Ovechkin Plays Final Game of Season Against Blue Jackets

Capitals captain may have played his last NHL game in season finale

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:52pm

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Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, will play in the season finale against the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 14. This could potentially be Ovechkin's final NHL game, as he has not yet decided whether to retire or return for another season.

Why it matters

Ovechkin's potential retirement would mark the end of an era, as he is one of the most prolific goal scorers in NHL history. His decision will have major implications for the Capitals and the league as a whole.

The details

Ovechkin, 40, is finishing his 21st NHL season and has played in all 82 games this year. He recently broke Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal scoring record, and has scored 929 goals in 1,572 career games. Ovechkin has scored 28 goals against the Blue Jackets, including the first two of his career in his NHL debut in 2005.

  • Ovechkin will play in the season finale against the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 14, 2026.
  • Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal scoring record on April 6, 2025.

The players

Alex Ovechkin

The captain of the Washington Capitals and the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, with 929 goals in 1,572 career games.

Spencer Carbury

The head coach of the Washington Capitals.

Wayne Gretzky

The former NHL player who held the record for most career goals before Ovechkin broke it.

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What they’re saying

“His durability through his career … when it's all said and done, and you dissect how he was able to be so successful of a goal-scorer and NHL player, that is a big part of it is the longevity and the durability. Him being able to consistently be in the lineup every single night is a big part of why he's been able to reach the goal record and be so consistent for so many years.”

— Spencer Carbury, Head Coach, Washington Capitals

What’s next

Ovechkin will decide in the offseason whether to retire from the NHL or return for another season with the Washington Capitals.

The takeaway

Ovechkin's potential retirement would mark the end of an era for the NHL, as he is one of the most dominant and prolific goal scorers in the history of the sport. His decision will have major implications for the Capitals and the league, and fans will be eagerly awaiting his announcement in the offseason.