Often thought of as a utopia, it has become a reality during the 2024-25 NHL season: Alex Ovechkin is now the all-time leading goal scorer in league history, surpassing Wayne Gretzky‘s 894 career goals. Throughout his career with the Washington Capitals, Ovi has terrified every team in the league—though some have endured more recurring nightmares at the hands of the Russian goal machine than others.
As the league reminisces about Ovechkin’s journey through the NHL and his road to immortality in the record books, some teams may still tremble at the sound of his name, as he has been a headache for organizations since entering the league in the 2005-06 campaign.
Ovechkin’s 895 career goals haven’t been evenly distributed among NHL franchises. Instead, some teams have endured and suffered Ovi’s merciless skill and wrathful shots on more occasions.
Surprisingly enough, Ovechkin has scored the most goals in his career against an organization that hasn’t shared the same conference as Washington in over a decade.
Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals looks on during a ceremony honoring him for becoming third all time in goals scored in the NHL before the start of the Capitals and New York Islanders at Capital One Arena on April 26, 2022 in Washington, DC.
Ovechkin’s favorite victims
Alex Ovechkin has scored the most goals against the Winnipeg Jets, with a staggering 57 total, according to StatMuse. However, this stat includes the Atlanta Thrashers‘ era, as the franchise relocated to Winnipeg in 2011 after enduring Ovechkin’s dominance for over five seasons. Of those 57 goals, 30 came against the Thrashers.
see also
Alex Ovechkin's net worth: How rich is the captain of the Washington Capitals?
The Carolina Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers are tied in second place, as they both conceded 52 goals to Ovechkin. The Tampa Bay Lightning closes out the podium, allowing 51 tallies to Ovi throughout his career.
Ovi’s Top 10 by goals scored against
- Winnipeg Jets/Atlanta Thrashers: 57 goals
- Carolina Hurricanes: 52 goals
- Philadelphia Flyers: 52 goals
- Tampa Bay Lightning: 51 goals
- New York Rangers: 46 goals
- Florida Panthers: 45 goals
- Toronto Maple Leafs: 45 goals
- New York Islanders: 45 goals
- Pittsburgh Penguins: 42 goals
- New Jersey Devils: 42 goals
Marching to glory
In case fans were wondering, Ovechkin has scored the most goals in his career during the month of March. Over 273 appearances—the most he has played in any month—he has totaled 161 goals.
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.
However, October is when Ovi has scored at his highest goals-per-game pace, averaging 0.68 goals per game around Halloween. Fittingly, he further cements his reputation as the one who haunts NHL franchises.
SurveyWhich NHL franchise would you have wanted Ovechkin to play for during his career?
Which NHL franchise would you have wanted Ovechkin to play for during his career?
already voted 0 people
However, it goes without saying that there’s never a good time for goaltenders to face Ovechkin, as his tremendous scoring ability continues to defy Father Time—even at 39 years old.
