I thought it might be important to write down how we were feeling in this moment. So often, what we say is wrapped up in irony, bile, or fatuousness, but Sunday night was different. Sunday night was better.

All at the same time, we all seemed to realize that we were witness to something special, and — in addition to awe — we all seemed to feel the same feeling: gratitude.

It has been an incredible honor to help describe what Alex does on the ice. Sunday was something special for all. https://t.co/JjPbCi19rY

— Joe Beninati (@JoeBpXp) January 11, 2016

I love alexander ovechkin so much. my captain.

— me (@gaysforholtby) January 11, 2016

It's such an honor to watch @ovi8 every game. It's an even bigger honor to have him play here in Washington. We love Ovi!!! #Mr500

— chris (@sahbuhtay) January 11, 2016

I love you, Alex Ovechkin.

— ron mexico (Caps Year) (@Maryland_Sam) January 11, 2016

In all seriousness, Alex Ovechkin's passion and enthusiasm for hockey is why I love the sport as much as I do #500 @washcaps @ovi8

— liza (@lizapd206) January 11, 2016

https://twitter.com/bad_subject/status/686390374915375108

Alex Ovechkin is not a human being. It's a straight up privilege to watch this guy play this sport. #unreal #500 #501

— TJ Hogan (@TJ_Hogan11) January 11, 2016

https://twitter.com/QuickTypeRT/status/686381271673630722

Alex Ovechkin, we love you. https://t.co/ULyJY5uOLM

— Capitals Outsider (@CapsOutsider) January 11, 2016

Seeing Ovechkin score goal 500, the reaction by him, the crowd and his team. That's why I love hockey as much as I do.

— alone (@zachgreenan) January 11, 2016

https://twitter.com/katpeogh/status/686371997954273282

Congrats to Alex Ovechkin on 500 goals! Such a privilege to get to watch him here in Washington #Ovi500 #letsgocaps

— GART (@GarrettAllegra) January 11, 2016

Love me some Ovechkin. Good for him

— Paul (@pfournier33) January 11, 2016

I LOVE ALEX OVECHKIN

— Morgan Knight (@TALLADEGAKNIGHT) January 11, 2016

So grateful I get to live during a time where I get to see Alex Ovechkin play hockey. #500

— LEeETzZz (@TheLeeetz) January 11, 2016

Such a privilege to grow up watching Ovechkin play. I'll never forget this one. #CAPS #500 pic.twitter.com/YO9PXioI5c

— Stephen Smith (@SBSmith10) January 11, 2016

Been such a privilege to watch Ovechkin play for the Caps. 500 career goals. Greatest goal scorer of this generation by far!

— Tyler Brown (@CoachTylerBrown) January 11, 2016

I've been a huge hockey fan for about 15 years or so now, and Ovechkin is easily the best goal scorer I've had the privilege of watching.

— Thomas (@ThomasEli) January 11, 2016

Alexander Ovechkin is an international treasure. If you don't love him, you're wrong.

— Jason Botterill's Burner Account (@uGeneolgia) January 11, 2016

He may not have success in the playoffs, but it's been a god damn privilege to watch Ovechkin play every night for the last decade

— Katz (@MikeKatz301) January 11, 2016

Wow. So amazing to see @ovi8 get his 500th. We've watched every damn one and All 500 have been a pleasure. Thanks Mr Ovechkin.

— THE charles adkinson (@chasles22) January 11, 2016

Grateful to have grown up watching Alex Ovechkin. Truly a remarkable player.

— Jake (@J_Fahringer) January 11, 2016

https://twitter.com/ericajamesssss/status/686364821743366145

Congrats to Alex Ovechkin on becoming the 5th fastest to 500 goals. Privilege to watch one of the greatest goal scorers ever. #Caps #Great8

— Brandon Golden (@brandongolden11) January 11, 2016

Even though I don't remember every game Ovi has played, it's been an absolute blast & privilege watching this guy play. Simply legendary

— Michael Fleetwood (@MichaeFleetwood) January 11, 2016

It's an honor just to watch Ovechkin. #500 #Ovi #GOAT #Ovi500

— Raan Kyle (@RealRyanKiel) January 11, 2016

Alex Ovechkin the greatest player i will ever see play hockey. Thanks ❤

— ALL CAPS (@HarjDaMVP) January 11, 2016

https://twitter.com/Antonio_Mestre/status/686363375736123392

Beautiful stuff by Ovechkin on 500. Love it.

— Joe Yerdon (@JoeYerdon) January 11, 2016

Been an honor & a privilege to watch Alex Ovechkin score goals

— Ryan Mavity (@Ryan_Mavity) January 11, 2016

My hero! Alexander "The Great" Ovechkin with his 500th goal! Love it! Thank you @ovi8 👏🏼🙌🏼👌🏼

— Farshin Yeganeh (@farshmellow) January 11, 2016

Praise the GR8 8. God damn I love the capitals and Alexander Ovechkin

— 🚨 GO CAPS 🚨 (@TRINIDANHARRIS) January 11, 2016

I can’t believe I’ve gotten to watch this guy play for 10 years plus. It’s been an honor. #Ovechkin

— Long Island's Capo🌹 (@JeffreyKleiman) January 11, 2016

Ovechkin is the greatest, literally a privilege to watch. 500 goals, hope I get to see 500 more

— Gnar Lee (@im_not_nik) January 11, 2016

OVECHKIN IS WHY I LOVE SPORTS

— Allan (@ambp77) January 11, 2016

https://twitter.com/jordanclancyy/status/686362362799067136

ALEX OVECHKIN # 500!!!!!!! Love you Cap ❤️ #Gr8

— Kenzy (@kenzycole) January 11, 2016

https://twitter.com/WDCCapsFan/status/685934557892362240

And finally:

Hahaha ice

— Alex Ovechkin (@ovi8) April 23, 2011