It took four games but Alex Ovechkin has officially opened his 2024-25 account with the Washington Capitals, scoring the team’s third goal of the night against the New Jersey Devils.
Ovechkin redirected a puck in front of the net to put Washington up 3-1 late in the first period Saturday. His first tally of the season was his 854th career goal and now puts him just 40 away from tying Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky for most goals all-time (894).
“The Great Eight,” as he’s affectionately called, tallied 31 goals in 2023 after a slow start which put him on the potential collision course with “The Great One” this year.
The Russian star — who is known for his goal-scoring prowess — hasn’t been invisible for Washington so far this season, recording three assists over the team’s first three games.
One of those helpers was the 700th of his career which made him just the sixth player in NHL history to log at least 700 goals and assists.
Ovechkin’s goal Saturday helped spark Washington to an offensive explosion, scoring five goals over the first two periods — the most it’s scored in a game all season.
The Capitals needed overtime to down a young and resilient New Jersey team 6-5, winning three straight contests since losing their season opener to these same Devils just a week ago.
