Ovechkin Scores 1000th Goal, Ties Gretzky

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Out of Etchkin hit a huge milestone Sunday night,

scoring his 1,000th NHL goal in regular season and playoffs combined.

It happened during the Washington Capitals 3-2 overtime loss

to the Colorado Avalanche at home.

The 40-year-old star nailed a power play one-timer from his favorite spot

in the left circle at 14-17 of the third period,

tying the game at 2-2.

This puts Etchkin alongside Wayne Gretzky

as the only players to reach that mark with a power play goal.

He now has 9-23 regular season goals and 77 in the playoffs across 21 seasons.

Etchkin already passed Gretzky for most regular season goals last April

with his 8-95 against the New York Islanders.

Teammates and coaches called it another incredible moment in his legendary career,

especially tying the game late on home ice.

Gretzky's embeds a like-shared how special it felt playing with him

and watching history unfold, even if the mood states of dude without a win.

The Cap's grab one point, but sits six back of the Islanders

for the second wall card spot with 11 games left.

Etchkin wished for a victory to cap it off,

but praised the fight against the top team.

They head on the road next, starting Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues.