Great 8(00): Ovechkin Nets Historic Hat Trick For 800th Goal

Alex Ovechkin has done it again. The Washington Capitals captain picked up a hat trick in Tuesday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks and scored career goal No. 800.

The bench cleared to celebrate the milestone.

Ovechkin is the first European player to hit the mark (he is also the top European scorer of all time) and the third in NHL history to accomplish this feat. The 37-year-old is also now two goals shy of passing Gordie Howe for second on the NHL's all-time goals list and 95 from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time record.

His first goal came just 24 seconds into the opening frame, when he sniped a loose puck in front past Petr Mrazek to make it 1-0. 

Minutes later, he'd net his second goal on another nice bounce in front.

In the second period, he got a nice chance in front, but Trevor van Riemsdyk ended up scoring. He got the assist.

Then, in the third period, Ovechkin got the puck in front with the net wide empty and the goalie down, and he rifled it in for the hat trick.

Career goal No. 800 is also his 20th goal of the season, marking his 18th straight season with at least 20 goals. He has never scored below 20 goals in a season throughout his illustrious career.