kids encyclopedia robot

Alexander Ovechkin facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Ovechkin
Alex Ovechkin 2018-05-21.jpg
Ovechkin with the Washington Capitals in May 2018
Born (1985-09-17) 17 September 1985 (age 39)
Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Height 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight 238 lb (108 kg; 17 st 0 lb)
Position Left wing
Shoots Right
NHL team
Former teams
Washington Capitals
Dynamo Moscow
National team Flag of Russia.svg Russia
NHL Draft 1st overall, 2004
Washington Capitals
Playing career 2001–present

Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin (Russian: Алексaндр Михайлович Овечкин, romanized: Aleksandr Mikhaylovich Ovechkin, pronounced [ɐlʲɪˈksandr ɐˈvʲetɕkʲɪn]; born 17 September 1985) is a Russian professional ice hockey player. He is a left winger and captain for the Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League (NHL). People call him "the Great 8" because of his jersey number, or just "Ovi". Russian media also calls him "Alexander the Great". Ovechkin has scored more goals than any other player in NHL regular season history.

Ovechkin started his professional hockey journey with Dynamo Moscow in Russia in 2001. He played there for four seasons. The Capitals picked him first overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. In his first NHL season (2005–06), Ovechkin won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the best rookie. He also finished third in the league for total points.

Ovechkin has won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy a record nine times for being the NHL's top goal scorer. He holds the NHL record for the most seasons with 40 goals (thirteen times). He also shares the record for most 50-goal seasons (nine times) with hockey legends Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky. He is the only player to score 200 or more goals in three different decades. He holds many other NHL records, including most power play goals, most goals in away games, and most goals scored for one team.

He has won the Hart Memorial Trophy three times as the league's most valuable player (in 2008, 2009, and 2013). He also won the Ted Lindsay Award three times (2008, 2009, and 2010), which is given to the best player as voted by other players. In 2018, the Capitals won the Stanley Cup for the first time ever. Ovechkin was named the most valuable player of the playoffs, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy. He has also been named to the NHL first All-Star team eight times. In 2017, Ovechkin was recognized as one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players of all time.

Ovechkin has also played for Russia in many international tournaments. He first played for Russia in the 2002 IIHF World U18 Championships. The next year, he helped Russia win a gold medal at the World Junior Championship. He has played for Russia in thirteen World Championships and three Winter Olympics, winning the World Championship three times.

Early Life and Hockey Dreams

Alexander Ovechkin was born in Moscow, Russia, on September 17, 1985. His parents were both famous athletes. His mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, won two Olympic gold medals in basketball. His father, Mikhail, was a soccer player. His mother believed he was meant to be a great athlete from a very young age. She said he was always active and curious.

Ovechkin loved hockey from the start. He picked up a hockey stick when he was just two years old. If a hockey game was on TV, he would stop everything and insist on watching it. His favorite NHL team growing up was the San Jose Sharks.

When his parents couldn't take him to hockey events, his older brother Sergei helped him get there. Sadly, when Ovechkin was 10, Sergei passed away after a car accident. Ovechkin played a youth hockey game the next day, as his parents wanted him to. Ovechkin often kisses his glove and points to the sky after scoring a goal, as a tribute to his brother.

Ovechkin quickly became known for his amazing skills. At age 11, he scored 56 goals, breaking a record previously held by Pavel Bure. Ovechkin always dreamed of playing in the NHL, keeping cards of his favorite players, especially his idol, Mario Lemieux. He believed the NHL was the best hockey in the world.

Playing Career Highlights

Starting in Russia (2001–2005)

Ovechkin began playing professionally for Dynamo Moscow in the Russian Super League (RSL) when he was 16. In his first season (2001–02), he scored four points in 21 games. He played three seasons there before being drafted by the NHL.

The Washington Capitals chose Ovechkin as the first overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. Many people thought he would be the top pick for a long time, and some even compared him to Mario Lemieux.

Because of an NHL lockout in 2004–05, Ovechkin stayed with Dynamo for another season. He helped Dynamo win the RSL championship that year. Even though he signed a contract with another Russian team, he made sure he could still join the NHL if the lockout ended. He signed with the Capitals on August 5, 2005.

Becoming a Star with the Washington Capitals (2005–Present)

Early Success (2005–2007)

Ovechkin (44167919)
Ovechkin in September 2005 at the Washington Capitals training camp prior to the 2005–06 season

The NHL lockout ended just two days after Ovechkin signed with the Capitals. He played his first NHL game on October 5, 2005, scoring two goals. On January 13, 2006, he scored his first hat trick. A few days later, he scored a goal that many called "one of the greatest goals of all time." He was on his back, sliding away from the net, but still managed to hook the puck into the net with one hand. This goal became known as "The Goal."

Ovechkin led all NHL rookies in goals, points, and shots in his first season. He finished third overall in the NHL with 106 points (52 goals and 54 assists). His 425 shots set a new NHL rookie record. He was named to the NHL first All-Star team, a rare honor for a rookie. After the season, he won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best rookie.

In the 2006–07 season, Ovechkin played in his first NHL All-Star Game. He finished the season with 46 goals and 46 assists for 92 points.

Winning MVP Awards and Becoming Captain (2007–2013)

On October 12, 2007, Ovechkin scored his 100th NHL goal. In January 2008, he signed a huge 13-year contract with the Capitals, which was the richest in NHL history at the time. On March 21, he scored his 59th and 60th goals of the season, becoming the first NHL player to score 60 goals since 1996. He also broke the Capitals' team record for goals in a single season.

Ovechkin led the league in scoring with 65 goals and 112 points in 2007–08. He won both the Art Ross Trophy (most points) and the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (most goals). He helped the Capitals reach the playoffs for the first time in five years. After the season, he won the Lester B. Pearson Award (best player voted by players) and the Hart Memorial Trophy (league MVP).

Ovechkin reupload
Ovechkin during the first round of the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs. He recorded his first playoff hat trick in the second round that year.

In the 2008–09 season, Ovechkin scored his 200th goal, becoming one of only four players to reach this milestone in four seasons. He won his second straight Rocket Richard Trophy with 56 goals. He also won the Hart and Pearson trophies for the second year in a row. In the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs, he scored his first playoff hat trick.

AlexOvechkin-Warmup
Ovechkin in January 2010. He was named the captain of the Capitals on 5 January 2010

On January 5, 2010, Ovechkin was named captain of the Washington Capitals. He was the first European player and the second-youngest to become captain for the team. On February 5, he reached 500 career points in just 373 games, becoming one of the fastest players to do so. He won the Ted Lindsay Award for the third year in a row. He also became the first player in NHL history to be named a First Team All-Star in each of his first five seasons.

On January 1, 2011, Ovechkin played in his first outdoor game, the 2011 NHL Winter Classic. The Capitals won the game. On March 9, he recorded his 600th career point. On April 5, he scored his 300th career goal, becoming one of the youngest and fastest players to reach that mark.

During the NHL lockout in 2012, Ovechkin played for Dynamo Moscow in the KHL. His team won the Gagarin Cup championship. When the NHL season restarted, Ovechkin led the league in goals with 32, earning his third Rocket Richard Trophy. He also won the Hart Memorial Trophy for the third time in his career.

Stanley Cup Champions! (2013–2019)

On December 20, 2013, Ovechkin scored his 400th career goal. He was the sixth-fastest player to reach this milestone. He won his fourth Rocket Richard Trophy in the 2013–14 season with 51 goals.

Secretary Kerry Meets Capitals Star Ovechkin Before Olympics Send-Off (12354241463)
Ovechkin meeting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in the Capitals locker room, 6 February 2014

On November 4, 2014, Ovechkin set a new Capitals franchise record with his 826th point. On March 31, 2015, he scored his 50th goal of the year, becoming the sixth player in NHL history to have six 50-goal seasons. A few days later, he passed Peter Bondra to become the Capitals' all-time leading goal scorer. He won his fifth Rocket Richard Trophy with 53 goals.

Ovechkin (24672627026)
Ovechkin at a Capitals practice in October 2015. During the 2015–16 season, he became the first Russian player to reach the 500-goal plateau in the NHL.

