Ovechkin repeated the record for matches without goals at the start of the NHL season

Russian captain “Washington Capitals” Alexander Ovechkin repeated the personal record for the number of goalless matches since the start of the NHL season.

The 41-year-old Russian failed to hit goal in the home match with the New York Rangers (3-1). He spent almost 14 minutes on the ice, made two throws and two power receptions.

In the first match of the new season, Ovechkin scored a goal assist in the game with the current Stanley Cup winner Carolina Hurricanes (5: 2), but broke his personal record for playing time (12 minutes 46 seconds). In the next games against the Tampa Bay Lightning (1:3) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (5:3) Ovechkin was left without scored points.

Ovechkin previously only three times could not throw the puck in the first four games of the regular championship of the NHL (2012/13, 2023/24, 2025/26). The Russian then interrupted the goalless series at the start of the season in the fifth game.

This season, Ovechkin can beat Wayne Gretzky's record for the total number of goals in the NHL (including the playoffs) - 1016. Now on account of the Russian was 1007 goals. He is already the best sniper in the history of regular championships.

Washington will play their next game at home against Seattle Kraken on the night of October 12.