Alex Ovechkin wins eighth ‘Rocket’ Richard as NHL goals leader

With 51 goals in 2018-19, Alex Ovechkin became the first NHL player in history to capture the league goal-scoring title eight times.

Ovechkin broke a tie with Bobby Hull, who led the NHL in goals seven times during his star turn in the 1960s. The Russian also claimed his eighth Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for the feat; since the trophy was introduced in 1998-99, no one else has won it more than twice.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl was Ovechkin’s main competition as the season wound down. Draisaitl entered Saturday with 49 goals and notched No. 50 during the Oilers’ season finale, but fell short of catching the Capitals’ star.

Ovechkin played in Saturday’s season finale against the New York Islanders while a few of his high-minute teammates — Nicklas Backstrom, T.J. Oshie, John Carlson and Braden Holtby — took advantage of an inconsequential game to rest up for the postseason. Ovechkin had two shots on goal in the Capitals’ 3-0 loss.

This was also Ovechkin’s eighth NHL season scoring at least 50 goals, one shy of a career record held by Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy.

Ovechkin finished his 14th NHL season with 658 career goals, 13th on the all-time list.