-goals-goalies-beat/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Playing in the final season of his rookie contract, in [[2007–08 NHL season|2007–08]], Ovechkin signed a 13-year contract extension worth $124 million with the Capitals on 10 January 2008. The contract, which averages $9.5 million per year, was the richest in NHL history. Working without an agent, Ovechkin negotiated with Capitals owner [[Ted Leonsis]] and former general manager [[George McPhee]].<ref name="13 year contract">{{cite news|url=
Late in the season on 3 March against the [[Boston Bruins]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280303023 |title=Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals – Recap – March 3, 2008 |work=ESPN |date=3 March 2008 |access-date=15 April 2012 |archive-date=5 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105084036/http://espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=280303023 |url-status=
[[File:Ovechkin reupload.jpg|thumb|right|Ovechkin, during the [[2009 Stanley Cup playoffs]]. He recorded his first playoff [[hat trick]] in the second round that year.]]▼
On 27 October 2008, shortly into the [[2008–09 NHL season|2008–09 season]], Ovechkin returned home to Moscow to visit his ailing grandfather, missing only the second game of his career up to that point, snapping a consecutive streak of 203 games played.<ref>{{cite news|url=
▲[[File:Ovechkin reupload.jpg|thumb|Ovechkin, during the [[2009 Stanley Cup playoffs]]. He recorded his first playoff [[hat trick]] in the second round that year.]]
▲On 27 October 2008, shortly into the [[2008–09 NHL season|2008–09 season]], Ovechkin returned home to Moscow to visit his ailing grandfather, missing only the second game of his career up to that point, snapping a consecutive streak of 203 games played.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/10/27/capitals-ovechkin.html|title=Ovechkin heads home to Russia to be with grandfather|last=CBC|first=Sports|date=27 October 2008|publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC Sports]]|access-date=27 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081202004232/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/10/27/capitals-ovechkin.html| archive-date= 2 December 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> 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, joining [[Wayne Gretzky]], [[Mike Bossy]] and Mario Lemieux.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290205023|title=Ovechkin scores 200th NHL goal in Capitals' loss to Kings|date=5 February 2009|agency=Associated Press|access-date=5 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311131039/http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290205023|archive-date=11 March 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 19 March, he scored his 50th goal of the season against the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]], becoming the first Washington Capitals player to reach the 50-goal mark three times.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=271894&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl|title=Capritals' Ovechkin scores 50th Goal of the Season|date=19 March 2009|agency=[[Canadian Press]]|access-date=19 March 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090323042549/http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=271894&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl| archive-date= 23 March 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> He finished the campaign with 56 goals to capture his second consecutive Rocket Richard Trophy, joining [[Jarome Iginla]] and Pavel Bure as the third player to win the award twice and the second player after Bure (2000 and 2001) to win the award in back-to-back seasons. With 110 points (56 goals and 54 assists), he finished as runner-up to countryman [[Evgeni Malkin]] of the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] for the Art Ross Trophy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Malkin wins race for Art Ross Trophy|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/malkin-wins-race-for-art-ross-trophy/c-417873|website=NHL.com|access-date=18 April 2018|date=12 April 2009|archive-date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418225517/https://www.nhl.com/news/malkin-wins-race-for-art-ross-trophy/c-417873|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:AlexOvechkin-Warmup.JPG|thumb|upright|left|Ovechkin in January 2010. He was named the captain of the Capitals on 5 January 2010]]
Just over a month into the [[2009–10 NHL season|2009–10 season]], Ovechkin suffered an upper-body injury during a game against the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]] on 1 November 2009, after a collision with opposing forward [[Raffi Torres]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ovechkin 'week-to-week' with injury |url=
On 5 January 2010, Ovechkin was named [[captain (ice hockey)|captain]] of the Washington Capitals after previous captain [[Chris Clark (ice hockey)|Chris Clark]] was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He became the first European, second-youngest and 14th overall captain in team history.<ref>{{cite web|title=Capitals Named Alex Ovechkin Team Captain|url=http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=512469|access-date=5 January 2010|date=5 January 2010|publisher=Washington Capitals|archive-date=23 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323062304/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=512469|url-status=live}}</ref> On 5 February, at a game against the New York Rangers, Ovechkin, with his second goal and third point of the game, reached the 500-point milestone of his NHL career. He is the fifth player to achieve the milestone in only five seasons, reaching it in 373 career games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=300204013 |title=Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers–Recap–February 4, 2010|work=ESPN |access-date=5 February 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100209023755/http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=300204013| archive-date= 9 February 2010 | url-status=
Ovechkin won the [[Ted Lindsay Award]], becoming only the second player in NHL history to win the award in three consecutive years. He also led the NHL in goals per game and points per game for three straight seasons, from 2008 to 2010.<ref name="NHL.com – Stats">NHL.com – "Stats"</ref> Ovechkin is the Capitals' all-time leader in goals. His 50 goals made him the runner up for the Richard Trophy which went to Pittsburgh Penguins forward and captain [[Sidney Crosby]] and Tampa Bay Lightning forward [[Steven Stamkos]] who both had 51 goals for league leader(s) in goals. Ovechkin was also the runner up for the Art Ross Trophy for the second straight season (alongside Crosby with both players having 109 points) only behind [[Vancouver Canucks]] forward [[Henrik Sedin]], who ended with 112 points.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/season-wrap-0/ |title=Surprising Sedin claims Art Ross Trophy |publisher=Sportsnet |website=sportsnet.com |author=Sportsnet Staff |date=12 April 2010 |access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref> In 2009–10 Ovechkin surpassed the mark of [[Hockey Hall of Fame|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.<ref>{{cite web|title=NHL announces 2010–11 all-star teams|url=https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/nhl-announces-2010-11-all-star-teams/c-566847|website=NHL.com|access-date=18 April 2018|date=22 June 2011|quote=Ovechkin made NHL history in 2009–10 by capturing First Team honors in each of his first five NHL seasons|archive-date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418225613/https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/nhl-announces-2010-11-all-star-teams/c-566847|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin also recorded 10 points (five goals and assists) in the [[2010 Stanley Cup playoffs|2010 playoffs]] as the Capitals would lose the series in seven games to the eighth-seeded [[Montreal Canadiens]], surrendering a [[List of teams to overcome 3–1 series deficits|3–1 series lead]] in the process.
