Ovechkin Breaks NHL Record With Goal Against Merilainen

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after his winning goal against the Ottawa Senators during third-period NHL hockey game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Sean Kilpa

Alex Ovechkin made history in the NHL by breaking the record for the most goaltenders scored on, surpassing Leevi Merilainen in overtime to secure a 1-0 victory for the Washington Capitals against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night. This remarkable achievement marked Ovechkin's 179th goal against a goalie, moving him ahead of Jaromir Jagr on the all-time list. The goal was scored on Merilainen, a 22-year-old rookie from Finland, who was playing in just his eighth NHL game.

Merilainen acknowledged Ovechkin's shooting prowess, stating, 'You have to know when he’s on the ice he’s going to shoot everything like he did today.' Ovechkin's winning goal came on his third shot on net and fifth attempt, as he capitalized on a pass from Rasmus Sandin during a 2-on-1 breakaway.

Reflecting on his goal, Ovechkin mentioned, 'I knew I should take a shot as soon as I can because I thought he may be thinking maybe I will pass it back to Sandy. It was a good one, and it went in, so I’ll take it.'

Earlier in January, Ovechkin also notched his 28th goal against Marc-Andre Fleury, solidifying his dominance over various goaltenders throughout his career. The Russian winger is now closing in on Wayne Gretzky’s career goals record, with his current tally standing at 874, just 21 goals shy of surpassing Gretzky's legendary mark of 894.

Goal was scored in overtime against rookie goalie Merilainen.

Ovechkin scored his 179th goal against a goalie, surpassing Jagr.

Ovechkin's 21st goal in 29 games despite missing 16 due to injury.

Ovechkin's exceptional scoring ability has been on full display this season, with his 21st goal in just his 29th game, despite missing 16 games due to a broken left leg. Impressively, Ovechkin has reached the 20-goal mark in all 20 of his NHL seasons, including the shortened seasons in 2013 and 2021 due to a lockout and the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively.

The Washington Capitals, boasting a record of 30 wins, 10 losses, and five overtime losses, currently lead the NHL standings. Ovechkin's remarkable performance this season has positioned him as a frontrunner to surpass Gretzky's goal-scoring record, with the potential to achieve this historic milestone in the upcoming months.

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