Alex Ovechkin "still can't believe" he's the NHL's all-time goals leader. (Sammi Silber - The Hockey News) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/10be4f0b-223b-403b-b85b-a6cb13969a37.png] Alex Ovechkin "still can't believe" he's the NHL's all-time goals leader. (Sammi Silber - The Hockey News) ARLINGTON, V.A. — Alex Ovechkin is still soaking it all in. The Washington Capitals captain received a warm welcome back to MedStar Capitals Iceplex as he took part in his first practice since passing Wayne Gretzky for the most goals in NHL history. After skating in front of 895 fourth and fifth-grade students from Arlington County Public Schools — one for each goal he's scored in his career — he took a victory lap around the rink, ending it with a rendition of his iconic "belly flop" celebration he had on Long Island. It was just another highlight in what's already been a wild week for the 39-year-old — and it's only Wednesday. “Crazy. Crazy, fun," Ovechkin smiled. "It’s an enjoy time right now.” Ovechkin's welcome back to the District has been met with ultimate fanfare. They're selling hoodies and hats by the dozens commemorating his achievement. Banners of him hang at Union Station, which is also hosting him for a party on Friday. Murals are popping up across the city. “Crazy," he said again, adding, "It’s great for the game. It’s great for us. It’s great for you guys as well. I think we just have to enjoy it.” All the while, the entire globe is recognizing the achievement, with other sports "GOATs" like Tom Brady, LeBron James and Simone Biles congratulating the captain while he makes international headlines. It's something Ovechkin could have never imagined. “When you are a little kid, you get drafted and you’re like, ‘Wow, this is unbelievable.’ You play first game. Then, you score a goal. Then, like a snowball coming," Ovechkin said. "Then, you have a chance to meet Wayne Gretzky, LeBron James. That’s unbelievable. It’s a tremendous honor. To get a message from legends like those people, it’s special.” Ovechkin will be recognized for his achievement on home ice in a pregame ceremony on Thursday before the Capitals take on the Carolina Hurricanes. His family will be in attendance, and for the first time at home, he'll play a game as the NHL's sole all-time leading goal scorer. "Still can’t believe it. Obviously, that moment is going to stick forever and it’s just for a great time for us, for my family," Ovechkin said. "Just great.” What means just as much for No. 8, though, as he looks back, is how much his feat will do for the game of hockey. “Yeah. I think the Capitals organization does a great job to raise the hockey game in this area. Obviously, the players are involved as well," Ovechkin said. "You can see kids right now get crazy. Look at the fans. How many new fans come into the building, go to the practice and they get involved in the game? So, it’s great for hockey.”
