Alex Ovechkin is now just one goal away from tying Wayne Gretzky`s legendary NHL record of 894 career goals. The Washington Capitals` star player achieved his 893rd career goal, marking his 40th goal of the 2024-25 season, in the opening period of Friday`s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The goal was set up when Capitals forward Dylan Strome passed the puck to Ovechkin from behind the net. Ovechkin then unleashed a powerful one-timer shot that hit the post and subsequently deflected off Chicago Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight into the net.
Here are the top five players with the most goals in NHL history:
- Wayne Gretzky, 894
- Alex Ovechkin, 893
- Gordie Howe, 801
- Jaromír Jágr, 766
- Brett Hull, 741
Ovechkin`s goal count is significantly higher than the next active player, Sidney Crosby, by more than 370 goals.
While Ovechkin is on the verge of equaling Gretzky`s career record, he has already extended his own record by reaching his 40th goal of the season. This is his 14th season scoring 40 or more goals, surpassing all other players in NHL history. Wayne Gretzky (12), Mario Lemieux (10), and Marcel Dionne (10) are the only other players to have achieved at least 10 such seasons. Ovechkin also leads all active players in this category, with Steven Stamkos trailing behind with seven 40-goal seasons.
At 39 years old, Ovechkin is the second-oldest player in NHL history to record a 40-goal season. Gordie Howe holds the record, having scored 44 goals in the 1968-69 season at the age of 40.
Ovechkin`s performance this season is particularly noteworthy considering he suffered a broken left fibula in November after colliding with Jack McBain. This injury sidelined him for over a month, causing him to miss 16 games. However, demonstrating his resilience, Ovechkin scored in each of his first two games upon returning, maintaining a high scoring pace since. His current rate of 2.2 goals per 60 minutes is projected to be a career-high, and he is also on track for his highest goals-per-game rate since the 2019-20 season.
Furthermore, Ovechkin`s goals are contributing to team success. The Capitals, the only NHL team Ovechkin has played for, were the first team to secure a playoff spot in the NHL this season and are currently leading the Eastern Conference.
With Ovechkin closing in on Gretzky`s record, here are the upcoming games for Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals:
- April 6: at Islanders
- April 10: vs. Hurricanes
- April 12: at Blue Jackets
- April 13: vs. Blue Jackets
- April 15: at Islanders
- April 17: at Penguins
