Ovechkin Reacts To Tying Jagr For Third On NHL’s All-Time Goals List

For Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, another milestone is just another day of work. And Tuesday was no different, as the 36-year-old again modestly acknowledged his historic performance against Calgary that tied him with Jaromir Jagr for the third-most goals in NHL history.

Ovechkin struck twice, once early in the second period and again on the empty net late in regulation to reach 766 career strikes. He is now 36 goals away from passing Gordie Howe for second and 129 red lights behind Wayne Gretzky for the NHL all-time goals record. The milestone came on a meaningful night, too, as Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom skated in their 1,000th game together.

“It’s always nice to hit those kind of milestones, numbers,” Ovechkin noted. “You know, it’s pretty big, obviously. And how I always said, being [with] those names and those company, it’s a pretty cool moment.”

ALEX OVECHKIN TIES IT UP!!

Makes a big hit to knock the puck loose, fires it top shelf in typical Ovi fashion 👀 pic.twitter.com/RYkm6grEU1

— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) March 9, 2022

Like Jagr, Ovechkin recorded that milestone goal at Scotiabank Saddledome in front of a full crowd. Jagr’s 766th also came at Calgary’s home rink back in Nov. 2017. That was the last goal he’d score at the NHL level before heading back overseas to play in the Czech Extraliga, where he is still skating at 50 years old with his club HC Kladno.

Ladies and gentlemen:

The ENG that tied @ovi8 with @68Jagr for third-most goals in @NHL history! pic.twitter.com/3sfsFbNtGO

— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) March 9, 2022

Ovechkin now has 36 goals and 70 points through 56 games this season. He is on pace to register 51 goals and his first 100-point campaign since 2009=10. Ovechkin currently ranks fourth in goals (Auston Matthews is first with 43) and eighth in scoring.

“It’s kind of fun, the guys happy, I think the organization pretty happy, fans, my family, it’s big moment,” Ovechkin acknowledged.

READ MORE ON WHN: Takeaways From Capitals’ Milestone-FIlled 5-4 Victory Over Calgary

Ovechkin’s two tallies helped the Capitals to a 5-4 victory over the Flames, giving Washington its third straight win. This is the first time since November that the Capitals have managed at least three straight wins. They’ll look to keep the good times rolling on Wednesday when they face the Edmonton Oilers in their second game of a back-to-back series in Alberta. With one more goal, Ovechkin can pass Jagr for sole possession of third.