On January 10, 2016, Ovechkin scored his 500th and 501st goals, becoming the 43rd player to reach 500 goals and the first Russian player to do so. He was also the fifth-fastest player to reach this milestone. He won his sixth Rocket Richard Trophy with 50 goals in the 2015–16 season. The Capitals won the Presidents' Trophy as the best team in the regular season.

On January 11, 2017, Ovechkin scored his 1,000th career point, becoming the 37th player in NHL history to reach 1,000 points with only one team.

Alex Ovechkin with Stanley Cup
Ovechkin with the Stanley Cup in June 2018

The 2017–18 season was a huge year for Ovechkin and the Capitals. He broke many NHL and team records. On October 7, 2017, he became the first player in 100 years to start a season with back-to-back hat tricks. On March 12, 2018, Ovechkin scored his 600th career goal, making him the 20th player to do so. On April 1, he played his 1,000th NHL game, becoming the first Capitals player to reach this milestone with the team. He won his seventh Rocket Richard Trophy with 49 goals.

In the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs, Ovechkin led the Capitals to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship! He scored 15 goals and 12 assists for 27 points in 24 playoff games. He helped the team defeat their rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and then the Tampa Bay Lightning, to reach the Finals. The Capitals then beat the Vegas Golden Knights in five games to win the Cup. Ovechkin was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs.

On December 6, 2018, Ovechkin became the fastest player in NHL history to take 5,000 shots on goal. On February 5, 2019, he recorded his 1,180th career point, passing Sergei Fedorov for the most points by a Russian-born player. He finished the 2018–19 season with 51 goals, winning his eighth Rocket Richard Trophy.

Chasing the All-Time Goal Record (2019–Present)

On November 30, 2019, Ovechkin scored his 24th career hat trick. In January 2020, he was named to the NHL All-Decade team for the 2010s, leading all players in goals during that decade. On February 22, 2020, Ovechkin scored his 700th career goal, becoming the eighth player in NHL history to reach this amazing feat. The 2019–20 season ended early due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Ovechkin shared the Rocket Richard Trophy with David Pastrňák with 48 goals each.

On July 27, 2021, Ovechkin signed a new five-year contract with the Capitals. On December 31, he scored his 275th power play goal, breaking Dave Andreychuk's all-time record. On March 15, 2022, Ovechkin scored his 767th career NHL goal, moving him into third place for all-time goals, passing Jaromír Jágr. On April 20, he scored his 50th goal of the season for the ninth time in his career, tying Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky for the most 50-goal seasons in NHL history. At 36 years old, he became the oldest player to score 50 goals in a season.

DD5 9826 (51941753125)
Ovechkin in March 2022

On November 5, 2022, Ovechkin scored his 787th goal with the Washington Capitals, setting a new NHL record for most goals with one team, passing Gordie Howe. On November 29, he broke Gretzky's record for most road goals with 403. Ovechkin became the third player in NHL history to score 800 regular season goals on December 13, 2022, by scoring a hat trick. On December 23, he scored his 801st and 802nd career goals, passing Gordie Howe for second most goals in NHL history, behind only Wayne Gretzky.

On January 14, 2023, Ovechkin scored his 30th goal of the season for the 17th time, tying Mike Gartner for the most 30-goal seasons. On March 21, he broke Gretzky's record for most 40-goal seasons, securing his 13th.

On December 7, 2023, Ovechkin recorded his 1,500th point, becoming the 16th player in NHL history to reach this mark. On February 10, 2024, he scored his 57th career empty-net goal, passing Wayne Gretzky for the most all-time. On April 9, 2024, Ovechkin scored his 30th goal of the season for his 18th 30-goal campaign, passing Mike Gartner for the most in NHL history.

On January 11, 2025, Ovechkin scored a goal, making him the second player in NHL history, after Gordie Howe, to record 20 consecutive 20-goal seasons. On January 16, 2025, Ovechkin scored a goal that meant he had scored on 179 different goalies, passing Jaromir Jagr for most goalies scored on in NHL history. On February 23, 2025, Ovechkin recorded his 32nd career hat trick, becoming the first player in NHL history to score 200 or more goals in three different decades.

