Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin is inching closer to making history as he continues his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal record. With the 2025 season nearing its end, the veteran forward remains on track to eclipse the legendary milestone.
Ovechkin's Path to Glory
Entering this season, Ovechkin needed 42 goals to break Gretzky's long-standing record of 894 career goals, untarnished since 1999. The captain was in wonderful form, having scored his 892nd career goal on April 2, only three short from the NHL's all-time leading scorer. With seven games remaining in the season, the historic moment seems all too conceivable.
Ovechkin's journey has truly been an amazing one this season. Strong at the start, he chalked up 15 goals in the first 18 games. Then, on November 18, during a match against the Utah Hockey Club, he fractured the left fibula. Returning on December 28, he quickly found his scoring touch again, getting 24 in 41 since his return.
Missing 16 games this season through injuries, Ovechkin continues at a seasonal pace of 44 goals. If he happens to miss Gretzky's record before the end of this season, he has a whole other year left in his contract before accomplishing it.
Ovechkin’s Milestones This Season
The Capitals’ legend has already etched his name in the history books with several achievements this season:
- Most goals after age 30, surpassing Gordie Howe.
- Tied for most game-winning goals alongside Jaromir Jagr (135).
- Set a record for scoring against the most goalies (182).
- Became the first player to score 200 goals in three different decades.
- Tied Brett Hull for hat tricks against the most franchises (20).
How Many Goals Does Ovechkin Have?
As of April 2, Ovechkin has scored 892 career goals.
How Many More Goals Does He Need to Break Gretzky’s Record?
Ovechkin is three goals away from surpassing Gretzky’s record of 894.
Can He Do It This Season?
With 39 goals and 27 assists in 59 games, Ovechkin has shown he still has the scoring prowess to make history this season. He has played in two fewer career games than Gretzky, further highlighting his consistency and dominance.
Ovechkin’s Latest Performance
In his most recent game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin found the net on a 5-on-3 power play, launching a signature one-timer past Frederik Andersen. Despite the Capitals’ 5-1 loss, his goal brought him one step closer to history.
Upcoming Games: Will History Be Made Soon?
Ovechkin’s next opportunity to make history will be on Friday, April 4, when the Capitals face the Chicago Blackhawks at home. The Russian sniper has an impressive record against Chicago, tallying 15 goals in 25 career regular-season games against them.
Ovechkin vs. Gretzky: A Statistical Breakdown
| Category | Wayne Gretzky | Alex Ovechkin |
|-----------|--------------|---------------|
| Games Played | 1,487 | 1,485 |
| Goals | 894 | 892 |
| Assists | 1,963 | 724 |
| Points | 2,857 | 1,616 |
Ovechkin’s Goals This Season
Ovechkin has scored in key games throughout the season, including multiple multi-goal performances. Some highlights include:
- Hat tricks: Against Vegas (Nov. 17) and Edmonton (Feb. 23)
- Two-goal games: Against Utah (Nov. 18) and St. Louis (Nov. 9)
- Single goals in critical matchups: Against New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Montreal early in the season
Career Goal Breakdown
- Even-strength goals: 564 (third all-time)
- Power play goals: 323 (NHL record)
- Game-winning goals: 135 (tied for first)
- Overtime goals: 27 (NHL record)
- Hat tricks: 32 (tied for fifth all-time)
The Countdown Continues
With history on the line, all eyes remain on Ovechkin as he inches closer to achieving what many once thought was impossible. Will he cement his legacy as the greatest NHL goal scorer of all time this season? The final stretch of games will determine whether the Capitals’ captain reaches immortality before the 2025 season concludes.