Make the Great 8’s total 800.
In Tuesday’s 7-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, superstar Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals scored a hat trick to record his 800th career goal.
8️⃣0️⃣0️⃣#Gr800 | @LeidosInc pic.twitter.com/8oXIdqOSGX
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 14, 2022
Ovechkin made a clumsy start to his big night by batting at the puck on a broken play until it managed to get past Petr Mrazek.
None other than who 🐐 pic.twitter.com/jnBED6AAXz
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 14, 2022
The second goal was not much more impressive; it was willingly put in as Chicago’s defenders stretched over the crease to block it after seizing a stray puck behind Mrazek.
This man is unbelievable pic.twitter.com/pDqeMLZFB1
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 14, 2022
If you were hoping for the iconic Ovi one-timer, tonight could have disappointed you because the Russian star looked determined to score the flimsiest goals he could.
On another goal mouth scramble, he scored his third goal of the game, patiently corralling the puck and putting it high in the net, away from a flailing Mrazek.
As hats fell onto the United Center ice, the Capitals captain was greeted by his teammates. The in-person Blackhawks fans made sure to congratulate Ovechkin on the accomplishment with a dignified standing ovation.
IT’S HISTORY, BABES! pic.twitter.com/ENTC23b2E4
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 14, 2022
History.
Giving Ovechkin a microphone throughout the game was someone’s brilliant idea, and it paid off handsomely as spectators got to see his wonderful reaction to the key score.
MIC’D UP FOR #Gr800? Yes, please.#ALLCAPS | @Enterprise pic.twitter.com/TKsddvNMZs
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 14, 2022
Even after seeing that wild yell 800 times, we’ll never grow bored of it.
Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane complimented Ovechkin on his accomplishment at the conclusion of the game, despite the disappointment of a challenging loss.
Love the respect shown between Ovechkin and Toews and Kane 🤝 congratulating Ovi on 800 pic.twitter.com/6N1cNldHf8
— Alex Micheletti (@AlexMicheletti) December 14, 2022
The 37-year-old is now within reach of Wayne Gretzky’s 894-goal record and is just one goal away from tying Gordie Howe for second all-time in NHL goals. Ovechkin has 800 goals and 644 assists for 1,444 points in 1,305 games throughout the course of his career.
The Great 8 is still going strong despite being in his 18th NHL season, scoring 20 goals and dishing out 14 assists in just 31 games this year.
With a record of 15-12-4 and 34 points, Washington is now sixth in the Metropolitan Division, outside of the playoffs.