GR8 From The Start: Track Highlights Of Ovechkin’s Career
As Alex Ovechkin nears Wayne Gretzky's career-goal scoring mark, reflect on some notable milestones in the Caps star's career via ESPN's storytelling
GR8 From The Start: Track Highlights Of Ovechkin’s Career
For nearly two decades, ESPN has documented Alex Ovechkin’s dominance on the ice, producing memorable stories and other content for hockey fans that encapsulate the unforgettable moments of his legendary career.
From gracing the cover of ESPN The Magazine to starring in a “This is SportsCenter” spot and milestone celebrations on SportsCenter, the Washington Capitals left wing’s journey to 800 goals and beyond has been chronicled at every turn.
Thursday, “The GR8 Chase” skates on.
Ovechkin (889 goals) continues his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goal-scoring record (894) when the Capitals face the Minnesota Wild (7:30 p.m., ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu).
Other upcoming Capitals games on ESPN and Disney platforms include:
- Thu, April 10: 7:30 p.m. | Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes | ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu
- Sat, April 12: 12:30 p.m. | Capitals at Columbus Blue Jackets | ABC, ESPN+
- Tue, April 15: 8 p.m. | Capitals at New York Islanders | ESPN
- Thu, April 17: 7 p.m. | Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins | ESPN
- all times ET
Here’s a look at some of the standout moments that help define his path to greatness.
2008
ESPN The Magazine
In 2008, Ovechkin’s physical, high-scoring style and growing influence in the NHL is the subject of ESPN The Magazine’s NHL Preview Issue cover story. (Cover photo credit: Phil Mucci for ESPN)
2010
Bucci Predictions
In a 2010 ESPN.com story, play-by-play commentator and host John Buccigross first speculates that Ovechkin could break Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record. Buccigross doubles down in 2016 and again in 2021, predicting the date during the 2024-25 season when Ovechkin would surpass 894 — not far off from where he is now.
2011
“This Is SportsCenter”
Ovechkin appears in ESPN’s iconic ad campaign — in the spot entitled “Spy” — alongside ESPN commentator Steve Levy.
2012
SportsCenter “My Wish”
As part of ESPN’s long-running SportsCenter “My Wish” series — which features famous athletes and coaches granting sports-themed wishes for kids — Ovechkin skates with Sam Jacobson, creating an unforgettable experience on and off the ice for the young fan with cystic fibrosis.
2016
500th Goal
Following his 801st NHL game, Ovechkin appears on SportsCenter after he becomes the first Russian-born player with 500 goals.
2022
Detail
In May 2022, ESPN+ debuts a hockey-themed episode of Kobe Bryant’s Detail series with Hall of Famer Brett Hull analyzing Ovechkin’s play using his NHL game film.
2022
800th Goal Multimedia Piece
In a special multimedia piece for ESPN.com published in December, ESPN NHL National Hockey Writer & NHL Reporter Emily Kaplan highlights the key milestones throughout Ovechkin’s career that lead to his historic 800th career goal.
2023
GR8TNESS
ESPN’s one-hour all-access special “Gr8tness,” reported by NHL analyst Kevin Weekes, features historic footage and a series of exclusive sit-down interviews with Ovechkin about his chase to break Gretzky’s all-time scoring record.
