The Washington Capitals are chasing greatness on two fronts during the 2024-25 NHL season. While the team in the nation’s capital sits at the top of the standings and is looking like a wagon heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Alex Ovechkin is hunting for one of the most remarkable records in league’s history. However, amid a sensational year, the organization learned a hard truth after their captain’s latest comment.
The Capitals are riding a four-game win streak, with Ovechkin getting to just nine goals away from the NHL all-time goals record. Everything seems to be clicking for the Caps as of late, and the fans cannot help but get excited about their chances at the Stanley Cup.
However, they cannot get ahead of themselves, they must finish out the regular season first, and anything can happen come playoff time. Perhaps Ovechkin’s personal accolade is the omen for the Capitals‘ postseason success.
Though it seems improbable based on the pace he’s at, if Ovi misses on the record during this season, he will still be under contract for the 2025-26 campaign. While many fans hoped he’d stay and chase an unprecedented 1,000 goals mark, Ovechkin issued a blunt five-word response, signaling the future of his career once his contract in D.C. comes to an end.
Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates during warmups before playing against the New York Islanders at Capital One Arena on December 20, 2023 in Washington, DC.
“I don’t think so,” Ovechkin stated when asked if he’d sign another contract with Washington, via Sport-Express. “Most likely, yes, [I will go] to Dynamo [Moscow]. If health allows. It’s hard to plan for such a long term now.”
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Head-hunting
As the Capitals gear up to take on the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center, Ovechkin will look to add another victim to his extensive list of goaltenders he’s scored on. The Russian goal-machine holds the record for the most netminders scored on in NHL history, after getting pucks past 181 different goalies.
Not yet satisfied, Ovechkin could write another name in his resumé if the Ducks start 24-year-old Lukas Dostal and the Capitals’ star scores past him.
Potential farewell game
During his interview with Sport-Express, Ovechkin admitted his desire for a friendly match between the two hockey clubs of his life, the Washington Capitals and Dynamo Moscow. “If [the world situation] allows, we will think about it,” Ovechkin admitted.
Capitals left wing Alexander Alex Ovechkin (8) skates during warm ups before the Los Angeles Kings vs. Washington Capitals NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA game on February 4, 2020.
Ovechkin is an advisor for the team in Russia’s capital, and he last played for them during the 2012-13 NHL lockout. Dynamo would go on to win the Gagarin Cup, and though Ovechkin was already back in Washington, he was credited for the championship.
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Ovechkin is now fully focused on his individual accomplishments, as well as the Capitals’ season, where the franchise vies to capture its second Stanley Cup.
