On October 5, 2005, Alex Ovechkin scored his first NHL goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets, a moment that foreshadowed his future success. Nearly 20 years and 872 goals later, Ovechkin’s enthusiasm for the game remains undiminished, as noted by Capitals coach Spencer Carberry and teammate Pierre-Luc Dubois. Ovechkin’s unique stick choice reflects his commitment to comfort and performance, further emphasizing his status as one of hockey’s greatest shooters and a living legend.
WASHINGTON | October 5, 2005 – In a thrilling moment, Alex Ovechkin unleashed a breathtaking shot from the crease against the Columbus Blue Jackets, marking his inaugural goal in the National Hockey League.
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This moment was celebrated with pure joy, showcasing Ovechkin’s immense sense of achievement. Scoring your first NHL goal is a milestone that few players experience!
Fast forward nearly two decades and 872 goals later, the dynamic Russian forward, poised to become the all-time leading scorer in NHL history, continues to display the same level of enthusiasm and desire.
This morning, I shared my observations with Capitals coach Spencer Carberry, noting that “Ovie” still exhibits the same passion that he had in his rookie years. His smile and nod confirmed my thoughts were spot on.
“Absolutely! I’ve never seen him have a bad day on the ice,” Carberry remarked. “I wish I could see both the rookie Alex Ovechkin and the 39-year-old version side by side. I believe the energy and enthusiasm would be indistinguishable.”
“His love for scoring goals is unwavering. You could compare the video of his first-ever NHL goal with his latest, and the celebration would be the same! His passion for the game is undoubtedly a key contributor to his extraordinary success.”
In the Capitals’ locker room, Pierre-Luc Dubois radiated excitement while discussing his remarkable teammate.
“Being in the locker room with him is a delight. He’s always smiling and joking around, which really enhances the team spirit. I’ve admired him since childhood, and now to play alongside him is just… incredible.”
When I shared Carberry and Dubois’ insights with Martin St-Louis, the Canadiens coach who competed against Ovechkin for many years, he readily agreed.
“You don’t play until 39 if you don’t have a deep love for the game. His passion is evident. What’s impressive is his versatility—he can physically dominate or outmaneuver you with finesse. He possesses an array of skills and knows exactly when to deploy them.”
“The Greatest Shooter in History”
Clearly, scoring 872 goals in the NHL is a rare feat.
Among Ovechkin’s many strengths is his astonishing shot—truly unparalleled and likely unmatched for generations.
“You have to always be aware of his position on the ice. He is, without a doubt, the best shooter in history!” Alexandre Carrier stated emphatically just hours before a showdown with the legendary number eight.
Pierre-Luc Dubois echoed this sentiment with even greater enthusiasm.
“Some players earn the title of ‘legend’ post-career, but he is a living legend! When he scores, you often think to yourself that if you attempted the same shot, it would never find the net. For him, however, that shot is a gift. He’s truly exceptional.”
A Unique and Crucial Stick
One fascinating aspect of being a journalist traveling with the Canadiens is the chance to observe and discuss elements that might remain unnoticed in Montreal.
Among these insights is the intriguing detail about Ovechkin’s stick.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Ovechkin is among the tallest players on his team. Yet, his stick appears notably shorter compared to those of Dubois and Jacob Chychrun.
“Alex believes he gets a better feel for his shots with a shorter stick,” a Capitals insider shared with me this morning.
For several months, Ovechkin has been using custom Pro Stock Hockey sticks, a choice unique to him on the Capitals roster.
“CCM and Bauer no longer offered sticks that matched his comfort and flexibility requirements, so he took matters into his own hands,” the source revealed.
From my perspective, Ovechkin could find a way to score with virtually any stick. But why not utilize the utmost comfort as he approaches a world record?