Washington Capitals
Backstrom, Capitals, NHL React On Social Media To Ovechkin Breaking PPG Record
The Washington Capitals saw Alex Ovechkin make history yet again on Friday, netting his 275th career power-play goal to close out 2021 in a big win over the Detroit Red Wings. The marker officially moved him past Dave Andreychuk for the most power-play goals in NHL history.
In response, the Capitals and NHL took to social media to congratulate the Great 8 on becoming the NHL’s top power-play scorer of all time.
Nicklas Backstrom honored his long-time linemate and good friend, while also making Capitals fans emotional.
“Bro, [Ovechkin] all-time leader in power-play goals. Keep doing what you are doing. I’m so happy for you that you reached that goal. Big milestone,” he wrote, adding a heart emoji at the end and the hashtag, “He’s got other goals in mind.”
Bro, @ovi8 All time leader in power play goals. Keep doing what you are doing. I’m so happy for you that you reached that goal. Big milestone❤️#hesgotothergoalsinmind pic.twitter.com/6JZ8j3UDoI
— Nicklas Backstrom (@backstrom19) January 1, 2022
T.J. Oshie took to Twitter soon after the win to honor Ovechkin.
“Can’t wait to tell the grandkids I was on the ice for this one. The Legend continues!!” Oshie wrote.
Can’t wait to tell the grandkids I was on the ice for this one. The Legend continues!! #Gr8 #Legend https://t.co/zsCzwwIh2M
— TJ Oshie (@TJOshie77) January 1, 2022
John Carlson, who was also on the ice for the historic strike, shouted out No. 8.
“Congrats to the greatest to ever do it,” he wrote.
275!!
Congrats to the greatest to ever do it @ovi8 pic.twitter.com/2b00ypfTkK
— John Carlson (@JohnCarlson74) January 1, 2022
Team owner Ted Leonsis also paid tribute to Washington’s longtime captain and face of the franchise.
“Another historic milestone in the hall of fame career of [Ovechkin],” he noted.
Another historic milestone in the hall of fame career of @ovi8. Not only did the @Capitals get the win, but @ovi8 scored his 275th career power goal, making him the @NHL's all-time leader in power play goals! Congratulation's Alex!#ALLCAPS https://t.co/Kj38PPrcwq
— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) January 1, 2022
The team, NHL and NHLPA additionally gave stick taps to the Great 8.
THE GREATEST POWER PLAY GOAL SCORER OF ALL TIME!!!!!!! 🐐#ALLCAPS | @LeidosInc pic.twitter.com/8zOYV5tLBU
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 1, 2022
There's a lot of reasons why they call Alex Ovechkin “The Great Eight”, and now we can add most power-play goals in NHL history to the list.
Congratulations, @ovi8!
#NHLStats: https://t.co/yaNnkU0wKi pic.twitter.com/c3R2qoskp6— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 1, 2022
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) January 1, 2022
Ovechkin’s power-play goal was also his 119th career game-winning goal, moving him past Phil Esposito for the third-most GWGs in NHL history. He also notched an empty netter minutes later for his 154th career multi-goal game, passing Mario Lemieux for the third-most of all time. His 24 goals this season are also tied for first in the NHL with Leon Draisaitl.
READ MORE ON WHN: Ovechkin’s Record-Breaking PPG and more takeaways from Detroit
Not only that, but he has hit the 50-point mark yet again, and with two more points, he moved to 1,370 career points, moving him past Johnny Bucyk for 25th on the league’s all-time points list.
