Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of breaking one of the most revered records in professional hockey. The 39-year-old athlete is aiming to surpass Wayne Gretzky’s historic mark of 894 career goals, a record that many believed would stand forever since Gretzky’s last goal was scored on March 29, 1999.
As the 2024-25 NHL season began, Ovechkin had already notched 853 career goals. His start to the season was impressive, with 15 goals in just 18 games. However, a serious setback came in November when he fractured his fibula and was sidelined for five weeks. Despite the injury, he quickly returned to form, scoring four goals in his first five games back on the ice.
As the NHL approaches a two-week break for the “4 Nations Face-Off” tournament, Ovechkin’s current tally stands at 879 goals, placing him tied for seventh in the league with 26 goals in 39 games this season. His most recent goal, which brought him closer to Gretzky’s record, was scored against the Philadelphia Flyers, leaving him only 16 goals shy of the all-time record with 27 games remaining in the regular season.
In a statement earlier this season, Gretzky expressed his belief that it is only a matter of time before Ovechkin breaks his record. “He’s a great player. He’s a great goal scorer,” Gretzky noted. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has also shown support, saying he plans to follow Ovechkin closely when he gets within four or five goals of the record, with Gretzky by his side.
Ovechkin’s next opportunity to chase that record will be on February 22, when the Capitals face off against long-time rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and their star player, Sidney Crosby.
In the history of the NHL, Ovechkin is not only known for his goal-scoring skills but also for his engaging playing style. Fans have been captivated by his journey and accomplishments since he joined the league. He has reached a number of significant milestones throughout his career, with record-setting seasons and distinguished performances in various situations.
Alex Ovechkin’s impressive scoring statistics not only underscore his talent but also place him among the best in NHL history. His name shares the spotlight with legends such as Gordie Howe, Jaromir Jagr, and Brett Hull on the all-time goals list. Here are the top ten players in terms of career goals:
1. Wayne Gretzky – 894
2. Alex Ovechkin – 879
3. Gordie Howe – 801
4. Jaromir Jagr – 766
5. Brett Hull – 741
6. Marcel Dionne – 731
7. Phil Esposito – 717
8. Mike Gartner – 708
9. Mark Messier – 694
10. Steve Yzerman – 692
The Capitals’ schedule for the rest of the 2024-25 season is packed with critical games as Ovechkin continues his pursuit of the record. The next few matches include games against teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and Tampa Bay Lightning, providing ample opportunities for him to add to his goal tally.
Throughout his career, Ovechkin has faced numerous goaltenders and has scored against a remarkable array of players. Since his debut in 2005, he has netted goals against 180 different goalies, a testament to his enduring skill and determination.
As the Capitals look ahead, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching Ovechkin’s progress. His chase for the legendary record will undoubtedly be a major talking point this season, drawing attention from hockey enthusiasts around the world. His hard work and resilience serve as an inspiration, and many eagerly await the day he etches his name into the record books alongside Wayne Gretzky.
In conclusion, as Alex Ovechkin gears up for the next chapter of his storied career, the excitement around his pursuit continues to grow. The hockey community stands ready to celebrate one of the game’s greats, cheering him on as he aims to reach and surpass the iconic goal record.
