"20 years and 898 goals ago, Alex Ovechkin was a fresh-faced 20-year-old set to make his NHL debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets. On his very first shift, Ovechkin threw a massive hit behind the Columbus net, sending Radislav Suchy into the boards and toppling one of the stanchions holding the plexiglass. It was a moment that foreshadowed the physical play that has defined his career almost as much as the goals, an introduction to the NHL like no other."
"But then the real Ovechkin stuff took over, as #8 potted not one but two goals in his debut, helping the Capitals to a 3-2 victory in their season opener."
"Caps fans - and the rest of the league - had to wait a year to see the kid the Caps drafted first overall back in the summer of 2004...and the big man did not disappoint."
On October 5, 2005, Alex Ovechkin, age 20, made his NHL debut for the Washington Capitals against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Fans had waited a year after drafting him first overall in 2004 to see him play. On his very first shift he delivered a massive hit on Radislav Suchy that toppled a plexiglass stanchion, immediately demonstrating physicality. He then scored two goals in the same game, finishing with a multi-goal effort that helped the Capitals to a 3-2 season-opening victory. The debut combined physical impact and scoring and became a signature introduction to a prolific career.
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