Alex Ovechkin passes Gordie Howe for second in all-time NHL goals

Alex Ovechkin has passed legendary forward Gordie Howe for the most goals in NHL history, scoring his 801st and 802nd goals against the Winnipeg Jets on Friday.

The 801st goal came with 1:38 left in the first period, with Dylan Strome grabbing the assist. Jets backup David Rittich was the goaltender of record on the wrist shot from just near the high slot.

The 802nd goal came in the dying minutes to make it a 4-1 game. Just 16 seconds earlier, he hit the goal post.

Ovechkin’s next goal will put him in sole position for second all-time, with Wayne Gretzky having the lead at 894.

Nicknamed the “Great Eight,” Ovechkin is on pace to finish with 50 goals in 2022-23, which would be the 10th time in his career if it occurred. Ovechkin managed his 802nd goal in his 1,310th game, which was 457 fewer than Howe.

Ovechkin, who has spent all 16 seasons with the Capitals, is widely considered to be the greatest goal-scorer of his generation, and he has shown no signs of stopping at 37 years old. He’s the third scorer to hit 800 in his career and the first European. Jaromir Jagr is the only other European forward to surpass the 700-goal mark, with Jagr sitting at 766 in fourth.