On April 4, 2025, Ovechkin scored his 893rd and 894th goals, tying Wayne Gretzky for the all-time goals record. His 893rd goal also marked his 40th of the season, extending his own record for 40-goal seasons to 14. Two days later, on April 6, 2025, Ovechkin scored his 895th goal, becoming the all-time NHL leading goal scorer! Wayne Gretzky himself was there to congratulate him.

For his efforts in the 2024–25 season and his continued impact off the ice, Ovechkin was named the winner of the Mark Messier Leadership Award as a top leader in the sport.

Player Profile and Style

Alexander Ovechkin 3 2016-03-01
Ovechkin waits for the pass for a one-timer from the inside of the faceoff circle during a game in March 2016
Alex Ovechkin 1 Remix
Ovechkin skating up ice during a game in January 2022

Alexander Ovechkin is considered one of the greatest goal scorers in hockey history. He is known for his incredibly powerful shot, especially his one-timer, which he often shoots from a spot on the left side of the ice called his "office." Other players and coaches have praised his shooting skills and his ability to score goals that are not just lucky.

Ovechkin is also known for being a power forward, meaning he uses his strength and size to play a physical game. He can shoot very hard, even winning the hardest shot competition at the 2018 NHL All-Star Game skills competition with a shot over 100 miles per hour! His teammate Tom Wilson has called him "a machine" who creates energy and scores goals.

While famous for his goals, Ovechkin is also a skilled passer. He has made many assists, showing he can set up goals for his teammates too. Former Capitals coach Barry Trotz said that while everyone sees Ovechkin as a goal-scorer, he is also a very good playmaker.

Ovechkin is known for showing respect to opposing players. For example, in a game against the Montreal Canadiens, he applauded goalie Carey Price for making an amazing save against him. He also gave Price a fist bump in another game after Price returned from an injury, showing his support.

Ovechkin is a very durable player and rarely misses games due to injuries. He once famously said, "I'm okay; Russian machine never breaks," after being hit by a shot in practice.

In the past, Ovechkin received some criticism for his excited goal celebrations, like jumping into the boards. However, he has always been unapologetic about his passion for the game.

International Play

Alexander Ovechkin Russia vs Latvia 2010.jpg
Ovechkin at the 2010 Winter Olympics
Medal record
Men's ice hockey
Representing Flag of Russia.svg Russia
World Championships
Gold 2008 Canada
Gold 2012 Finland/Sweden
Gold 2014 Belarus
Silver 2010 Germany
Silver 2015 Czech Republic
Bronze 2005 Austria
Bronze 2007 Russia
Bronze 2016 Russia
Bronze 2019 Slovakia
World Junior Championships
Gold 2003 Canada
Silver 2005 United States
World U18 Championships
Silver 2002 Slovakia
Bronze 2003 Russia

Ovechkin has played for Russia in many international hockey tournaments. At age 16, he scored two hat tricks at the 2002 World U-17 Hockey Challenge. At 17, he became the youngest player ever to play and score for the senior Russian national team. He also won a silver medal at the 2002 IIHF World U18 Championships, scoring 14 goals.

At age 18, Ovechkin was named captain of the junior Russian national team. In 2003, his team won a gold medal at the World Junior Championships.

At age 19, Ovechkin was the youngest player to play in the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. He also helped the junior team win a silver medal at the 2005 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he was named the Best Forward. In 2005, he played in his first IIHF men's World Championships.

In the 2006 Winter Olympics, Ovechkin scored five goals, including the game-winner against Canada. He was the only non-Swedish or Finnish player named to the all-tournament team. He also helped Russia win gold medals at the 2008 IIHF World Championships, 2012, and 2014 World Championships.

In the 2010 Winter Olympics, Russia was a favorite to win gold, but they lost in the quarterfinals. Ovechkin also played in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, but his team lost in the quarter-finals.

