Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin becomes only player in NHL history to start career with 19 consecutive 20-goal seasons

Ovechkin joined Gordie Howe and Brendan Shanahan as the only two players in league history to reach 19 consecutive 20-goal seasons.

Howe was able to do it in 22 consecutive seasons, but Ovechkin is the only one to do it from the beginning of his career, according to theScore’s Josh Wegman.

As of March 19, Ovechkin has 843 career goals, 51 behind Wayne Gretzky for first on the all-time list.

The 2023-24 campaign has been the low point for offensive production for Ovechkin, as his 0.33 goals-per-game is far and away the lowest mark of his career. His previous lowest goals-per-game was in 2016-17 with 0.40, where he scored 33 goals.

But even in a less productive season, Ovechkin still has 52 points in 64 games, second on the team in scoring behind Dylan Strome.

The Capitals are 33-25-9 with 75 points and have won three straight. Going into the games on March 19, the Capitals hold the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, one point ahead of the Detroit Red Wings and two ahead of the New York Islanders.

The Capitals’ next game is Wednesday as they host the Toronto Maple Leafs.