[[File:2011 NHL Winter Classic Ceremonial Puck Drop 2011-01-01.JPG|thumb|right|Ovechkin takes a ceremonial puck drop at the [[2011 NHL Winter Classic]] against [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] captain [[Sidney Crosby]].]]▼
On 1 January [[2011 NHL Winter Classic|2011]], Ovechkin and the Capitals took part in the New Year's Day [[2011 NHL Winter Classic|NHL Winter Classic]], facing the Pittsburgh Penguins. While Ovechkin did not score any points in his first career outdoor game, the Capitals won 3–1. On 9 March, in a 5–0 victory over the [[Edmonton Oilers]], Ovechkin recorded his 600th career point with an assist on a goal by [[Eric Fehr]]. On 5 April against the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]], Ovechkin scored his 300th career goal against Maple Leafs goaltender [[James Reimer]], becoming the sixth-youngest and seventh-fastest player to do so.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alex Ovechkin scores 300th career goal|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=558413|publisher=NHL|date=5 April 2011|access-date=10 May 2013|archive-date=2 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002052537/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=558413|url-status=live}}</ref> He ended the [[2010–11 NHL season|2010–11 season]] with 32 goals and 53 assists for 85 points in 79 contests. In the [[2011 Stanley Cup playoffs|2011 playoffs]], Ovechkin recorded 10 points (five goals and assists) in all nine games as the top-seeded Capitals defeated the eighth-seeded New York Rangers in five games in the first round before getting swept in the second round by the fifth-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning.▼
On 3 December 2011, Ovechkin played in his 500th NHL game in a 3–2 OT win over the [[Ottawa Senators]] and ended the game with an assist recorded on a goal by [[Troy Brouwer]].<ref name=celebrate>{{cite web|url=http://p.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/dec/5/brooks-laich-celebrates-500th-nhl-game-style/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209044712/http://p.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2011/dec/5/brooks-laich-celebrates-500th-nhl-game-style/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-02-09|title=Brooks Laich celebrates 500th NHL game in overtime style|work=[[The Washington Times]]|access-date=2012-08-25|date=2011-12-05|last=Whyno|first=Stephen}}</ref> On 23 January 2012, Ovechkin received a three-game suspension for a hit on [[Zbyněk Michálek]] of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The following day, Ovechkin announced he would not attend the [[59th National Hockey League All-Star Game|2012 NHL All-Star Game]] due to the suspension.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1037135-nhl-all-star-game-2012-alex-ovechkin-to-miss-mid-season-classic |title=NHL All Star Game 2012: Alex Ovechkin to Miss Midseason Classic |website=Bleacher Report |date=24 January 2012 |access-date=15 April 2012 |archive-date=28 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128144824/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1037135-nhl-all-star-game-2012-alex-ovechkin-to-miss-mid-season-classic |url-status=live }}</ref> Ovechkin ended the [[2011–12 NHL season|2011–12 season]] with 38 goals and 27 assists for 65 points in 78 games as the Capitals as a team finished as the seventh seed in the East. In the [[2012 Stanley Cup playoffs|2012 playoffs]], Ovechkin and the Capitals would upset the defending Stanley Cup champion and second-seeded Boston Bruins in seven games before getting defeated in the second round by the top-seeded New York Rangers in seven games. He would end the playoffs with five goals and four assists for nine points in all 14 games.
▲[[File:2011 NHL Winter Classic Ceremonial Puck Drop 2011-01-01.JPG|thumb|Ovechkin takes a ceremonial puck drop at the [[2011 NHL Winter Classic]] against [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] captain [[Sidney Crosby]].]]
▲On 1 January [[2011 NHL Winter Classic|2011]], Ovechkin and the Capitals took part in the New Year's Day [[2011 NHL Winter Classic|NHL Winter Classic]], facing the Pittsburgh Penguins. While Ovechkin did not score any points in his first career outdoor game, the Capitals won 3–1. On 9 March, in a 5–0 victory over the [[Edmonton Oilers]], Ovechkin recorded his 600th career point with an assist on a goal by [[Eric Fehr]]. On 5 April against [[Toronto Maple Leafs]], Ovechkin scored his 300th career goal against Maple Leafs goaltender [[James Reimer]], becoming the sixth-youngest and seventh-fastest player to do so.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alex Ovechkin scores 300th career goal|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=558413|publisher=NHL|date=5 April 2011|access-date=10 May 2013|archive-date=2 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002052537/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=558413|url-status=live}}</ref>
During the [[2012–13 NHL lockout|lockout]] in the first half of the shortened [[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13 season]], Ovechkin went to play in the [[Kontinental Hockey League|KHL]] and re-joined [[Dynamo Moscow]] with his teammate Nicklas Bäckström. In 31 games for the team, Ovechkin scored 19 goals, 21 assists and 40 points. At the end of the season, the Dynamo would go on to win the [[Gagarin Cup]], albeit after the NHL lockout concluded and Ovechkin and Bäckström returned to North America in January 2013. However, Ovechkin and Bäckström still received championship rings from the team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/04/17/dynamo-moscow-wins-gagarin-cup-will-alex-ovechkin-and-nicklas-backstrom-get-rings/|title=Dynamo Moscow Wins Gagarin Cup; Will Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom Get Rings?|date=17 April 2013|website=russianmachineneverbreaks.com|access-date=18 June 2019|archive-date=27 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027144457/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/04/17/dynamo-moscow-wins-gagarin-cup-will-alex-ovechkin-and-nicklas-backstrom-get-rings/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the
▲During the [[2012–13 NHL lockout|lockout]] in the first half of the shortened [[2012–13 NHL season|2012–13 season]], Ovechkin went to play in the [[Kontinental Hockey League|KHL]] and re-joined [[Dynamo Moscow]] with his teammate Nicklas Bäckström. In 31 games for the team, Ovechkin scored 19 goals, 21 assists and 40 points. At the end of the season, the Dynamo would go on to win the [[Gagarin Cup]], albeit after the NHL lockout concluded and Ovechkin and Bäckström returned to North America in January 2013. However, Ovechkin and Bäckström still received championship rings from the team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/04/17/dynamo-moscow-wins-gagarin-cup-will-alex-ovechkin-and-nicklas-backstrom-get-rings/|title=Dynamo Moscow Wins Gagarin Cup; Will Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom Get Rings?|date=17 April 2013|website=russianmachineneverbreaks.com|access-date=18 June 2019|archive-date=27 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027144457/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2013/04/17/dynamo-moscow-wins-gagarin-cup-will-alex-ovechkin-and-nicklas-backstrom-get-rings/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the shortened 2012–13 season, Ovechkin led the NHL in goal scoring with 32, earning him his third Rocket Richard Trophy. He added 24 assists, giving him 56 points in all 48 games played of the season, good for third-most points in the NHL with only Tampa Bay Lightning stars Steven Stamkos and [[Martin St. Louis]] ahead.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/wp/2013/05/09/alex-ovechkin-a-finalist-for-ted-lindsay-award/|title=Alex Ovechkin a finalist for Ted Lindsay Award|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|author=Katie Carrera|date=9 May 2013|access-date=10 May 2013|archive-date=9 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509164749/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/wp/2013/05/09/alex-ovechkin-a-finalist-for-ted-lindsay-award/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was also awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy for the third time in his career. After the 2012–13 season, Ovechkin made history by being named to both the first and second [[NHL All-Star team]]s. He had switched to playing right wing that entire season and thus was voted the first All-Star team's right wing, but because some voters were not aware of the change, they voted for him at his traditional left wing position, thereby also landing him at left wing on the second All-Star team.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/m/sports/hockey/nhl/alex-ovechkin-named-to-nhl-s-1st-2nd-all-star-teams-1.1315870 Alex Ovechkin named to NHL's 1st, 2nd All-Star teams] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207031450/http://www.cbc.ca/m/sports/hockey/nhl/alex-ovechkin-named-to-nhl-s-1st-2nd-all-star-teams-1.1315870 |date=7 February 2017 }}. Cbc.ca. Retrieved on 4 April 2017.</ref>
====Continued success, Stanley Cup championship and Conn Smythe Trophy (2013–2019)====
On 20 December 2013, in a game against the [[Carolina Hurricanes]], Ovechkin scored into an [[Empty net goal|empty net]] for his 400th career goal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=696892 |title=Alex Ovechkin scores 400th career goal, Washington Capitals score three times on power play in 4–2 win over |work=NHL |date=20 December 2013 |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-date=27 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127072144/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=696892 |url-status=live }}</ref> He became the sixth-fastest player to ever reach that mark, getting it in 634 games, one fewer than [[Pavel Bure]]. At the conclusion of the [[2013–14 NHL season|2013–14 season]], Ovechkin had the strange distinction of winning the [[Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy]], scoring 51 goals, while going −35, one of the NHL's worst, in the [[Plus–minus (sports)|plus-minus]] statistic. However, the Capitals missed the [[2014 Stanley Cup playoffs|2014 playoffs]] by three points, marking the first time since [[2006–07 NHL season|2006–07]] where Ovechkin and the Capitals missed the playoffs.
[[File:Secretary Kerry Meets Capitals Star Ovechkin Before Olympics Send-Off (12354241463).jpg|thumb|left|Ovechkin meeting U.S. Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] in the Capitals locker room, 6 February 2014]]
On 4 November 2014, in a game against the [[Calgary Flames]], Ovechkin recorded his 826th point, a franchise record, surpassing [[Peter Bondra]], who previously held the record with 825 points. On 31 March 2015, in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the year on Hurricanes goaltender [[Cam Ward]] and became the sixth player in NHL history to have six 50-goal seasons, joining [[Guy Lafleur]], [[Mike Bossy]], [[Wayne Gretzky]], [[Marcel Dionne]] and [[Mario Lemieux]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Capitals forward Ovechkin scores 50th goal|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-forward-ovechkin-scores-50th-goal/c-760791|website=NHL.com|access-date=1 May 2018|date=31 March 2015|archive-date=3 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503102254/https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-forward-ovechkin-scores-50th-goal/c-760791|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 April, Ovechkin scored his 51st and 52nd goals of the season in a 5–4 shootout win against [[Carey Price]] of the [[Montreal Canadiens]], surpassing Bondra as the franchise leader in goals scored. It was also his 15th multi-goal game of the season, none of which was a hat trick.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caps Today, 4/3/15|url=https://capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/2015/04/03/caps-today-4-3-15|website=capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com|access-date=1 May 2018|archive-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502135907/https://capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/2015/04/03/caps-today-4-3-15|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ovechkin finished the [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15 season]] with 81 games played and 53 goals, 28 assists and 81 points.<ref name="Chris Peters">{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/2015-nhl-awards-show-recap-carey-price-owns-the-night/ |title=2015 NHL Awards show recap: Carey Price owns the night |work=CBS sports |author=Chris Peters |date=24 June 2015 |access-date=26 June 2015 |archive-date=10 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510105409/http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/2015-nhl-awards-show-recap-carey-price-owns-the-night/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His 53 goals once again led the league in goal scoring, capturing his 5th Rocket Richard Trophy as a result.<ref name="Chris Peters"/> In the [[2015 Stanley Cup playoffs|2015 playoffs]], Ovechkin recorded five goals and four assists for nine points in all 14 playoff games as the fourth-seeded Capitals defeated the fifth-seeded [[New York Islanders]] in seven games in the first round before getting defeated in the second round in seven games by the [[Presidents' Trophy]]-winning [[New York Rangers]] (despite the Capitals initially having a [[List of teams to overcome 3–1 series deficits|3–1 series lead]] before the eventual 4–3 series defeat).▼
▲On 4 November 2014, in a game against the [[Calgary Flames]], Ovechkin recorded his 826th point, a franchise record, surpassing [[Peter Bondra]], who previously held the record with 825 points. On 31 March 2015, in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the year on Hurricanes goaltender [[Cam Ward]] and became the sixth player in NHL history to have six 50-goal seasons, joining [[Guy Lafleur]], [[Mike Bossy]], [[Wayne Gretzky]], [[Marcel Dionne]] and [[Mario Lemieux]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Capitals forward Ovechkin scores 50th goal|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-forward-ovechkin-scores-50th-goal/c-760791|website=NHL.com|access-date=1 May 2018|date=31 March 2015|archive-date=3 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503102254/https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-forward-ovechkin-scores-50th-goal/c-760791|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 April, Ovechkin scored his 51st and 52nd goals of the season in a 5–4 shootout win against [[Carey Price]] of the [[Montreal Canadiens]], surpassing Bondra as the franchise leader in goals scored. It was also his 15th multi-goal game of the season, none of which was a hat trick.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caps Today, 4/3/15|url=https://capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/2015/04/03/caps-today-4-3-15|website=capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com|access-date=1 May 2018|archive-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502135907/https://capitalstoday.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/2015/04/03/caps-today-4-3-15|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ovechkin finished the [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15 season]] with 81 games played and 53 goals, 28 assists and 81 points.<ref name="Chris Peters">{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/2015-nhl-awards-show-recap-carey-price-owns-the-night/ |title=2015 NHL Awards show recap: Carey Price owns the night |work=CBS sports |author=Chris Peters |date=24 June 2015 |access-date=26 June 2015 |archive-date=10 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510105409/http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/2015-nhl-awards-show-recap-carey-price-owns-the-night/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His 53 goals once again led the league in goal scoring, capturing his 5th Rocket Richard Trophy as a result.<ref name="Chris Peters"/>
[[File:Ovechkin (24672627026).jpg|thumb|right|Ovechkin at a Capitals practice in October 2015. During the [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16]] season, he became the first Russian player to reach the 500-goal plateau in the NHL.]]
On 7 November 2015, shortly into the [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16 season]], in the second period of a game against the [[Toronto Maple Leafs]], Ovechkin scored his eighth goal of the season to tie [[Sergei Fedorov]]'s tally for the most goals among Russian born players, with 483. On 19 November, Ovechkin scored his ninth goal of the season against goaltender [[Kari Lehtonen]] in a 3–2 loss to the [[Dallas Stars]]; that goal broke Fedorov's record. On 10 January 2016, Ovechkin scored his 500th and 501st goals in a 7–1 victory over the [[Ottawa Senators]] against goaltender [[Andrew Hammond (ice hockey)|Andrew Hammond]], becoming the 43rd player to reach the 500-goal plateau, and the fifth-fastest player to do so in his 801st game, as well as the first Russian.<ref>[http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=797019 Capitals' Ovechkin scores 500th NHL goal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112180250/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=797019 |date=12 January 2016 }}. NHL.com. Retrieved on 4 April 2017.</ref> On 9 April, in the 2015–16 season finale against the [[St. Louis Blues]], Ovechkin scored his 50th goal of the season and became the third player in NHL history to have seven or more 50-goal seasons.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Masisak|first1=Corey|title=Another 50-goal season puts Ovechkin in elite group|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/another-50-goal-season-puts-ovechkin-in-elite-group/c-760928|website=NHL.com|access-date=14 March 2018|date=1 April 2015|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315070455/https://www.nhl.com/news/another-50-goal-season-puts-ovechkin-in-elite-group/c-760928|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ovechkin nets hat-trick to score seventh 50-goal season|url=http://torontosun.com/2016/04/10/ovechkin-nets-hat-trick-to-score-seventh-50-goal-season/wcm/cb6e22b5-3965-4098-9e12-a873a6e57a4a|access-date=14 March 2018|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=10 April 2016|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315072202/http://torontosun.com/2016/04/10/ovechkin-nets-hat-trick-to-score-seventh-50-goal-season/wcm/cb6e22b5-3965-4098-9e12-a873a6e57a4a|url-status=live}}</ref> During the [[2015–16 Washington Capitals season|2015–16 season]], Ovechkin, for the first time in his career, did not lead the Washington Capitals in points, although he still led the team in goals and the entire league with 50 for his sixth Rocket Richard Trophy, and finished second on the team in points with 71, behind fellow countryman [[Evgeny Kuznetsov]], who finished with 77.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gormley|first1=Chuck|title=2015–16 Capitals Season in Review: Evgeny Kuznetsov|url=http://www.nbcsports.com/washington/washington-capitals/2015-16-capitals-season-review-evgeny-kuznetsov|access-date=14 March 2018|date=15 June 2016|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315133320/http://www.nbcsports.com/washington/washington-capitals/2015-16-capitals-season-review-evgeny-kuznetsov|url-status=live}}</ref> The Capitals would win the
On 11 January 2017, Ovechkin scored his 1,000th career point with a goal on [[Marc-André Fleury]] in a
[[File:Alex Ovechkin with Stanley Cup.jpg|thumb|left|Ovechkin with the [[Stanley Cup]] in June 2018 at the Capitals championship parade following the [[2018 Stanley Cup Finals]]]]
Ovechkin broke many NHL and Capitals' records during the [[2017–18 NHL season|2017–18 season]]. On 7 October 2017, he became the first player in 100 years with back-to-back hat tricks to start the season against the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens, respectively.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ovechkin-makes-history-back-back-hat-tricks/|title=Ovechkin makes history with back-to-back hat tricks|work=Sportsnet.ca|access-date=8 October 2017|archive-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008231546/http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/ovechkin-makes-history-back-back-hat-tricks/|url-status=live}}</ref> As well, on 25 November, Ovechkin passed Bondra as the team's all-time leader in hat tricks with his 20th of his career.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Vogel|first1=Mike|title=#CapsLeafs Postgame Notebook: Hat Trick Of Hat Tricks|url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/capsleafs-postgame-notebook-hat-trick-of-hat-tricks/c-293400688|website=NHL.com|access-date=14 March 2018|date=27 November 2017|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315070429/https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/capsleafs-postgame-notebook-hat-trick-of-hat-tricks/c-293400688|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 October, in a game against the [[Detroit Red Wings]], Ovechkin surpassed [[Jaromír Jágr]] for most regular season overtime goals with the 20th of his career.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ovechkin passes Jagr for most regular-season overtime goals|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-passes-jaromir-jagr-morning-report-oct-21/c-292145394|website=NHL.com|access-date=22 March 2018|date=21 October 2017|archive-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322143135/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-passes-jaromir-jagr-morning-report-oct-21/c-292145394|url-status=live}}</ref> On 25 January 2018, Ovechkin recorded his 500th career assist on a [[Nicklas Bäckström]] goal in a 4–2 win over the [[Florida Panthers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-ovechkin-gets-500th-nhl-assist/c-295295430 |title=Capitals Ovechkin gets 500th assist for Capitals |website=NHL.com |publisher=National Hockey League |author=National Hockey League |date=25 January 2018 |access-date=16 July 2023}}</ref> On 12 March, Ovechkin scored his 600th career goal against [[Connor Hellebuyck]] of the [[Winnipeg Jets]], making him the 20th player to do so, and the fourth to do so in fewer than 1,000 games.<ref name="600th">{{cite web|title=Ovechkin scores 600th NHL goal for Capitals|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-scores-600th-nhl-goal/c-296684564|website=NHL.com|access-date=12 March 2018|date=12 March 2018|archive-date=13 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313092823/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-scores-600th-nhl-goal/c-296684564|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 April, Ovechkin would play against the Pittsburgh Penguins in his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the first Capitals player to play 1,000 games and the 54th NHL player to do so with the same franchise.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ovechkin to Play in His 1,000th Career NHL Game Tonight at Pittsburgh|url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/ovechkin-to-play-in-his-1000th-career-nhl-game-tonight-at-pittsburgh/c-297549984|website=NHL.com|access-date=1 April 2018|date=1 April 2018|archive-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402035446/https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/ovechkin-to-play-in-his-1000th-career-nhl-game-tonight-at-pittsburgh/c-297549984|url-status=live}}</ref> At the conclusion of the season, Ovechkin was awarded the Rocket Richard trophy for the seventh time in his career with his league leading 49 goals.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Battaglino|first1=Matt|title=Ovechkin leads NHL in goals for seventh time|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-leads-nhl-in-goals-wins-rocket-richard-trophy/c-297794578|website=NHL.com|access-date=9 April 2018|date=9 April 2018|archive-date=8 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408161754/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-leads-nhl-in-goals-wins-rocket-richard-trophy/c-297794578|url-status=live}}</ref> He became the second player, tied with [[Bobby Hull]], to win the NHL's goal scoring title seven times.<ref name="2017-18 Richard">{{cite web|title=Alex Ovechkin Captures 2017–18 Rocket Richard Trophy|url=https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/alex-ovechkin-captures-2017-18-rocket-richard-trophy/c-297819484|website=NHL.com|access-date=9 April 2018|date=9 April 2018|archive-date=9 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409171714/https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/alex-ovechkin-captures-2017-18-rocket-richard-trophy/c-297819484|url-status=live}}</ref> Besides his 49 goals, Ovechkin also recorded 38 assists for 87 points in all 82 contests played as the Capitals finished as the second seed in the Eastern Conference. During the [[2018 Stanley Cup playoffs|2018 playoffs]], Ovechkin scored 15 goals, 12 assists and 27 points in all 24 games averaging 20:44 of ice time per game.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/trotz-on-ovechkin-he-s-been-on-a-mission-1.1093891|title=Trotz on Ovechkin: He's 'been on a mission' – Article – TSN|last=Staff|date=24 May 2018|work=TSN|access-date=24 May 2018|archive-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524180639/https://www.tsn.ca/trotz-on-ovechkin-he-s-been-on-a-mission-1.1093891|url-status=live}}</ref> After defeating the seventh
On 6 December 2018, Ovechkin became the fastest player in NHL history and ninth overall to take 5,000 shots on goal, reaching that mark in 1,031 career games. Marcel Dionne, the previous holder of the record, required 184 more games than Ovechkin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/gametracker/recap/NHL_20181206_WAS@ARI|title=Recaps|website=CBSSports.com|access-date=7 December 2018}}</ref> He scored the 21st hat trick of his NHL career in a 6–2 win over Detroit Red Wings on 11 December, passing Pavel Bure for most by a Russian-born player in league history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://novacapsfans.com/2018/12/11/capitals-thump-red-wings-6-2-alex-ovechkin-scores-hat-trick-t-j-oshie-scores-in-return/|title=Capitals Thump Red Wings 6–2; Alex Ovechkin Scores Hat Trick; T.J. Oshie Scores in Return|last=Sorensen|first=Jon|date=12 December 2018|website=NoVa Caps|access-date=12 December 2018|archive-date=13 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213131159/https://novacapsfans.com/2018/12/11/capitals-thump-red-wings-6-2-alex-ovechkin-scores-hat-trick-t-j-oshie-scores-in-return/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 December in a 6–5 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin recorded his 23rd career hat trick with one of those goals being the 237th power play goal of his career on Hurricanes goaltender [[Scott Darling]] to pass Mario Lemieux for most power play goals with one franchise.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/washington-capitals/news/washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-pass-wayne-gretzky-empty-net-record |title=Ovechkin Breaks Another All-Time Record, Passes Gretzky For Most Empty-Net Goals In NHL History |author=Sammi Sibler |website=thehockeywriters.com |publisher=The Hockey Writers |date=10 February 2024 |access-date=9 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/401044811 |title=Ovechkin, Vrana lead Caps over Hurricanes 6-5 in shootout |website=
====Recent years, goal-record pursuit (2019–present)====
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The [[2020-21 NHL season|2020–21 season]] would mark the first time in Ovechkin's NHL career where he would not score at least 30 goals and having finished with 24 goals mainly due to the season being shortened due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2021/06/24/alex-ovechkin-2020-21-season-review/ |title=Alex Ovechkin: 2020-21 season review |website=russianmachineneverbreaks.com |publisher=Russian Machine Never Breaks |author=Peter Hassett |date=24 June 2021 |access-date=5 July 2023 |archive-date=5 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705233050/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2021/06/24/alex-ovechkin-2020-21-season-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Ovechkin signed a five-year, $47.5 million contract extension with the Capitals on 27 July 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-signs-5-year-deal-with-washington/c-325824224|title=Ovechkin signs five-year, $47.5 million contract with the Capitals|publisher=NHL.com|accessdate=27 July 2021|archive-date=27 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727172532/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-signs-5-year-deal-with-washington/c-325824224|url-status=live}}</ref> He scored his 28th career [[hat trick]], tying [[Marcel Dionne]] and [[Bobby Hull]] for sixth most in NHL history, on 26 November against the [[Florida Panthers]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Harvey |date=2021-11-26 |title=Ovechkin scores hat trick, Capitals edge Panthers |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-washington-capitals-game-recap/c-328136378 |access-date=2022-01-01 |website=NHL.com |archive-date=1 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101192619/https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-washington-capitals-game-recap/c-328136378 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 31 December, Ovechkin scored his 275th power play goal against the Detroit Red Wings, breaking [[Dave Andreychuk]]'s all-time record.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=2021-12-31 |title=Ovechkin breaks NHL power-play goals record with No. 275, tops Andreychuk |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-ovechkin-nhl-power-play-goals-record/c-329359994 |access-date=2022-01-01 |website=NHL.com |archive-date=1 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101192400/https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-ovechkin-nhl-power-play-goals-record/c-329359994 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 15 March 2022, Ovechkin scored his 767th career NHL goal in a 4–3 win over the [[New York Islanders]], moving him into third place for goals scored all-time in the NHL, passing [[Jaromír Jágr]];<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/nhl-roundup-alex-ovechkin-makes-history-with-767th-goal-2022-03-16/|title=NHL roundup: Alex Ovechkin makes history with 767th goal|newspaper=Reuters|date=16 March 2022|accessdate=26 March 2022|archive-date=16 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316175242/https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/nhl-roundup-alex-ovechkin-makes-history-with-767th-goal-2022-03-16/|url-status=live}}</ref> he achieved the feat in 477 fewer games than Jagr, yet had also taken 400 more shots on goal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=2022-03-15 |title=Ovechkin passes Jagr with 767 goals |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-alex-ovechkin-moves-into-third-in-nhl-goals/c-331867912 |access-date=2022-03-26 |website=NHL.com |archive-date=26 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326170307/https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-alex-ovechkin-moves-into-third-in-nhl-goals/c-331867912 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 20 April, in a 4–3 overtime loss against the [[Vegas Golden Knights]], he scored his 50th goal of the season for the ninth time in his career, tying [[Mike Bossy]] and [[Wayne Gretzky]] for having the most 50-goal seasons in NHL history. At 36 years and 215 days of age, he is the oldest player to score 50 goals in a season; the previous oldest was [[Johnny Bucyk]], doing so at the age of 35 years and 308 days.<ref name="Gulitti">{{Cite web |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=2022-04-21 |title=Ovechkin scores twice, ties Gretzky, Bossy with nine 50-goal NHL seasons |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-scores-50-goals-in-season-for-ninth-time/c-333235844 |access-date=2022-04-21 |website=NHL.com |archive-date=21 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421050822/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-scores-50-goals-in-season-for-ninth-time/c-333235844 |url-status=live }}</ref> He ended the [[2021–22 NHL season|2021–22 season]] with 50 goals, 40 assists and 90 points in 77 games played as the Capitals finished the season as the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference.<ref name="Gulitti"/> Ovechkin would also record a goal and five assists for six points in all six playoff games in the Capitals first round loss in the [[2022 Stanley Cup playoffs|2022 playoffs]] by the [[Presidents' Trophy]]-winning Florida Panthers.
[[File:Winnipeg Jets at Washington Capitals - January 18, 2022 - Alexander Ovechkin (51833884185).jpg|thumb|right|Ovechkin in January 2022]]
On 5 November 2022, Ovechkin scored his 787th goal with the Washington Capitals against the [[Arizona Coyotes]], setting a new NHL record for most goals with one team, a record previously held by [[Gordie Howe]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wyshynski |first1=Greg |title=Alex Ovechkin sets NHL record for most goals with one team |url=https://www.espn.com.sg/nhl/story/_/id/34957472/alex-ovechkin-sets-nhl-record-most-goals-one-team |access-date=2022-11-05 |agency=ESPN |date=2022-11-05 |archive-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106003027/https://www.espn.com.sg/nhl/story/_/id/34957472/alex-ovechkin-sets-nhl-record-most-goals-one-team |url-status=live }}</ref> He set another NHL best on 29 November, surpassing Gretzky for most road goals with 403, after scoring two goals against the [[Vancouver Canucks]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karstens-Smith |first=Gemma |date=30 November 2022 |title=Ovechkin scores twice, makes history as Capitals down Canucks 5-1 |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2022/11/30/ovechkin-scores-twice-makes-history-as-capitals-down-canucks-5-1.html |access-date=30 November 2022 |website=Toronto Star |archive-date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130094339/https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2022/11/30/ovechkin-scores-twice-makes-history-as-capitals-down-canucks-5-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Ovechkin became the third player in NHL history to score 800 regular season goals, behind Howe and Gretzky, by scoring a hat trick against the [[Chicago Blackhawks]] at [[United Center]] on 13 December.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-12-14 |title=Alex Ovechkin scores 800th NHL goal to complete hat trick against Chicago - Daily Faceoff |work=Daily Faceoff |url=https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/alex-ovechkin-scores-800th-nhl-goal-to-complete-hat-trick-against-chicago-washington-capitals/ |access-date=2022-12-14 |archive-date=14 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214070204/https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/alex-ovechkin-scores-800th-nhl-goal-to-complete-hat-trick-against-chicago-washington-capitals/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was also his 29th hat trick in the NHL, giving him the sixth most hat tricks by any player in the league's history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miles |first=Bruce |date=13 December 2022 |title=Ovechkin gets No. 800 in Capitals win against Blackhawks |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-chicago-blackhawks-game-recap/c-338497528 |access-date=14 December 2022 |website=NHL.com |archive-date=14 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214073229/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-chicago-blackhawks-game-recap/c-338497528 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 23 December, Ovechkin scored his 801st and 802nd career goals in a 4–1 win against the [[Winnipeg Jets]], passing Gordie Howe for the second most goals in NHL history, behind only Wayne Gretzky.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Whyno |first=Stephen|date=23 December 2022 |title=Ovechkin scores 801st goal, ties Howe for 2nd in NHL history |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nhl/ovechkin-scores-801st-goal-ties-howe-for-2nd-in-nhl-history/2022/12/23/d7501752-8324-11ed-8738-ed7217de2775_story.html|access-date=23 December 2022|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref><ref name="second">{{Cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/12/24/1145436994/alex-ovechkin-nhl-goals-gordie-howe |title=Alex Ovechkin moves to 2nd in NHL goals with 802, passing Gordie Howe |date=2022-12-24 |accessdate=2022-12-24 |publisher=[[NPR]] |archive-date=25 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225001351/https://www.npr.org/2022/12/24/1145436994/alex-ovechkin-nhl-goals-gordie-howe |url-status=live }}</ref> Ovechkin tied [[Mike Gartner]] for having the most 30-goal seasons upon recording a 30-goal season for the 17th time on 14 January 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=2023-01-14 |title=Ovechkin reaches 30 goals for 17th time with Capitals |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-reaches-30-goals-for-17th-time-with-capitals/c-339949056 |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=NHL.com |archive-date=15 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115025203/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-reaches-30-goals-for-17th-time-with-capitals/c-339949056 |url-status=live }}</ref> in a 3–1 loss to the [[Philadelphia Flyers]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Harvey |date=2023-01-14 |title=Ovechkin ties NHL record for 30-goal seasons in Capitals loss to Flyers |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/philadelphia-flyers-washington-capitals-game-recap/c-339531616 |access-date=2023-01-15 |website=NHL.com |archive-date=15 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115025853/https://www.nhl.com/news/philadelphia-flyers-washington-capitals-game-recap/c-339531616 |url-status=live }}</ref> He surpassed Gretzky to set a new NHL record for most 40-goal seasons after securing his 13th on 21 March, in a 7–6 overtime loss to the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gulitti |first=Tom |date=21 March 2023 |title=Ovechkin reaches 40 goals for NHL-record 13th season: Capitals forward scores against Columbus Blue Jackets to break tie with Gretzky |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-passes-wayne-gretzky-for-most-40-goal-seasons/c-342529574 |access-date=21 March 2023 |website=NHL.com |archive-date=22 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322130422/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-passes-wayne-gretzky-for-most-40-goal-seasons/c-342529574 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Capitals would miss the [[2023 Stanley Cup playoffs|2023 playoffs]] by 12 points in the standings mainly due to injuries to other players on the team, marking the first time since [[2013–14 NHL season|2014]] where the Capitals missed the playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-miss-stanley-cup-playoffs-1st-time-in-9-seasons/c-343151802 |title=Capitals 'weren't good enough' missing playoffs 1st time in 9 seasons |website=NHL.com |publisher=National Hockey League |author=Tom Gulitti |date=5 April 2023 |access-date=16 July 2023 |archive-date=17 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717002322/https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-miss-stanley-cup-playoffs-1st-time-in-9-seasons/c-343151802 |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite the team difficulties, Ovechkin still continued his individual success by having ended the [[2022–23 NHL season|2022–23 season]] with 42 goals, 33 assists and 75 points in 73 games played.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2023/06/18/alex-ovechkin-2022-23-season-review/ |title=Alex Ovechkin 2022-23 season review |website=russianmachineneverbreaks.com |publisher=Russian Machine Never Breaks |author=Peter Hassett |date=18 June 2023 |access-date=18 July 2023 |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719020343/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2023/06/18/alex-ovechkin-2022-23-season-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 7 December 2023, Ovechkin recorded his 1,500th point with an assist on a goal scored by [[Dylan Strome]] in a 5–4 shootout loss to the [[Dallas Stars]] to become the 16th player in NHL history to reach the mark.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/capitals-ovechkin-gets-1500th-point-in-shootout-loss-to-stars/ |publisher=Sportsnet |title=Capitals' Ovechkin gets 1,500th point in shootout loss to Stars |agency=Associated Press |date=7 December 2023 |access-date=9 December 2023}}</ref> Ovechkin later scored his 57th career empty-net goal in a 3–0 Capitals win over the Boston Bruins on 10 February 2024, passing Wayne Gretzky for the most all-time.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pohoryles |first=Joe |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/washington-capitals-boston-bruins-game-recap-february-10 |title=Ovechkin scores in 4th straight, Capitals shut out Bruins to end 6-game skid |website=nhl.com |date=10 February 2024 |access-date=10 February 2024}}</ref> On 9 April, Ovechkin scored his 30th goal of the season on Detroit Red Wings goaltender [[Alex Lyon (ice hockey)|Alex Lyon]] for his 18th 30-goal campaign, passing Mike Gartner for most 30-goal seasons in NHL history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/capitals-alex-ovechkin-nhl-record-18th-30-goal-season |title=Ovechkin reaches 30 goals for NHL-record 18th season |author=Tom Gulitti |website=nhl.com |publisher=National Hockey League |date=9 April 2024 |access-date=9 April 2024}}</ref> He finished the [[2023–24 Washington Capitals season|2023–24 season]] with 31 goals, 34 assists and 65 points in 79 games played. Ovechkin and the Capitals got back into the [[2024 Stanley Cup playoffs|playoffs]] as the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference, however, Ovechkin did not record a single goal or assist as the Capitals were swept in four games by the
