Alexander Ovechkin Scores 900th NHL Goal, Goalie Attempts to Keep Puck

Alexander Ovechkin made history on Wednesday night by becoming the first player in NHL history to score 900 regular-season goals. The moment was accompanied by a bizarre turn of events when the opposing goalie apparently tried to keep the commemorative puck for himself.

The milestone goal came at the 2:39 mark of the second period during the Washington Capitals’ home game against the St. Louis Blues. Ovechkin intercepted a clearing attempt by Blues goalie Jordan Binnington and swooped in to backhand the puck into the net.

Immediately after the goal, cameras caught Binnington lunging for the puck and attempting to hide it in his pants. However, a linesman apparently told him to return it, and the scene quickly went viral.

Ovechkin’s reaction to his goal was classic: the 40-year-old veteran raised his arms, skated to the bench, and was mobbed by teammates. The historic achievement adds to his legacy and cements his status as the greatest goalscorer in league history.

The Capitals captain already holds the record for the most regular-season goals in NHL history, having surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing mark of 894 last season. However, he’s still chasing Gretzky milestone of most combined goals in the regular season and playoffs. Gretzky’s career total stands at 1,016. With Wednesday’s tally, Ovechkin now has 977 and will need 40 more to surpass him.

Ovechkin’s previous milestones have been met with widespread acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded his achievements, calling them not only a personal triumph but also a gift to hockey fans around the world. US President Donald Trump also congratulated the star, describing him as “a great hockey player, a great gentleman.”