By the Numbers: 8—Why Alex Ovechkin Still Commands the

When thinking about the number “8” in the game of hockey, it comes with a whole lot of personality. It’s the number Alex Ovechkin has worn for more than twenty years—a number hockey fans everywhere instantly connect with power, swagger, and that unmistakable Ovi grin. Now 40 years old, Ovechkin isn’t tiptoeing toward retirement. With 907 NHL goals, he’s still out there shaking arenas, reminding everyone why he’s been must-watch hockey for over two decades.

Number 8: Where the Legend Began

Think back to his rookie season in 2005–06. It didn’t take long for people to realize the NHL had something special on its hands. Ovechkin stormed into the league with 52 goals and 106 points, scoring the kind of goals that made you jump off the couch. Right away, that number on his back felt bigger than a jersey choice—it felt like a warning label: expect fireworks, and probably soon.

The GR8 Chase: A Jersey Number Etched Into History

Over the years, Ovechkin turned chasing milestones into its own form of entertainment. He didn’t just pass legends; he sprinted past them. When he became the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer and cracked the 900-goal mark earlier this season, it wasn’t just another headline—it was another moment in a career built on refusing to slow down. And the best part? He plays like someone who still thinks he has more to do.

Another 3-Goal Night: The Hat Trick Heard Around Hockey

Then came last night, when he added another hat trick to his collection—hat trick number 33, if you’re counting. Three more goals, three more reminders that even at 40 years old, Ovechkin can still flip a game on its head. Watching him celebrate feels the same as it did years ago: the leap, the stick in the air, the crowd losing its mind. If you didn’t know his age, you’d never guess it.

Ovi: The Heart of the Capitals

For the Capitals, Ovechkin isn’t just the captain—he’s the emotional heartbeat. He’s worn the “C” since 2010, setting the tone in the room and on the ice. Teammates feed off him. Fans follow his lead. Opponents still circle his name on the whiteboard, because they have to.

The Great 8: A Legacy Still Unfolding

That’s why the number “8” feels so much bigger than just another digit on an NHL jersey. It represents an illustrious career that keeps astonishing fans everywhere so remarkably, even when we think we’ve seen it all. And as long as Ovechkin keeps skating, keeps scoring, and keeps putting on a show, the story of hockey’s greatest goal scorer remains delightfully unfinished—one shift, one goal, one moment at a time.