==Player profile==
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[[File:Alexander Ovechkin (5506027424).jpg|thumb|Ovechkin takes a shot during warm-ups before a game in March 2011]]
[[File:Alexander Ovechkin 3 2016-03-01.JPG|thumb|Ovechkin waits for the pass for a [[one-timer]] from the inside of the faceoff circle during a game in March 2016]]
Ovechkin is widely considered a generational talent and one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2016/03/02/alex-ovechkin-washington-capitals-greatest-nhl-goal-scorers|title=The case for Ovechkin: greatest goal scorer ever|last=Fleming|first=Colin|date=2 March 2016|work=SI.com|access-date=25 October 2018|archive-date=25 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025185912/https://www.si.com/nhl/2016/03/02/alex-ovechkin-washington-capitals-greatest-nhl-goal-scorers|url-status=live}}</ref> and the NHL player who stands as having a
Ovechkin's ability to shoot heavily as a [[Power forward (ice hockey)|power forward]]<ref>Drance, Thomas (4 January 2015). [https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/673118 "Roberto Luongo 'fine' after being steamrolled by Ovechkin"], thescore.com; accessed 3 June 2016.</ref><ref>Stubits, Brian (25 March 2014). [http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24500770/gifs-alex-ovechkin-jack-hillen-collide-in-overtime "GIFS: Alex Ovechkin, Jack Hillen collide in overtime"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219123348/http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/24500770/gifs-alex-ovechkin-jack-hillen-collide-in-overtime |date=19 February 2015 }}, cbssports.com; accessed 3 June 2016.</ref><ref>Richards, George (4 January 2015). [http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nhl/florida-panthers/article5417898.html "Florida Panthers’ rally falls short as misery in Washington continues"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219123256/http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nhl/florida-panthers/article5417898.html |date=19 February 2015 }}, miamiherald.com; accessed 3 June 2016.</ref> has been well documented. After clinching the hardest shot title at the [[2018 National Hockey League All-Star Game]] skills competition with a 98.8 mph first attempt, he became the only player in the 2018 All Star game to break the century mark, surpassing 100 mph on his second shot,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2018/01/27/alex-ovechkin-has-hardest-shot-at-skills-competition/109882472/|title=Alex Ovechkin has hardest shot at NHL All-Star skills competition|date=27 January 2018|work=USA TODAY|access-date=23 October 2018|archive-date=23 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023235833/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2018/01/27/alex-ovechkin-has-hardest-shot-at-skills-competition/109882472/|url-status=live}}</ref> stepping "up to plate and delivered a blistering 101.3 MPH blast."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bardown.com/hockey-fans-will-love-marc-andre-fleury-s-comments-on-trying-to-stop-ovechkin-s-one-timer-1.1096383|title=Hockey fans will love Marc-Andre Fleury's comments on trying to stop Ovechkin's one-timer – Article – BARDOWN|date=27 May 2018|work=BARDOWN|access-date=21 November 2018|archive-date=22 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122005551/https://www.bardown.com/hockey-fans-will-love-marc-andre-fleury-s-comments-on-trying-to-stop-ovechkin-s-one-timer-1.1096383|url-status=live}}</ref>
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The Capitals' morning skate ritually begins with Ovechkin "sprinting around the rink, a solo lap to the sound of sticks tapping from his teammates." Once he's made it all the way around, the rest of the team jumps onto the ice to join him.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/05/13/2018-nhl-playoffs-capitals-lightning-game-2-analysis/|title=Capitals-Lightning Game 2: Washington crushes Tampa, takes 2–0 series lead back to D.C.|last1=Khurshudyan|first1=Isabelle|date=13 May 2018|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=14 May 2018|last2=Pell|first2=Samantha|issn=0190-8286|last3=Allen|first3=Scott|last4=Greenberg|first4=Neil|archive-date=13 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513224158/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/05/13/2018-nhl-playoffs-capitals-lightning-game-2-analysis/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ovechkin is known as a durable player, losing little time to injuries, illnesses, or suspensions. After being struck on the foot by a teammate's wrist shot during an 26 October 2006 practice in Vancouver, he "crumpled to the ice and had to be helped to the locker room." Exhibiting no ill effects in practice the next day, Ovechkin famously told reporters, "I'm okay; Russian machine never breaks."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/26/AR2006102601518.html|title=Caps' 'Russian Machine' Fine After Puck Hits Foot|journal=The Washington Post and Times-Herald|last=El-Bashir|first=Tarik|date=27 October 2006|access-date=7 June 2018|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=5 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605215301/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/26/AR2006102601518.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Late in the [[2008–09 NHL season|2008–09 season]], Ovechkin garnered some criticism over his exuberant after-goal celebrations. On 28 February 2009, during a segment of ''[[Hockey Night in Canada]]'''s Coach's Corner, Canadian hockey analyst [[Don Cherry (ice hockey)|Don Cherry]] likened Ovechkin's celebrations of jumping into the boards and his teammates to that of soccer players, concluding that this was not the Canadian way and advising Canadian kids to ignore Ovechkin's example. Then–Capitals head coach [[Bruce Boudreau]] came to Ovechkin's defence, stating Cherry "doesn't know Alex like we know Alex", and Ovechkin himself stated that he "doesn't care" about Cherry.<ref>{{cite news|url=
After using and endorsing [[CCM (ice hockey)|CCM]] equipment for most of his career, Ovechkin made the move to [[Bauer Hockey]] in August 2011 following a decline in his point production in the [[2010–11 Washington Capitals season|2010–11 season]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/ovi-believes-bauer-switch-is-necessary-move/c-587749|title=Ovi believes Bauer switch is necessary move|last1=Masisak|first1=Corey|date=6 September 2011|website=NHL.com|access-date=4 June 2018|archive-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720165523/https://www.nhl.com/news/ovi-believes-bauer-switch-is-necessary-move/c-587749|url-status=live}}</ref> He continued to use Bauer equipment until the 2017 season, when he switched back to CCM.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/hot-start-alex-ovechkin-signs-165853880.html|title=After a hot start, Alex Ovechkin signs with CCM|last1=El-Bashir|first1=Tarik|date=11 October 2017|website=sports.yahoo.com|access-date=4 June 2018|archive-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720135752/https://sports.yahoo.com/hot-start-alex-ovechkin-signs-165853880.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ovechkin currently{{when|date=June 2023}} uses the Ribcor Trigger stick and Super Tacks AS1 skates.
