Monday night, Alex Ovechkin scored his 600th career NHL goal against Connor Hellebuyck and the Winnipeg Jets.
Friday against the Islanders, the Capitals held a special pregame ceremony honoring Ovechkin, which included a video tribute and a special gift.
Video
First the team played a tribute video while Ovi stood beside the Caps bench.
“Alex Ovechkin, we all love you and are grateful for you,” owner Ted Leonsis said. “Congratulations on this next milestone. 600 goals is fantastic and historic. I see 700 or maybe 800 in your future.”
Several Hockey Hall of Famers filmed videos congratulating Ovechkin as well.
Jari Kurri: “Hi, Ovi. Jari Kurri here. Congratulations, 600. Welcome to the club.
Luc Robitaille: “Congratulations and welcome to the 600 club.”
Brendan Shanahan: “I just want to congratulate you on scoring 600 goals. It’s really an incredible feat to do it so soon in your career with so many years left. I wish you continued success. You’ve got such a passion for the game. It was great playing against you. It’s great watching you play now. I wish you many, many more goals except when you play the Toronto Maple Leafs. But you’re a class act, you’re a great guy, and you’re great for the game of hockey. Thank you.”
Joe Sakic: “Hey, Ovi. Just want to wish you congratulations on 600 goals and I know we’ll be here in a few years congratulating you on 700. You’ve had a tremendous career. For me, it’s a lot of fun watching you play.”
Steve Yzerman: “Alex, congratulations on scoring your 600th goal in the National Hockey League. In the era where goals are so difficult to score, it’s a tremendous accomplishment – maybe more so than ever. I wish you the best of luck on your way to 700 and continued success.”
Jarome Iginla: “Congratulations on hitting 600 goals and so quickly. Man that’s fast. It feels like we just did the 500 one a couple months ago. Very impressive, it’s been fun to watch you your whole career. Keep going. Well done.”
Once the video concluded, Ovechkin was high-fived by his teammates and joined Leonsis, Patrick, and his wife for the presentation of his gift.
Two representatives of the Red Rockers unveiled a painting (which I really hope is not unlucky) of Ovechkin by Tony Harris.
#600VI painting is oil on canvas and was commissioned when Ovechkin was at goal 591. Last year for #NHL100 the @NHL commissioned @THFineArt to paint portraits of the top 100 players of all time, including Alex. The project took 11 months and can be seen at https://t.co/LstNR0YcSr
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 16, 2018
1 is nice, 3 is better. Tony Harris paints Alex through the years. pic.twitter.com/xMBbLtaoDN
— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) March 16, 2018
Ovechkin acknowledged his adoring fans…
…Took some pictures.
Another amazing milestone for @ovi8 – congratulations on #600VI! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/HLykhfueJ9
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 16, 2018
And then it was game time.
Ovechkin received the primary assist on the game’s first goal – a power play tally by TJ Oshie. Of course.