Off the Ice and Community Work

Ovechkin has been featured on the covers of popular hockey video games like NHL 07, NHL 2K10, and NHL 21. He also launched his own line of streetwear. In 2009, he was named an ambassador for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Ovechkin loves cars. In 2015, at the 2015 NHL All-Star Game, he asked for a new car from Honda. He planned to donate it to the American Special Hockey Association, a charity that helps people with disabilities play ice hockey. He received a new Honda Accord, which was then auctioned off to benefit the charity.

After the Capitals won the Stanley Cup in 2018, Ovechkin was part of many memorable celebrations, including swimming in fountains with the Cup! That summer was even called "The Summer of Ovi" by the media.

Ovechkin is a big soccer fan and supports Liverpool F.C. He even signed a one-game contract with FC Dynamo Moscow, the club his father played for, and scored a goal in a friendly match.

Helping the Community

In 2006, Ovechkin started a program called Ovi's Crazy 8's. Through this program, he buys and donates eight Capitals season tickets to a group called Most Valuable Kids. This allows fans who might not otherwise get to see a game to attend for free. By 2024, over 5,700 people had enjoyed a game through this program.

Since 2014, Ovechkin has been an ambassador for the American Special Hockey Association. This charity helps individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities learn and grow by playing ice hockey.

In March 2025, Ovechkin announced he would partner with Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer (cancer in children) for every goal he scored as he chased the all-time goal-scoring record.

His Relationship with Russian Politics

Putin Ovechkin
Ovechkin with Vladimir Putin during an award ceremony for the Russian national ice hockey team at the Grand Kremlin Palace, May 2014

In November 2017, Ovechkin started a movement called PutinTeam to support Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ovechkin said his actions were a way to show support for his home country, not about politics. He explained that he plays in the U.S., which is his second home, and he doesn't want conflict between countries. Ovechkin has a personal relationship with Putin, who is a big hockey fan.

In February 2022, after the conflict in Ukraine began, Ovechkin called for peace. He said he had family in Russia and that it was a scary time, hoping it would end soon. He has stated that Putin is his president and he is Russian. Experts have noted that speaking out against Putin could have serious consequences for Ovechkin's family in Russia.

Friendship with Evgeni Malkin

2011-10-13 Capitals vs Penguins Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Game
Evgeni Malkin and Ovechkin take a ceremonial face-off with Mario Lemieux dropping the puck for the face-off in October 2011, nearly three years after their feud had ended.

Ovechkin had a rivalry with Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin, who was drafted right after Ovechkin in 2004. While they were once good friends, there was some tension between them for a while. However, they are now very close friends again. Malkin even gave a speech at Ovechkin's 35th birthday party in 2020.

Personal Life

In 2006, Ovechkin, playing golf for the first time, made a hole in one at a charity tournament.

Ovechkin was engaged to tennis player Maria Kirilenko, but they later called off their wedding. On September 11, 2015, Ovechkin announced his engagement to Nastya Shubskaya, the daughter of Russian actress Vera Glagoleva. They later got married.

Ovechkin and his wife have two sons. Their first son, born in August 2018, was named after Ovechkin's late brother, Sergei. Their second son was born in May 2020.

By June 2021, Ovechkin was studying to earn a Candidate of Sciences, which is similar to a PhD in Russia. His field of study is Pedagogical Sciences, which is about teaching and education.

Career Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

(Sources:)

