The Washington Capitals need to work overtime to dislodge four teams above them to clinch the playoff Wildcard berth. The odds look low, but with Alex Ovechkin on the roster, the Capitals can take one last shot at making a deep postseason run. At 40, Ovechkin remains a franchise cornerstone who has added yet another exemplary feat to his already extensive list of accomplishments.
Washington Capitals Icon Alex Ovechkin Sets Another Record at 40
Ovechkin is an enduring presence on the Capitals’ lineup, and for good reason. The 40-year-old forward made it the mission of his NHL career to dethrone Wayne Gretzky to become the leading goal-scorer in NHL history. In April last year, Ovechkin surpassed Gretzky during a match against the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena.
Even after establishing himself as the greatest goal-scorer in the NHL of all time, Ovechkin kept breaking records. In November 2025, he dethroned Gordie Howe to become the NHL player with the most goals in a single venue. Now, following the Capitals’ 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, the standout forward leads the list of NHL players with the most career game-winning goals.
During the latest Capitals-Flyers showdown, Ovi came for NHL icon Jaromir Jagr’s record. Jagr has 151 career game-winning goals, while Ovi, following Washington’s latest win over the Flyers, has 152.
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“On the night the @Capitals moved closer to a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, Alex Ovechkin also added another NHL record to his resume: most career game-winning goals (including playoffs),” NHL Public Relations shared on their social media.
On the night the @Capitals moved closer to a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, Alex Ovechkin also added another NHL record to his resume: most career game-winning goals (including playoffs). #NHLStats 🚨 pic.twitter.com/gJ2BDGpVsc
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) April 1, 2026
Dislodging division rivals the Flyers is the first step for the Capitals to get back into playoff contention. Philadelphia is only one spot ahead of Washington with 86 points against the Capitals’ 85. Ovechkin was painfully aware of the significance of the showdown against the Flyers and delivered what was expected of him.
“Just dragging guys into the fight, playing his best hockey at the most important time of the year, and scored a couple of huge goals getting to the net, and we needed those,” Capitals HC, Spencer Carbery said about Ovechkin, emphasizing his massive leadership role and ability to rise to the occasion.
The two goals against the Flyers have also catapulted Ovechkin into the elite company of those who have scored more than 30 goals above the age of 40. Ovi is the fourth to achieve such a remarkable feat, the others being Howe, Johnny Buyck, and Teemu Selanne.
