Assisting Ovechkin: Closer look at setting up 800-plus goals
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his goal with defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) and center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, in Washington. The Sabres won 5-4 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Nick Wass]
A total of 140 different teammates have assisted on at least one goal by Alex Ovechkin on his way to second on the NHL career list. Longtime center and Washington Capitals running mate Nicklas Backstrom leads the way with 276. Defenseman John Carlson is next with 142. Only 40 of Ovechkin’s 810 goals have been unassisted. He’s 85 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record that long seemed unapproachable.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates his goal with defenseman Erik Gustafsson (56), center Dylan Strome (17) and left wing Conor Sheary during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Nick Wass