Capitals Ovechkin becomes fourth player 39 or older with a 30-goal season

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin notched his 30th goal of the campaign this evening in Washington’s win over the Calgary Flames.

Ovechkin’s goal now puts him within 12 goals of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal record. Ovechkin’s 30th goal also marks his 19th 30-goal campaign making him one of just four players to achieve the feat at 39 or older. Ovechkin joins Gordie Howe, Johnny Bucyk, and Teemu Selanne.

Ovechkin scored a hat trick on Sunday against the Edmonton Oilers, leading Washington to a 7-3 win. The Capitals have 24 regular-season games remaining on the schedule, meaning Ovechkin needs to score 12 more goals if he wants to break Gretzky’s record. With 30 goals in 42 games, Ovechkin has a goals-per-game rate of 0.714, putting him on pace to finish the season with 46 goals.

Earlier this season Ovechkin surpassed Hockey Hall of Famer and two-time Stanley Cup champion Phil Esposito on the all-time points list. The Russian winger now sits 44 points back of another multi-time Cup champion, Joe Sakic (1,641) for 10th.

Since getting first overall by the Caps in the 2004 NHL Draft, Ovechkin has turned the franchise around and, in a way, revolutionized the game. His scoring prowess was enhanced by the NHL’s new style of play coming out of the 2004-05 lockout. It has led to Ovi winning the Art Trophy in 2007-08, and becoming a three-time Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award winner.

Washington will face the St. Louis Blues on Thursday in action where Ovechkin will have the chance to continue his quest for greatness.

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