Ovechkin Has Modest Response To Reaching 30-Goal Mark For Historic 16th Time

With every goal, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin writes even more history as he chases down Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record. However, when it comes to discussing feats, the Great 8 usually keeps things lowkey. Tuesday was no different.

WIth another two-goal night in a 4-1 win over Nashville, Ovechkin climbed three NHL all-time lists. He also moved within six goals of passing Jaromir Jagr for third on the NHL’s all-time goals list and sits 134 red lights away from Gretzky’s 894. Ovi also passed Marcel Dionne for the fourth-most even-strength goals in NHL history (479), while adding to his all-time power-play goals record with his 277th PPG. In addition, he hit the 30-goal mark for the 16th time in his career, passing Jaromir Jagr for the second-most 30-plus goal seasons of all time. He is one away from tying Mike Gartner, and he is the only player ever to record 16 30-plus goal seasons with one team.

In response to these feats, Ovechkin gave a casual, modest response.

“I just try to do my job,” he said simply, an answer he’s given before.

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Through 49 games this season, Ovechkin has dished 31 goals and 62 points, good for third and fourth in the league in each respective category. The 36-year-old had experienced a bit of a lull, going six games without a goal and also missing two games due to COVID-19. He ended that drought with two goals in a crucial 4-1 win over the Predators.

“Yeah lately was kind of tough break for me,” Ovechkin explained. “COVID and you know all those kind of stuff. It’s nice to get back on track.”

Washington is now three points out of third in the Metropolitan Division and is looking to find consistency and string together some wins following a recent rough stretch that has seen them exchange wins and losses and drop in the standings. Ovechkin saw a big team victory for the Capitals on Wednesday and hopes that it leads to a step in the right direction, especially with regard to the power play.

“If we play like that, move the puck quick, control the puck, it doesn’t matter me or somebody else gonna score. It’s a good thing for us we score two power-play goals the last two games,” Ovechkin said. “Mentally it’s important for us because I think we have lots of chances, we have pretty good plays but you know it seems like we hold a little tight on sticks and right now we hope it’s going to turn into right way.”