Ovechkin ties Phil Housley for 25th in NHL games played.2 days ago7 min read3 comments

Alright, folks, let’s talk about the Great Eight doing what he does best: just showing up, night after night, year after year. In a gritty overtime win against the Tampa Bay Lightning that felt more like a playoff battle than a regular-season game, Alex Ovechkin, the 40-year-old captain of the Washington Capitals, quietly laced up his skates for the 1,495th time in his NHL career.That’s not just a number; that’s a whole legacy of durability, passion, and pure, unadulterated love for the game, tying him with the legendary Phil Housley for 25th place on the all-time games played list. Think about that for a second—tying a guy like Housley, a Hall of Fame defenseman whose career spanned two decades, is like something out of a hockey history book, but Ovi makes it feel as casual as a morning skate.He’s not just chasing goals anymore; he’s climbing the ladder of ironmen, and with Mike Modano sitting just four games ahead at 1,499, you know Ovechkin’s eyes are locked on that next rung. But let’s put this in perspective, because the numbers are wild: the all-time record holder is Patrick Marleau with a mind-boggling 1,779 games, a testament to consistency that’s almost superhuman, while the European king is Jaromir Jagr at 1,733, a guy who seemed to play forever and still had that flowing hair intact.Ovechkin, though, is in a league of his own among active players—only Brent Burns of the Colorado Avalanche, with 1,501 games, is ahead of him, and that’s a defenseman who’s built like a tank and just keeps rolling. What makes this milestone so epic isn’t just the stat; it’s the story behind it.Ovi burst onto the scene in 2005 with that infectious grin and a shot that could break the net, and over nearly two decades, he’s evolved from a high-flying scorer to a seasoned leader who’s battled through injuries, lockouts, and the grind of 82-game seasons without losing that fire. Remember those early days when he’d celebrate goals with leaps into the glass? Now, he’s the elder statesman, mentoring young guns while still potting pucks and reminding everyone why he’s one of the greatest to ever do it.In an era where players often jump teams or fade early, Ovechkin’s loyalty to the Capitals—the only NHL team he’s ever known—is like a throwback to the days of one-franchise legends, and it’s a big part of why fans adore him. This isn’t just about longevity; it’s about impact.Every game he plays adds to a legacy that includes a Stanley Cup, multiple MVP awards, and that relentless pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s goal record, which he’s inching closer to with every shift. As he climbs this list, it’s not hard to imagine him cracking the top 10 someday, joining names like Gordie Howe and Mark Messier, but for now, let’s appreciate the moment. In a sport that’s faster and more physical than ever, Ovi’s ability to stay relevant and competitive is a masterclass in resilience, and it’s a reminder that in hockey, as in life, showing up is half the battle—and doing it with style is what makes you immortal.