Alex Ovechkin made a remarkable NHL debut by scoring his first two goals in front of an ecstatic Washington crowd. In the first goal, the play unfolded as Dainius Zubrus received the puck below the goal line while Ovechkin positioned himself in the slot, creating an opening. Zubrus then delivered a precise pass to Ovechkin, who unleashed a powerful one-timer that beat the opposing goaltender. Ovechkin's extraordinary rookie season in 2005-06 saw him net 52 goals, the third-highest total by a rookie in NHL history, while also contributing 54 assists on his way to securing the Calder Memorial Trophy.