Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is an iconic figure in NHL history. Already a legend, the forward is now approaching Wayne Gretzky`s all-time career goals record.
At 39 years old, Ovechkin is close to becoming the NHL`s all-time leading scorer. He could surpass Gretzky`s record of 894 goals before this season ends. Ovechkin currently has 891 career goals after scoring his 38th goal of the season on Tuesday against the Bruins.
With eight games remaining in the 2024-25 season after Tuesday`s game, Ovechkin needs just four more goals to overtake Gretzky`s record.
While Ovechkin is likely to break “The Great One`s” record, there is little room for error as the regular season concludes. If Ovechkin maintains his current scoring rate, he might break Gretzky`s record by April 17, the final day of the regular season.
Scoring multiple goals in a game or two would significantly improve his chances. He has achieved this five times this season, but only once since late November. Here’s a look at the Capitals` upcoming schedule and the average goals allowed per game by their opponents.
Capitals Upcoming Schedule
- April 1: at Bruins (3.28)
- April 2: at Hurricanes (2.64)
- April 4: vs. Blackhawks (3.59)
- April 6: at Islanders (3.06)
Ovechkin has accumulated 1,614 total points in his career (891 goals and 723 assists). On March 9th, he became the 11th player in NHL history to reach 1,600 points.
Ovechkin scored 42 goals in the 2022-23 season and has scored at least 41 goals in 13 of his 19 NHL seasons.
In the 2023-24 season, he achieved a record-setting 18th 30-goal season, surpassing Mike Gartner`s previous record of 17. He now has 19 such seasons in his career.
Keep following Ovechkin`s goal count this season as he approaches Gretzky`s all-time record.
