Capitals Hold Ceremony, Honor Ovechkin For Passing Jagr In All-Time Goals

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin didn’t get to lace ’em up for Tuesday’s tilt against the New York Islanders, but he was still front and center prior to puck drop.

The Capitals held a pregame ceremony to honor Ovechkin for passing Jaromir Jagr for sole possession of third on the NHL’s all-time goals list. With that milestone, he also became the highest-scoring European NHLer of all time. He accomplished that feat back on March 15 with his 767th career goal against the Islanders.

Ovechkin being honored for passing Jagr for third on the NHL’s all-time goals list. pic.twitter.com/bHaCNNbaOe

— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) April 26, 2022

Ovechkin, who is out with an upper-body injury, was on the ice in a suit and tie for the occasion. Owner Ted Leonsis joined Ovechkin on the ice as the team honored the Great 8.

Washington had a video tribute for Ovechkin, showcasing his career and all the milestones he hit this season. Ovechkin also received congrats videos from his parents, along with his wife, Nastya, and sons, Sergei and Ilya.

Still continue to amaze us even after 17 #Gr8 years#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/Yduckghsp1

— x – Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 26, 2022

Leonsis and the organization gifted Ovechkin with a custom painting featuring the players he passed this season.

Ovechkin presented with a custom painting of him and the players he passed this season. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/sucQAB4edi

— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) April 26, 2022

Ovechkin currently has 780 career goals and sits 20 away from 800, 22 from passing Gordie Howe and 115 from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record.

Ovechkin also made history last week against the Vegas Golden Knights with his 50th goal of the 2021-22 campaign. The 36-year-old became the oldest player to record 50 goals in a season and also tied Gretzky and Mike Bossy for the most 50-goal seasons in NHL history (nine).