An NHL record that once seemed unbreakable could be broken as soon as the 2024-25 season, thanks to the goal-scoring ability of Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin.
Ovechkin is getting closer to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record of 894, which Gretzky set on March 29, 1999, against the New York Islanders. Ovechkin started this season with 853 career goals.
He didn’t score on Monday in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Buffalo Sabres. However, Ovechkin did score goal No. 872 on Saturday afternoon against the New York Rangers, off a faceoff in the third period. His goal gave the Capitals a 5-3 lead, and they went on to win 7-4.
“It’s just a matter of time, whether it’s late this year, early next year, whenever,” Gretzky told NHL.com earlier this season about Ovechkin’s chances of breaking his record. “I mean, he’s a great player. He’s a great goal scorer.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman mentioned in December that he would follow Ovechkin when he gets within four or five goals of the record, with Gretzky joining him.
Ovechkin started this season strong, scoring 15 goals in his first 18 games. Unfortunately, a fractured fibula on Nov. 18 caused him to miss 16 games. The “Russian Machine” has been known for his durability, having missed just 75 games due to injury since joining the NHL in the 2005-06 season.
Ovechkin will continue his pursuit of Gretzky’s record on Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks.
We will continue to follow Ovechkin’s race to 894 goals and beyond throughout the season.
