Although Ovechkin scored two goals in the Capitals' first seven games, it was clear to Carbery this was not going to be repeat of last season, when Ovechkin didn’t score his seventh goal until his 34th game and had only 21 points during that span.

And once again, Alex Ovechkin has played a huge role in helping the Caps get out of the gates fast, and he accomplished something that hasn't been seen in the NHL in over 40 years. Ovechkin has already racked up six goals and seven assists in 10 games,

Alex Ovechkin is now on track to break Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record this season. Ovechkin scored his 858th goal in the Washington Capitals' ninth game to move into a 45-goal pace.

Gretzky has held the record since since March 23, 1994, when he leaped over his idol Gordie Howe (801). Ovechkin is hoping to get more texts from the Great One, maybe some advice as he gets closer to breaking the record. “I hope when it’s going to be close, he’ll give me some advice,” Ovechkin said. “But not yet.”

Ovechkin has five goals in his past four games to get on pace to catch and pass Wayne Gretzky for the NHL career goals mark before the end of the season — and Washington has won eight of 11.

Alex Ovechkin scored his 858th career goal and had two assists, and the Washington Capitals beat the Montreal Canadiens 6-3 to continue their strong start.

With the 2024-25 season now in progress, Ovechkin is on the verge of becoming the NHL's all-time goals leader. Ovechkin can pass Wayne Gretzky's mark (894) during the 2024-25 regular season. The Capitals standout currently has 860 career goals,

Alex Ovechkin is off to a hot start. The Washington Capitals’ 39-year-old captain was named the NHL’s First Star of the Week on Monday after scoring an NHL-best five goals in four games.