Ovechkin set tone for historic career with memorable debut in Capitals' home opener

Oct 7, 2026, 8:31 AM ET|Comments (0)

from NHL.com,

Alex Ovechkin scored two goals in his first NHL game, a 3-2 victory in Washington against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 5, 2005.

But beyond twice lighting the lamp behind goalie Pascal Leclaire , beyond his 17:36 ice time and 21 shifts, five shots on goal and two penalty minutes for third-period hooking, there was the bodycheck that defined the way Ovechkin would play his entire career.

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