Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals, a celebrated figure in NHL history, is on a quest to surpass Wayne Gretzky`s legendary all-time goals record. Already a hockey icon, Ovechkin is within striking distance of becoming the league`s leading goal scorer.
At 39 years old, Ovechkin is tantalizingly close to breaking Gretzky`s record of 894 goals, potentially before this season concludes. The Capitals` star currently boasts 892 career goals, having added his 39th of the season in a recent game against the Hurricanes. He scored during a 5-on-3 power play in the second period of the match.
This goal marked Ovechkin`s third consecutive game with a score.
Ovechkin`s career totals stand at 1,616 points, comprising 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`s margin for error is slim. If he maintains his current scoring pace, there`s a possibility he could 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 accomplished this feat five times this season, although 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 Games
- April 4: vs. Blackhawks (3.59 goals allowed per game)
- April 6: at Islanders (3.06 goals allowed per game)
- April 10: vs. Hurricanes (2.66 goals allowed per game)
Ovechkin, who reached 1,600 career points on March 9, becoming the 11th player in NHL history 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 hockey world is watching closely as Ovechkin continues his pursuit of Gretzky`s all-time record.
