In a recent NHL regular season clash, Russian winger Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals added a goal and an assist as his team edged the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3. The scoring line—one goal plus one assist—contributed to a productive night for the longtime Capitals captain, underscoring his continued impact as a veteran scorer in North American hockey.
That performance bumped Ovechkin to 80 points on the season, split as 43 goals and 37 assists. At 36 years old, this marks the tenth season in which he has reached the 80-point milestone, a testament to his longevity and consistent production. Comparisons across the league show he has now joined a select group of elite players whose output at this stage of their careers has remained remarkably strong, bridging eras in the sport and highlighting how a player can adapt while facing a new generation of opponents.
Historically, Ovechkin’s annual point totals have placed him among hockey’s all-time greats. The list of peers with multiple 80-point seasons includes names such as Wayne Gretzky, Dale Hawerchuk, Marcel Dionne, Mark Messier, Joe Sakic, Steve Yzerman, Ron Francis, Mario Lemieux, Brian Trottier, and Phil Esposito. These comparisons help frame Ovechkin’s current production within the wider landscape of NHL history, illustrating the caliber of performance required to sustain offense at a high level across many seasons.
With a career total of 773 goals, Ovechkin remains the third-highest goal-scorer in league history. The all-time mark stands above him, holding at 801 goals by Gordie Howe and 894 by Wayne Gretzky. While the chase for single-season and career records continues to captivate fans, Ovechkin’s current goal tally reinforces his place among the franchise greats and the broader history of scoring prowess in the NHL.
Earlier reports noted that Ovechkin appeared in his 1,265th regular-season game. This milestone, reached over a lengthy career that has seen him take on both leadership duties and clutch shifts, reflects durability and consistency. While other legends have crossed the same thresholds—either recently or in different eras—Ovechkin’s sustained presence in the lineup has become a defining feature of his tenure with the Capitals. He sits among the enduring figures who have logged vast numbers of regular-season appearances, contributing to the team’s depth and experience across seasons.