Alex Ovechkin scored the first goal of the season. © APA / PATRICK SMITH

The great salvation for the record goalscorer

The new National Hockey League (NHL) season began ten days ago. There have already been some spectacular scenes, and the next one followed last night: This time, it was a Russian's exuberant celebration that made headlines.

18 October 2025

From: mv

1,91 meters tall, 108 kilograms, and 40 years old—but still in stunning shape: We're talking about Alex Ovechkin. The Russian has played continuously for the Washington Capitals in the NHL since 2005. Last season, he broke the all-time goal-scoring record held by figurehead Wayne Gretzky, who scored 894 goals in his career.

In 1.495 games, Ovechkin has scored 897 goals. Last night, the Russian could finally breathe a sigh of relief – he hadn't celebrated a goal in the first four games of the new season. In game number 1.496, the long-awaited moment finally arrived: 79 seconds into the third period of the game against the Minnesota Wild, Dylan Strome won a face-off and fed Ovechkin, who didn't need to be asked twice, slamming the puck into the top corner.

Victories for Detroit, Vancouver and Utah

It was the goal that temporarily put the Capitals up 3-1, and ultimately won 5-1. Ovechkin has four points after five games – in addition to a goal, he has already provided three assists for his teammates. For the Capitals, however, it was their fourth consecutive win.

Detroit captain Dylan Larkin turns away in celebration: He just scored the winning goal in overtime. © APA / GREGORY SHAMUS

Things aren't going so well for the San Jose Sharks at the moment, suffering a 6-3 defeat against Utah Mammoth – their fourth loss in four games of the season. Detroit captain Dylan Larkin, on the other hand, led his team to a 2-1 overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Vancouver Canucks beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in a shootout. Brock Boeser converted the decisive penalty.