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Alex Ovechkin named NHL’s First Star of the Month after a nine-goal October

By Bijan Todd

Alex Ovechkin named NHL's First Star of the Month for October originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin was named the NHL’s First Star of the Month for October 2021, the league announced Tuesday.

It’s easy to see why Ovechkin’s autumn tear earned him that recognition. He led the NHL in goals with nine over Washington’s eight games during the month, during which the Capitals never lost a contest in regulation.

Ovechkin also tied his season-opening point streak record with a tally in all of Washington’s eight games. The last time he accomplished that feat was in his rookie year in 2005-06 when he put up six goals and four assists over eight games.

The Capitals enjoyed the spoils of Ovechkin’s work as they climbed up the Metropolitan Division rankings to third, which is where they are currently tied with the New York Rangers at 13 points apiece.

Ovechkin’s Star of the Month designation is the twelfth he’s earned in his career and the first since January of 2020. During that month, the Great 8 tallied 13 goals (including two consecutive hat tricks), and two assists for a 15-point January.

Ovechkin continues to climb up the rankings of the league’s all-time top scorers. His passing of Marcel Dionne for sole possession of fifth-place on the goals counter earned him the recognition and respect from some of the league’s best players earlier in October. Up next is Brett Hull in fourth place two goals ahead of Ovechkin at 741 for his career. 

Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals will try to continue their hot start to the 2021-22 campaign with an away matchup with the Florida Panthers on Thursday night. Catch all the action starting with Capitals Pregame Live at 6:30 p.m. on NBC Sports Washington.

All about Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin with stats and contract info

By NBC Sports Washington Staff
All about Alex Ovechkin with stats and contract info originally appeared on NBC Sports WashingtonEver since making his NHL debut in 2005, Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has proven to be the greatest goalscorer the sport has ever seen.The 2004 No. 1 overall pick scored two goals in his first career game and hasn't stopped finding the back of the net at record pace, putting him within reach of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals mark. Ovechkin has compiled an impressive trophy case along the way, winning three Hart Memorial Trophy MVPs, a record nine Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies as the NHL's leading goal scorer, nine NHL First-Team selections, 12 all-star selections, the 2018-19 Stanley Cup title and the Conn Smythe Trophy for the MVP of that year's playoffs.He is undoubtedly one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Alex Ovechkin's BioHeight: 6-foot-3Weight: 238 poundsBirthdate: Sept. 17, 1985 Birthplace: Moscow, RussiaNHL experience: 17 seasonsJersey No. 8Alex Ovechkin's Career StatsAfter showing no signs of slowing down with a 50-goal season in Year 17, Ovechkin has continued to put up mind-boggling stats deep into his 30s. Here are his complete career numbers to date (through Oct 11, 2022): 1,274 games played780 goals scored630 assists1,410 pointsStanley Cup Playoffs:141 games71 goals64 assists135 pointsAlex Ovechkin's Contract DetailsIt was always a matter of "when" and not "if" Alex Ovechkin would sign a contract extension with the Capitals this past offseason. The five-year, $47.5 million deal he signed at the end of July 2021 showed his desire to finish his career in the nation's capital with an eye towards breaking the all-time goals record as well. Ovechkin's deal ends following the 2025-26 season. Where does Alex Ovechkin rank on the all-time goals list? Ovechkin finished his 17th NHL season with a clean 50 goals, bringing his career total to 780. Here's where that ever-growing mark ranks on the all-time goals leaderboard: Wayne Gretzky: 894Gordie Howe: 801Alex Ovechkin: 780Jaromir Jagr: 766Brett Hull: 741Other Alex Ovechkin RecordsMuch has been made about Ovechkin's all-time goals chase, but he's also accumulated some other pretty impressive records along the way as well. Most recently, Ovi broke the all-time power play goals mark with his 275th score on New Year's Eve against the Red Wings. By a second, he narrowly beat the release of Detroit's man in the penalty box to secure the record. Here are some of the Great 8's other all-time NHL records: Most scoring titles: nineMost overtime goals: 24Most consecutive 30-goal seasons: 15 (tied with Jaromir Jagr and Mike Gartner)
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