Alex Ovechkin, the legendary forward of the Washington Capitals, is making headlines as he approaches an impressive milestone in the NHL. The 39-year-old hockey star is now just a few goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record of 894 career goals, a feat once considered nearly impossible to achieve.
Having started the 2024-25 NHL season with 853 career goals, Ovechkin quickly established his dominance on the ice by scoring 15 goals in just 18 games. Unfortunately, an injury caused him to miss some game time; specifically, he fractured his fibula in November, sidelining him for about five weeks. However, his scoring ability remained intact as he returned to the ice and netted four goals in his first five games back from injury.
Ovechkin recently took another step closer to Gretzky’s record during a game against the Seattle Kraken. With his team leading in the final minutes, he seized the opportunity to score into an empty net, marking his 886th career goal. This brings him within just eight goals of tying Gretzky and nine from overtaking him, a milestone that hockey fans have anticipated for years.
In addition to his astounding goal-scoring prowess, that goal also marked Ovechkin’s 1,600th career point, making him the 11th player in NHL history to reach such a significant achievement. The Capitals secured a 4-2 victory over the Kraken, adding to the excitement surrounding Ovechkin’s chase of Gretzky’s record.
Wayne Gretzky himself has expressed confidence in Ovechkin’s abilities. Earlier this season, he acknowledged Ovechkin’s talent, saying, “It’s just a matter of time, whether it’s late this year, early next year, whenever. I mean, he’s a great player. He’s a great goal scorer.” This endorsement from “The Great One” only fuels the anticipation of fans and pundits alike.
Beyond the ice, Ovechkin has taken the opportunity to use his platform for a good cause. He has teamed up with Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation to launch “THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer.” Through this initiative, Ovechkin pledges to donate an amount equal to his career goal total for each goal he scores throughout the remainder of his career. Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the organization that owns the Capitals, has pledged to match his contributions, amplifying the impact of this charitable effort.
While he faced challenges in his recent game against the Anaheim Ducks, where he did not score, Ovechkin remains focused on his pursuit of Gretzky’s legendary mark. His next opportunity comes with a matchup against the Los Angeles Kings, further intensifying the spotlight on his quest.
The excitement doesn’t just come from Ovechkin’s personal achievements; it also comes from the implications for NHL history. As he continues to climb the career goal-scoring ladder, Ovechkin stands to not only break records but also inspire the new generation of players. His dedication and passion serve as a testament to the hard work and perseverance required to excel in professional sports.
As of now, Ovechkin is positioned second in the NHL’s all-time career goals list, behind only Wayne Gretzky. Here’s a look at the current top ten players in this category:
1. Wayne Gretzky – 894 goals
2. Alex Ovechkin – 886 goals
3. Gordie Howe – 801 goals
4. Jaromir Jagr – 766 goals
5. Brett Hull – 741 goals
6. Marcel Dionne – 731 goals
7. Phil Esposito – 717 goals
8. Mike Gartner – 708 goals
9. Mark Messier – 694 goals
10. Steve Yzerman – 692 goals
As the season progresses, anticipation builds regarding when Ovechkin will reach and potentially break that monumental record. Fans, teammates, and hockey analysts alike will be following his journey closely. All eyes will be on him as he strives not just for personal achievement, but to solidify his legacy within the sport and make a significant impact on those around him through his philanthropic efforts. Only time will tell how this historic chase unfolds, but one thing is certain: Alex Ovechkin continues to captivate the hearts of hockey fans worldwide.
