5 Fascinating Facts About NHL Goal Leader Alex Ovechkin

Today, in my email inbox, I received a free and beautifully written article from The Athletic titled “Alex Ovechkin’s greatest feat? Mixing ordinary with extraordinary on the way to NHL immortality.” The long article was written by Dan Robson and Rob Rossi. The writers discussed the iconic Captain of the Washington Capital, Alex Ovechkin, who has carved out a legendary career in the NHL.

As the article noted, it’s not just his on-ice scoring that makes him fascinating. A combination of ordinary moments and extraordinary talent truly sets him apart. He’s now ending a career that has made him the greatest goal-scorer in NHL history. However, his recent success is sullied by his political ties back home in Russia.

What five fascinating facts about Ovechkin spell out his journey from Russia to the soon-to-be leading career goal leader in NHL history?

Fascinating Fact 1. Ovechkin Engages in Everyday Ordinary Routines

Despite being a larger-than-life figure in the world of sports, Ovechkin’s daily life is filled with normal routines. He’s a dad who loves spending time with his two young sons, shopping at local grocery stores, and grabbing a pizza from Papa John’s.

He hangs out in the same spots in Arlington, Virginia. These include Hyde’s Social, a local sports bar. He also enjoys eating at his favorite restaurants in Georgetown with his family. Ovechkin is a man who engages in routines but embraces a down-to-earth lifestyle. He might be famous, but he’s also quite ordinary in other ways.

Fascinating Fact 2. Ovechkin Has an Unconventional Approach to Fitness and Diet

Ovechkin’s long career and success might surprise many, given his strange approach to diet and fitness. Known for eating things like Subway sandwiches and Cheetos before games, Ovechkin does not come close to following a meticulously regimented diet. In that, he’s unlike most pro athletes.

Instead, Ovechkin’s eating habits are curious at best. However, his extraordinary physical abilities have proven that he’s one athlete whose fun-loving attitude and mindset work. At least, they serve him just fine. His longtime teammate, Nicklas Backstrom, marvels at how Ovechkin does the same thing now that he did 15 years ago. He’s far from the poster child for a careful diet.

Fascinating Fact 3. A Legacy of Family and Personal Tragedy

While Ovechkin’s career has been filled with huge success, his personal life includes both joy and heartbreak. The death of his father, Mikhail, in 2023 profoundly impacted him, as did the earlier loss of his brother Sergei in a tragic car accident.

These personal tragedies shaped Ovechkin’s outlook on life. That’s especially true now that he’s a father himself. His connection to his family has become central to his world. To Ovechkin, caring for his family is the most crucial thing in his life.

Fascinating Fact 4. Ovechkin Has Become the Greatest Goal Scorer of All Time

From the moment Ovechkin stepped onto the NHL ice in 2005, he clearly was a special talent. Scoring 52 goals in his rookie season, he quickly became a fan favorite. His celebration style didn’t hurt, either.

Today, he’s closing in on becoming the greatest goal scorer in NHL history. He’ll soon pass Wayne Gretzky’s longstanding record of 894 goals unless something tragic happens. He’s also still passionate about the game of hockey itself. What is called his “office” is in the left circle. From that spot on the ice, he’s one of the most dangerous players on the ice.

Fascinating Fact 5. Ovechkin Has Become a Cultural Icon in Russia and Beyond

Ovechkin is more than just an athlete; he is a cultural icon. In Russia, he’s a national hero. There, he’s admired for his athleticism and unwavering support of his homeland. He has represented Russia in myriad international tournaments. He was prominent during the 2014 Sochi Olympics and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

That said, given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, his support for Russian President Vladimir Putin has generated controversy. Despite the critique, Ovechkin steadfastly supports his country. He balances his status as a global sports figure with his personal beliefs.

When will Alex Ovechkin beat Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record?

The Ordinary and Extraordinary Alex Ovechkin

Ovechkin is a blend of ordinary and extraordinary. He’s a family man, a fun-loving guy, and a fiercely competitive athlete—all wrapped into one talented hockey player. As he continues to break records and redefine what it means to be a hockey legend, Ovechkin remains an interesting figure in the world of sports.