Alex Ovechkin continues his relentless pursuit of the NHL`s all-time goal-scoring record.
Starting this season, the 39-year-old faced a significant challenge: to surpass Wayne Gretzky`s long-standing record of 894 goals, set in 1999. He needed to score 42 goals to tie and 43 to break the record.
Remarkably, Ovechkin has shown exceptional form this season, netting 36 goals in 55 games. A fibula injury in November might have slowed him down; otherwise, the Capitals` captain could have already reached or been very close to setting the new record.
Now, just six goals away from Gretzky`s mark, here’s the latest update on Ovechkin`s chase for hockey history.
Ovechkin`s chase for NHL goals record
Follow Alex Ovechkin`s journey as he aims to surpass Wayne Gretzky`s all-time NHL goals record.
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Remaining Games: 11
All times Eastern.
Thursday: At Minnesota Wild, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday: Vs. Buffalo Sabres, 3 p.m.
April 1: At Boston Bruins, 7 p.m.
April 2: At Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m.
April 4: Vs. Chicago Blackhawks, 7 p.m.
April 6: At New York Islanders, 12:30 p.m.
April 10: Vs. Carolina Hurricanes, 7:30 p.m.
April 12: At Columbus Blue Jackets, 12:30 p.m.
April 13: Vs. Columbus Blue Jackets, 6 p.m.
April 15: At New York Islanders, 8 p.m.
April 17: At Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m.
Goal No. 889
Five behind Gretzky, six behind record
Date: March 25, 2025
Ovechkin capitalized on open ice, received a central pass, and fired a wrist shot past Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck. This 36th goal of the season was crucial, tying the game 2-2 against Winnipeg in the late third period and forcing overtime. Although the Capitals lost in overtime, they earned a point thanks to their captain`s effort.
Goal No. 888
Six behind Gretzky, seven behind record
Date: March 20, 2025
Ovechkin converted a cross-crease pass from teammate Aliaksei Protas, scoring cleanly against Flyers goalie Samuel Ersson. This was his 35th goal of the season, marking the 15th time in his career he has reached the 35-goal milestone.
Tristan Blackwood