Why they rank here
The greatest pure goal-scorer the game has ever seen, Alexander Ovechkin achieved the once-unthinkable on 6 April 2025, scoring his 895th career goal to pass Wayne Gretzky's supposedly untouchable record. Through the 2024-25 season the Washington Capitals captain sits at 897 goals and climbing. Drafted first overall in 2004, Ovi has won a record nine Rocket Richard Trophies as the league's top scorer, three Hart Trophies, and, silencing critics who doubted he could win, the 2018 Stanley Cup, where he was named playoff MVP after finally leading Washington to its first title. His signature is the one-timer from the left face-off circle, his office, unleashed on the power play with such force and accuracy that everyone knew it was coming and few could stop it. Combining a booming shot with a heavy, physical game rare in a superstar, Ovechkin has scored 50 or more goals in a season nine times. His longevity and single-minded pursuit of the record redefine what a scorer can accomplish.
Career profile
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Head-to-head
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