Ovechkin Inches Closer to Gretzky's Goal Record

On April 2, 2025, Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals moved within three goals of breaking Wayne Gretzky's legendary NHL record by scoring his 892nd career goal in a 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. The goal came with 34.5 seconds remaining in the second period, during a 5-on-3 power play. Ovechkin's goal came against Frederik Andersen, a goalie he has historically had success against, with nine goals in 12 career games versus Andersen. Overall, Ovechkin has scored 52 goals in 91 games against Carolina and 31 goals in 45 games played in Raleigh, making him the most prolific visiting goal-scorer in the team's arena.

The 39-year-old Russian sniper now has 39 goals this season, which ties him for the second-highest total in NHL history for a player aged 39 or older. Gordie Howe holds the record with 44 goals, achieved during the 1968-69 season. Ovechkin’s 39 goals this season are the most he has scored since his 2017-18 campaign and make him just one goal shy of hitting the 40-goal mark for the 14th time in his career, extending his all-time record for the most 40-goal seasons in NHL history. Remarkably, Ovechkin has managed to achieve this despite missing 16 games earlier this season due to a broken left fibula.

The night before, Ovechkin scored his 891st career goal in a 4-3 loss to the Boston Bruins. This marked the 60th time in his career that he has scored in back-to-back regular-season games, making him only the fifth player in league history to accomplish that feat. With seven games left in the regular season, Ovechkin is on pace to break Gretzky’s all-time record of 894 goals before the playoffs begin. Given the circumstances, it's now highly likely that Ovechkin will surpass Gretzky’s record by the time the 2025-26 season begins.

Despite the opportunity to achieve the milestone, Ovechkin's pursuit of the record is set against the backdrop of a challenging regular-season finish for the Capitals. Ovechkin’s relentless drive to break the record and his continued high level of play have been the bright spots in what has been an up-and-down season for Washington. However, the Capitals still have a chance to solidify their playoff position as they navigate the final weeks of the regular season. If Ovechkin doesn't score two or more goals in the next seven games, he will continue his pursuit of the record when the 2025-26 season begins in October.

As the Capitals aim for the postseason, Ovechkin's chase of Gretzky's record has captured the attention of the entire NHL. Despite facing tougher competition in the coming weeks, the veteran forward's scoring ability has not shown any signs of slowing down. His pursuit of the goal record is not only a testament to his longevity in the NHL but also to his unmatched ability to remain one of the league's most dangerous goal scorers year after year. As the final days of the regular season tick down, fans around the league eagerly await the moment when Ovechkin will etch his name in the record books, surpassing one of the most hallowed marks in professional sports.

The Washington Capitals’ next few games will be crucial in determining their playoff fate, and for Ovechkin, it will be a race against time to break the record while guiding his team to the postseason. With the eyes of the hockey world fixed firmly on his every move, Ovechkin has become a symbol of persistence, excellence, and ambition in the sport. As the clock winds down on the 2024-25 season, it is clear that Ovechkin's pursuit of Gretzky's record is far from over, and fans will be watching every step of the way.