Bold indicates led league
Bold italics indicate NHL record

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2001–02 Dynamo Moscow-2 RUS-3 19 18 8 26 20
2001–02 Dynamo Moscow RSL 21 2 2 4 4 3 0 0 0 0
2002–03 Dynamo Moscow RSL 40 8 7 15 29 5 0 0 0 2
2003–04 Dynamo Moscow RSL 53 13 11 24 40 3 0 0 0 2
2004–05 Dynamo Moscow RSL 37 13 13 26 32 10 2 4 6 31
2005–06 Washington Capitals NHL 81 52 54 106 52
2006–07 Washington Capitals NHL 82 46 46 92 52
2007–08 Washington Capitals NHL 82 65 47 112 40 7 4 5 9 2
2008–09 Washington Capitals NHL 79 56 54 110 72 14 11 10 21 8
2009–10 Washington Capitals NHL 72 50 59 109 89 7 5 5 10 8
2010–11 Washington Capitals NHL 79 32 53 85 48 9 5 5 10 10
2011–12 Washington Capitals NHL 78 38 27 65 56 14 5 4 9 8
2012–13 Dynamo Moscow KHL 31 19 21 40 14
2012–13 Washington Capitals NHL 48 32 24 56 46 7 1 1 2 4
2013–14 Washington Capitals NHL 78 51 28 79 49
2014–15 Washington Capitals NHL 81 53 28 81 58 14 5 4 9 6
2015–16 Washington Capitals NHL 79 50 21 71 33 12 5 7 12 2
2016–17 Washington Capitals NHL 82 33 36 69 50 13 5 3 8 8
2017–18 Washington Capitals NHL 82 49 38 87 32 24 15 12 27 8
2018–19 Washington Capitals NHL 81 51 38 89 40 7 4 5 9 19
2019–20 Washington Capitals NHL 68 48 19 67 30 8 4 1 5 2
2020–21 Washington Capitals NHL 45 24 18 42 12 5 2 2 4 2
2021–22 Washington Capitals NHL 77 50 40 90 18 6 1 5 6 0
2022–23 Washington Capitals NHL 73 42 33 75 48
2023–24 Washington Capitals NHL 79 31 34 65 20 4 0 0 0 0
2024–25 Washington Capitals NHL 65 44 29 73 14 10 5 1 6 6
RSL totals 151 36 33 69 106 21 2 4 6 35
NHL totals 1,491 897 726 1,623 831 161 77 70 147 83
KHL totals 31 19 21 40 14

International

Year Team Event GP G A Pts PIM
2002 Russia U17 5 12 2 14 17
2002 Russia WJC18 8 14 4 18 0
2003 Russia WJC 6 6 1 7 4
2003 Russia WJC18 6 9 4 13 6
2004 Russia WJC 6 5 2 7 25
2004 Russia WC 6 1 1 2 0
2004 Russia WCH 2 1 0 1 0
2005 Russia WJC 6 7 4 11 4
2005 Russia WC 8 5 3 8 4
2006 Russia OLY 8 5 0 5 8
2006 Russia WC 7 6 3 9 6
2007 Russia WC 8 1 2 3 29
2008 Russia WC 9 6 6 12 8
2010 Russia OLY 4 2 2 4 2
2010 Russia WC 9 5 1 6 4
2011 Russia WC 5 0 0 0 4
2012 Russia WC 3 2 2 4 2
2013 Russia WC 1 1 1 2 0
2014 Russia OLY 5 1 1 2 0
2014 Russia WC 9 4 7 11 8
2015 Russia WC 2 1 1 2 0
2016 Russia WC 6 1 1 2 2
2016 Russia WCH 4 1 2 3 6
2019 Russia WC 10 2 1 3 2
Junior totals 37 53 17 70 56
Senior totals 106 45 34 79 85

Honors, Awards, and Achievements

Stanley Cup at Nationals Park 125A4006 (42723315701)
Ovechkin hoisting the Stanley Cup at Nationals Park in June 2018 following the Capitals' victory in the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals.
Award Year Ref
NHL
Calder Memorial Trophy 2006
NHL All-Rookie Team 2006
NHL first All-Star team 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2019
NHL All-Star Game 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023
EA Sports NHL cover athlete 2007, 2021
NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition Breakaway Challenge Winner 2008, 2009, 2011
Art Ross Trophy 2008
Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020
Hart Memorial Trophy 2008, 2009, 2013
Lester B. Pearson Award/Ted Lindsay Award 2008, 2009, 2010
NHL 2000s All-Decade First Team 2009
NHL second All-Star team 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016
NHL All-Star Game SuperSkills Competition Hardest Shot Winner 2018
Stanley Cup champion 2018
Conn Smythe Trophy 2018
NHL 2K cover athlete 2010
NHL All-Decade team#NHL 2010s All-Decade First Team 2020
Mark Messier Leadership Award 2025
RSL/KHL
Russian Superleague champion 2005
Gagarin Cup champion 2013
International
World Junior Championships All-Star team 2005
Winter Olympics All-Star team 2006
World Championships All-Star team 2006, 2008
Kharlamov Trophy 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2018
Wayne Gretzky International Award 2019
Sources:
  • Orden of Honour.png Order of Honour
  • Asteroid 257261 Ovechkin was named in his honor by Leonid Elenin.
  • Ride of Fame honored Alex Ovechkin with a double-decker sightseeing bus in Washington, D.C.
  • The day after he received his first Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP for the 2007–08 season, he was given the key to the city by Washington Mayor Adrian M. Fenty for being the first Washington MVP winner in a major sport since Joe Theismann of the Washington Redskins in 1983.