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==International play==
{{MedalTableTop|name = |Alexander Ovechkin Russia vs Latvia 2010.jpg|180px|Ovechkin at the [[Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics – Men's tournament|2010 Winter Olympics]]}}
{{MedalSport|Men's [[
{{MedalCountry|{{
{{MedalCompetition|[[Ice Hockey World Championships|World Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[2008 IIHF World Championship|2008 Canada]]|}}
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[[File:OvechkinKuba2010WinterOlympics.jpg|thumb|left|Ovechkin with the [[Russian national men's ice hockey team]] skates the puck forward during the [[2010 Winter Olympics]]]]
In the [[2010 Winter Olympics]], Ovechkin and Team Russia were one of the favorites to win the Gold Medal. Despite high expectations, Russia lost to Canada 7–3 in the quarterfinals. Ovechkin finished with two goals and two assists in Russia's four games.<ref>{{cite web |author=Pierre LeBrunNHLFollowArchive |url=
After being eliminated in the first round of the NHL playoffs, Ovechkin joined Russia for the [[2010 IIHF World Championship]]s along with many other Russian stars, such as [[Evgeni Malkin]], [[Pavel Datsyuk]] and [[Ilya Kovalchuk]]. Despite being heavily favored to win the tournament, Russia lost to the Czech Republic in the finals.
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Ovechkin was involved in a feud with [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] forward [[Evgeni Malkin]], who was drafted second behind Ovechkin in the [[2004 NHL Entry Draft]]. Though the two were reported to be good friends when they roomed together during the [[2006 Winter Olympics]] in [[Turin]], Italy, this friendship quickly soured.<ref name="Ovechkin/Malkin Feud">{{cite web|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_597246.html|title=Ovechkin Malkin Feud Festering|last=Starkey|first=Joe|date=30 November 2008|work=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323090159/http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_597246.html|archive-date=23 March 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=3 February 2009}}</ref> The feud may have started in August 2007 when Ovechkin punched Malkin's Russian agent, Gennady Ushakov, at a Moscow nightclub. Ovechkin has denied that version of events, while Malkin has confirmed it. On 21 January 2008, in Pittsburgh, Ovechkin took a run at Malkin, which would have seemingly resulted in a devastating hit had Malkin not ducked out of the way just in time. The two would also not make eye contact at the 2008 NHL Awards Ceremony. Ovechkin has repeatedly denied "having it out" for Malkin.<ref name="Ovechkin/Malkin Feud" /> In 2009, in an interview with RT, Ovechkin would confirm that the event in which he punched Malkin's agent was true, while also stating "but is okay".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Little |first1=Benjamin |title=Washington Capitals: When Alexander Ovechkin Hit Evgeni Malkin's Agent in the Face |url=https://starsandsticks.com/2020/07/01/washington-capitals-alexander-ovechkin-hit-evgeni-malkins-agent-face/ |website=Stars & Sticks |date=July 2020 |access-date=26 June 2023 |archive-date=26 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626125138/https://starsandsticks.com/2020/07/01/washington-capitals-alexander-ovechkin-hit-evgeni-malkins-agent-face/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The feud raised many concerns as to its effect on the league,<ref name="Ovechkin/Malkin Feud" /> and the Russian national team at the [[2010 Winter Olympics]] in [[Vancouver]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.canadaeast.com/qmjhl/article/article/539330|title=Ovechkin Malkin feud turns nasty|date=14 January 2009|access-date=3 February 2009|agency=Associated Press}}{{dead link|date=July 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> On 24 January 2009, at the [[NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition|SuperSkills Competition]], Malkin assisted Ovechkin in his stunt during the [[NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition#Breakaway Challenge|Breakaway Challenge]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_608711.html|title=Malkin, Ovechkin put feud to rest|date=25 January 2009|work=Pittsburgh Tribune-Review|access-date=3 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203132149/http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_608711.html|archive-date=3 February 2009|url-status=dead|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Malkin handed Ovechkin his props for the stunt as well as handing him his stick and pouring some sports drink down Ovechkin's throat. It has been reported that [[Ilya Kovalchuk]], who was then the [[Atlanta Thrashers]]' captain and a teammate of Ovechkin and Malkin on the Russian national team, brokered the peace between the two.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/2009/01/kovalchuk_brokers_ovechkin-mal.html|title=Kovalchuk Brokers Ovechkin-Malkin Peace|date=25 January 2009|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=12 February 2009|archive-date=7 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007172802/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/2009/01/kovalchuk_brokers_ovechkin-mal.html|url-status=
Malkin gave a speech at Ovechkin's 35th birthday party in September 2020. The two are reportedly very close friends again, with the feud long in the past.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2020/09/25/evgeni-malkins-kind-speech-for-alex-ovechkin-during-birthday-party/|title=Evgeni Malkin's kind speech for Alex Ovechkin during his birthday party|date=25 September 2020|website=RMNB|access-date=14 May 2022|archive-date=1 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701181553/https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2020/09/25/evgeni-malkins-kind-speech-for-alex-ovechkin-during-birthday-party/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Personal life==
Ovechkin was formerly engaged to [[tennis]] player [[Maria Kirilenko]]. On 21 July 2014, Kirilenko announced that the wedding was called off and that the two were no longer seeing each other.<ref>{{cite news|agency=[[Associated Press]]|url=
Ovechkin and his wife have two children. In 2018, the couple had a son, whom they named after Ovechkin's late brother.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-shares-news-of-birth-of-son/c-299795388|title=Ovechkin announces birth of baby Sergei|website=NHL.com|date=18 August 2018|access-date=18 August 2018|archive-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819114408/https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-shares-news-of-birth-of-son/c-299795388|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, the couple had a second son.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, wife Nastya announce birth of second son |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/capitals-star-alex-ovechkin-wife-nastya-announce-birth-of-second-son/ |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=CBSSports.com |date=27 May 2020 |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226171345/https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/capitals-star-alex-ovechkin-wife-nastya-announce-birth-of-second-son/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
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==Records==
===NHL records===
* First player to win the [[Art Ross Trophy]], [[Maurice Richard Trophy]], [[Lester B. Pearson Award]], and [[Hart Memorial Trophy]] in a single season.<ref>{{cite news| title=Ovechkin receives hero's welcome in Washington |url=
* Only player to be named to the NHL first All-Star team in each of his first five seasons<ref>{{cite web|publisher=National Hockey League|title=Alex Ovechkin, Mike Green Name to NHL first All-Star team|date=23 June 2010|url=http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=532566|access-date=23 June 2010|archive-date=7 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307235343/http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=532566|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Most NHL goal scoring titles with 9<ref name = "2017-18 Richard"/>
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[[Category:Mordvin people]]
[[Category:National Hockey League All-Stars]]
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[[Category:NHL first-round draft picks]]
[[Category:Olympic ice hockey players for Russia]]
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