While Alexander Ovechkin may still be chasing Wayne Gretzky’s record for the most all-time goals in the NHL, he did earn another record on Tuesday night.
Scoring his 30th goal of the season against the Detroit Red Wings, Ovechkin became the first player in league history to score at least 30 goals in 18 seasons.
The Washington Capitals star has scored at least 30 goals in every season of his career except for the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season. That season was shortened to 56 games, with Ovechkin playing in only 45.
Along with his 30 goals this season, Ovechkin also has 33 assists for a total of 66 points in 75 games.
He has 852 career goals, just 42 fewer than Gretzky’s 894.
The 38-year-old Russian was drafted by the Capitals as the first overall pick in 2004 and has spent every season with the team since 2005-06.
