These are the moments that make hockey great.
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin made NHL history Friday night against the Winnipeg Jets, scoring his 802nd career goal to pass Gordie Howe for the second most all time.
The Great 8 continues his climb. 📈
With goal 802, Alex Ovechkin (@ovi8) now has the second most goals in NHL history! 🦅 pic.twitter.com/ySJOeb2pek
— NHL (@NHL) December 24, 2022
Ovechkin and the Capitals dominated the Jets to win 4-1 on Ovi’s historic night. Even though the game was lopsided, the Winnipeg Jets players all lined up after the game to shake Ovechkin’s hand.
The respect the Jets have for Ovechkin goes way past the scoresheet. They recognize the magnitude of Ovi’s accomplishment and how hard he has worked to get here. Even after a deflating loss, the Jets weren’t leaving the ice without showing their appreciation.
Check out all the Jets players sticking around after the game to shake Ovechkin’s hand and take part in the standing ovation:
Video:
Winnipeg Jets pay respect to Alex Ovechkin after the game. Awesome. pic.twitter.com/SWS4XmmDot
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) December 24, 2022
Veterans Mark Scheifele and Sam Gagner were among the players who exchanged some words with the Great 8. They, in particular, can appreciate the mountain Ovechkin has had to climb to get to this point.
Ovechkin now trails NHL goal leader Wayne Gretzky by 92 NHL goals on the all-time goals list. Gretzky retired following the 1998-99 season.
Considering how much respect the Jets showed Ovechkin on Friday, we can only imagine what the scene will be like when Ovechkin passes Gretzky in the future.