Records and Achievements

(Sources:)

NHL Official Records

  • Most regular season career goals (897)
  • Most goals scored by a left wing in a career (897)
  • Most goals by a left winger in a single season (65)
  • Most points scored by a left wing rookie (106)
  • Most career points by a left winger (1623)
  • Most career shots on goal (6757)
  • Most career game-winning goals (136)
  • Most overtime goals career (27)
  • Most career power-play goals (325)
  • Most goaltenders scored on (183)
  • Most career 30-goal seasons (18)
  • Most career 40-goal seasons (14)
  • Most career 50-goal seasons (9) – Tied with Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy
  • Most consecutive 30 goal seasons (15) – Tied with Jaromir Jagr

NHL Unofficial Records

  • First player to win the Art Ross Trophy, Maurice Richard Trophy, Lester B. Pearson Award, and Hart Memorial Trophy in a single season.
  • Only player to be named to the NHL first All-Star team in each of his first five seasons
  • Most goals for a single team – 897
  • Most goals scored on the road in a career – 411
  • Most shots on goal by a left wing in a season – 528 (2008–09)
  • Most shots on goal by a rookie in a season – 425 (2005–06)
  • Most regular season points by a Russian-born NHL rookie – 106 (2005–06)
  • Only player to be named to both the NHL First and second All-Star teams in the same season (2012–13)
  • Most goals scoring titles (9)
  • Most goals by a Russian-born player – 897
  • Most points by a Russian-born player – 1,615
  • Most career empty net goals – (61)
  • Most career game-opening goals – 136

Washington Capitals Records

  • Most seasons with 50 or more goals – 9
  • Most shots on goal in a season – 528 (2008–09)
  • Most goals in a season – 65 goals (2007–08)
  • Most power play goals – 312
  • Most power play goals in a season – 25 goals (2014–15)
  • Most career penalty shots attempted – 12
  • Most goals in a season by a rookie – 52 goals (2005–06)
  • Most points in a season by a rookie – 106 points (2005–06)
  • Point streak by a rookie – 11 games (17 points; 5 goals, 12 assists; 18 March–7 April 2006)
  • Point streak by a rookie to start the season – 8 games
  • Goal streak by a rookie – 7 games (10 February–8 March 2006)
  • Most career hat tricks – 31
  • Most career goals – 895+
  • Most career points – 1,550
  • Most goals in a single postseason – 15 (2017–18)
  • Fastest overtime goal (6 seconds)

Interesting Facts About Alexander Ovechkin

  • Alexander’s mother was an Olympic basketball gold medalist.
  • His father played high-level soccer.
  • Alexander’s brother, Sergei, who introduced him to hockey, passed away when Alexander was ten. Alexander broke a hockey goalpost in half when taking a shot when he was the same age.
  • His nickname is Alexander the GR8 (Great).
  • Alexander says “no problem” a lot.
  • He has been on two video game covers.
  • In an ESPN commercial, he pretended to be a Russian spy.

Alexander Ovechkin Quotes

  • "Time move forward, and time move quick. So you just have to enjoy every second, every moment."
  • "Of course in a game you have to be serious, but still, you have to have fun."
  • "I like running all the time. When I run, I feel much better."
  • "It means a lot to represent your country."

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Aleksandr Ovechkin para niños

kids search engine
Alexander Ovechkin Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.