When the Washington Capitals selected Alex Ovechkin with the 1st overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft, they were hoping for a franchise cornerstone. What they got was a generational talent who would redefine goal scoring in the modern era.
From the moment he stepped on NHL ice in the 2005-06 season, Ovechkin made it clear: he wasn’t just good — he was a force of nature.
After the 2004–05 NHL lockout delayed his debut, Ovechkin finally suited up for the Capitals in October 2005 — and immediately made an impact.
Goals: 52
Assists: 54
Points: 106
Shots on goal: 425 (1st in NHL)
Power-play goals: 21
Games Played: 81
Awards:
🏆 Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year)
Ovechkin became just the second rookie in NHL history to score 50+ goals and 100+ points (joining Teemu Selänne). His mix of power, speed, and highlight-reel plays made him an instant fan favorite and a marketing sensation for the league.
Many players experience a “sophomore slump.” Not Ovi.
Goals: 46
Assists: 46
Points: 92
Shots on goal: 392 (2nd in NHL)
Games Played: 82
Despite the Capitals missing the playoffs again, Ovechkin continued to carry the offense, recording nearly 20% of the team’s total goals. He was selected to his second NHL All-Star Game and continued to wow with thunderous hits and laser-like wrist shots.
Ovechkin’s third year was a career-defining one. He didn’t just get better — he became unstoppable.
Goals: 65 (1st in NHL)
Assists: 47
Points: 112 (1st in NHL)
Power-play goals: 22
Game-winning goals: 11
Awards:
🏆 Hart Trophy (MVP)
🏆 Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy (Most Goals)
🏆 Art Ross Trophy (Most Points)
🏆 Lester B. Pearson Award (MVP voted by players)
Ovechkin became the first player in 12 years to score 60+ goals in a season — and the first left winger in NHL history to score 65. He led the Capitals to the playoffs and officially transformed them into a contender.
| Season | Goals | Assists | Points | Shots on Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–06 | 52 | 54 | 106 | 425 |
| 2006–07 | 46 | 46 | 92 | 392 |
| 2007–08 | 65 | 47 | 112 | 446 |
| TOTAL | 163 | 147 | 310 | 1,263 |
No NHL player scored more goals than Ovechkin during that span. He also led the league in total shots by a wide margin, introducing fans to what would become his signature stat line: volume shooting with elite finishing.
Ovechkin’s early dominance helped inject excitement into the post-lockout NHL. He was:
One of the first true superstars of the new “faster” era
Known for his “office” — the top of the left circle where his one-timer became deadly
A rare blend of physicality and finesse, often delivering highlight-reel hits and goals in the same shift
By the end of his third NHL season, Ovechkin had:
3 All-Star selections
1 MVP title
1 scoring title
Over 300 career points
And was already on pace to challenge the all-time greats
Little did fans know — he was just getting started.
