Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is celebrated as an NHL legend. Already a historical figure, the remarkable forward is now approaching Wayne Gretzky`s all-time goal record.
At 39, Ovechkin is close to becoming the NHL`s leading goal scorer, potentially surpassing Gretzky`s record of 894 goals before this season concludes. Currently, Ovechkin has 892 career goals after scoring his 39th goal of the season on Wednesday in a game against the Hurricanes.
This goal marked Ovechkin`s third consecutive game with a score.
Ovechkin`s career totals are impressive, with 1,616 points, including 892 goals and 724 assists. With seven games remaining in the 2024-25 season for the Capitals, Ovechkin needs just three more goals to overtake Gretzky`s record.
Despite his momentum, Ovechkin has little room for error. If he maintains his current scoring pace, he might break Gretzky`s record as early as April 17, the regular season`s final day, or even sooner.
Achieving a multi-goal game would significantly boost his chances. He has done this five times this season, but only once since late November. Here is the upcoming schedule for the Capitals and the average goals allowed per game by their opponents.
Capitals Upcoming Schedule
- April 4: vs. Blackhawks (3.59)
- April 6: at Islanders (3.06)
- April 10: vs. Hurricanes (2.66)
Ovechkin, who reached 1,600 NHL points on March 9, becoming the 11th player to do so, scored 42 goals in the 2022-23 season. Remarkably, he has achieved at least 41 goals in 13 of his 19 NHL seasons.
In the 2023-24 season, Ovechkin made history by recording his 18th 30-goal season, an NHL record, surpassing Mike Gartner`s previous record of 17. He has now extended this record to 19 seasons.
The pursuit of Ovechkin`s goal record chase continues to be a major story in hockey.
