Alex Ovechkin scored a power play goal against the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night at Little Caesar’s Arena. The goal was the 275th power play goal of Ovechkin’s NHL career, allowing him to pass Dave Andreychuk for sole possession of first place on the NHL’s all-time power play goals list.

The goal was came at 17:10 of the third period, and was assisted by Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom.

The new all-time leader in power play goals: Alex Ovechkin 🙌

(via @ESPNPlus)pic.twitter.com/LXNZqFjvys

— SI NHL (@SI_NHL) January 1, 2022

The official scorers went back and fourth on whether the goal came during the power play or just after the power play expired, but finalized their decision some 45 minutes after the game had ended.

The NHL has confirmed that Alex Ovechkin’s goal scored at 17:09 of the third period is a power play goal. It marks Ovechkin’s 275th career power goal, making him the NHL’s all-time leader in power play goals. https://t.co/PVqUfCfnYH

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) January 1, 2022

The power play goal was his sixth of the 2021-22 season and was his 23rd goal of the season. Ovechkin added an empty net goal near the end of the game, and is now is tied for first place in the NHL for goals with 24.

This goal was Ovechkin’s 1,369th NHL point which ties him with Johnny Bucyk for 25th on the all-time points list. His empty net goal later in the game allowed him to take over sole possession of 25th place in NHL points.

Hear from the man of the hour, the game, and the calendar year 2021.

Alex Ovechkin speaks on the win and breaking the all-time power play goals record!!! pic.twitter.com/H90891vhe4

— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) January 1, 2022

The 36-year-old forward is in his 17th NHL season and played his 1,227th game. His most recent power play goal was the 274th of his career, which tied Andreychuk, occurred on December 15 in a 5-4 Overtime loss against the Chicago Blackhawks.

“It’s going to be a very interesting moment for me and, I think, for the League just to get this (record) and be No. 1,” Ovechkin said in November.

He has had other notable scoring milestones this season including his 750th goal, which he scored on Dec. 4 in a 3-1 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Can’t wait to tell the grandkids I was on the ice for this one. The Legend continues!! #Gr8 #Legend https://t.co/zsCzwwIh2M

— TJ Oshie (@TJOshie77) January 1, 2022

Bro, ⁦@ovi8⁩ All time leader in power play goals. Keep doing what you are doing. I’m so happy for you that you reached that goal. Big milestone❤️#hesgotothergoalsinmind pic.twitter.com/6JZ8j3UDoI

— Nicklas Backstrom (@backstrom19) January 1, 2022

Andreychuk retired in 2006 after playing 1,639 games in 23 NHL seasons.

“If he continued to stay healthy, and wanted to play, he was eventually going to go by me,” Andreychuk said. “So when that day comes, I had a good run. Let’s just say that. It’s been a while. It’s been fun. And to be put in that same class, as Phil Esposito (sixth with 246), Brett Hull (third with 265), and now Alex Ovechkin, I’m so very honored.”

Alex Ovechkin scored his 119th career game-winning goal and surpassed Phil Esposito (118) for the third most in NHL history. Only Jaromir Jagr (135) and Gordie Howe (121) have more.#NHLStats: https://t.co/yaNnkU0wKi pic.twitter.com/hm1MGaXb0x

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 1, 2022

In more milestones, it was also Ovechkin’s 119th career game-winning goal which surpassed Phil Esposito (118) for the third most in NHL history and is only behind Gordie Howe (121) and Jaromir Jagr (135). He also tied Mario Lemieux for the 3rd most multi-goal games (154).  With his two goals, he now has 1370 points, which passed Johnny Bucyk (1369) in career points so he now ranks 25th overall and second among left wingers in NHL history.  The left winger with the most points is  Luc Robitaille with 1394.

By Diane Doyle

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Washington Capitals (@capitals)