Alex Ovechkin continues to solidify his status as one of the greatest goal-scorers in NHL history.
On Saturday, the Washington Capitals superstar scored his 700th career goal, making him the second-youngest to accomplish the feat. Only Wayne Gretzky reached the 700-goal plateau at a younger age or in fewer games than 34-year-old Ovechkin, who became the eighth player in league history to hit the mark.
The landmark goal came in vintage Ovechkin fashion, with him hitting a one-timer from the right faceoff dot to beat New Jersey Devils goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood at the 4:50 mark of the third period.
Ovechkin 700: Top 7 goals | Can Ovi catch Gretzky?
Ovechkin was swarmed by his Capitals teammates, who emptied the bench to celebrate with their captain.
Ovechkin knew it was just a matter of time until he reached the milestone.
"Obviously when you get closer, I was thinking about it... when it’s going to happen, but I knew someday even if I didn’t score today we still have 20 games and one goal I would score," Ovechkin told reporters after Saturday's game. "I don’t think our team was thinking about it too much, but it’s something when you know its going to come you just have to wait a little bit."
The Moscow native added that hitting the 700 mark was fun to celebrate, but he's not going to dwell on it for too long.
"Pretty big number, pretty big company," he said. "Let’s forget about it and move on."
In joining the NHL's 700 club, Ovechkin becomes just the second player after Gordie Howe to do so with one franchise. Additionally, he now trails Gretzky by 194 goals for the all-time lead.