Alexander Ovechkin: How Many Games Has He Played | Goals This Season

When discussing one of the greatest goal-scorers in NHL history, Alexander Ovechkin’s name always comes up. But as the 2025-26 season progresses, fans and analysts alike are asking two questions of particular interest:

1. How many games has he played so far this season (or in his career to date)?

2. How many goals has he scored this season?

In this article we will dive into those figures, put them into context of his career milestones and legacy, and explore what his current performance means for the Washington Capitals and the league.

Career Games Played: The Big Picture

As of the most recent data:

• Ovechkin has played approx. 1,503 regular-season games in his NHL career.

• For his NHL franchise, the Washington Capitals, he holds the record for most games played by a skater.

This remarkable durability is especially noteworthy given his style of play — physical, high-impact, and heavily reliant on shot volume and strength.

Why the Games-Played Stat Matters

• Longevity & consistency: Reaching 1,500+ games in the NHL is rare, particularly for a forward whose game is built on power and physicality.

• Opportunity to produce: More games mean more chances for goals, assists, and achievements.

• Historical context: Ovechkin’s games-played count puts him in a league of items: durability, sustained high performance, and all-time relevance.

Goals This Season: What the Numbers Say

Turning to his current season stats:

• For the 2025-26 regular season, early reports show Ovechkin has scored 2 goals and registered 5 assists in 12 games played so far.

• Looking at the prior full season (2024-25), Ovechkin scored 44 goals in 65 games played.

• To highlight another seasonal benchmark: In one report he was cited with 33 goals in 48 games in that season.

Interpreting the “2 goals in 12 games” figure

While 2 goals may seem modest compared to his peak seasons:

• It’s still early in the season; small sample size caveats apply.

• At age 40, maintaining goal production is more challenging.

• Ovechkin’s game may evolve—fewer goals, perhaps more strategic play, power-play contributions, or mentoring roles.

The 44-goal season: A reminder

The 44 goals in the 2024-25 season reaffirmed Ovechkin’s elite scoring capacity even in the later stages of his career. He also passed Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record during that season, which gives added weight to the goal tally.

Breaking Down the Season: Games × Goals

Games Played Versus Goals Scored

The ratio of games played to goals scored gives insight into efficiency. For example:

• In 2024-25: 44 goals in 65 games → roughly 0.68 goals per game.

• In 2025-26 (so far): 2 goals in 12 games → ~0.17 goals per game (though sample small).

Key Factors Affecting the Stats

• Age and wear: At 40, Ovechkin is managing body, condition, and minutes differently.

• Team dynamics: Changes in roster, power-play units, and line mates affect output.

• Motivation & legacy: Having broken major records, his goals-per-game might shift focus to supporting roles.

• Shot volume and chance creation: Ovechkin is known for high shot counts and creating his own chances; earlier seasons he averaged over 300 shots in a season.

Milestones & Legacy Implications

Record-Breaking Achievements

• Ovechkin became the NHL’s all-time regular-season goals leader with his 895th goal on April 6 2025.

• He’s also logged 1,600+ career points, joining an elite club of players.

Games Played Milestones

With 1,500+ games played, Ovechkin is firmly entrenched in historical context not only for goal scoring but also longevity.

What This Means for the Capitals & NHL

• His presence continues to elevate the Capitals’ profile and aspirations.

• Younger players on the team gain mentorship from a generational talent.

• The NHL benefits from having a living link between eras of goal scoring and physical play.

What to Watch Moving Forward

1. Goal Tally Trend: Will he cross 30 goals this season? Will he keep up a strong goals-per-game ratio?

2. Games Played Load: Will he maintain regular appearances or will load-management increase?

3. Role Adjustments: Power-play time, top-line minutes, and situational usage could change.

4. Milestones to Hit: Further records (empty-net goals, power-play goals, games played) are within reach.

5. Team Success: Individual stats matter, but how far Ovechkin and the Capitals go in the playoffs will affect legacy narratives.

FAQS

Q1: How many games has Alexander Ovechkin played in his NHL career?
A1: He has played roughly 1,503 regular-season games in his career.

Q2: How many games has he played this season?
A2: Early data for the 2025-26 season lists 12 games played with 2 goals and 5 assists.

Q3: How many goals did he score last full season?
A3: In the 2024-25 regular season he scored 44 goals in 65 games.

Q4: Is he still the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer?
A4: Yes. He broke Wayne Gretzky’s regular-season goal record with goal number 895 on April 6, 2025.

Q5: At his age, is his goal production expected to decline?
A5: While age does often lead to some decline, Ovechkin has shown remarkable consistency. How much production changes will depend on role, health, minutes, and team context. Alexander Ovechkin games played.

Conclusion

Alexander Ovechkin remains a giant of the sport — not just for his goal-scoring record, but for his longevity, consistency, and impact. While his current season’s goal tally (2 in 12 games so far) may not mirror his peak years, it’s important to view it in context: age, team dynamics, and career-arc all play roles.