The NHL is gearing up for a phenomenal moment in sports history as Washington Capitals' star Alex Ovechkin inches closer to breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal-scoring record. With excitement brewing among fans and players alike, detailed preparations have been set in motion to celebrate this historic achievement during an upcoming game.
According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, the league is planning a live on-ice ceremony that will coincide with Ovechkin's 895th goal, the shot that will surpass Gretzky's long-standing record of 894 goals. The league intends to pause the game to hold this special event, which is capped at seven minutes to minimize disruption for the teams on the ice, particularly since the Capitals have already secured their playoff berth. Johnston emphasized the significance of the moment, claiming, “There’s actually going to be a ceremony in real-time. This is a pretty special moment, a special goal.”
This careful coordination reflects the gravity of the situation, recognizing that while Ovechkin seeks personal glory, the game is still a critical battle for the opposing team. Therefore, a seven-minute timeout has been deemed sufficient to celebrate the occasion while maintaining the integrity of the game.
As of now, Ovechkin is only seven goals away from making history, having scored his 888th goal during the Capitals’ recent 3-2 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers on March 20, 2025. Demonstrating his consistent performance, Ovechkin scored that goal at 14:25 in the first period, with assists from teammates Aliaksei Protas and Trevor van Riemsdyk, pushing Washington to an early lead.
Johnston stated that when Ovechkin narrows his gap to four goals from the record, a 15-member NHL delegation—including NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky himself—will start accompanying the Capitals to each game. They want to ensure they are present for this monumental moment in one of hockey's most beloved careers.
Notably, Ovechkin's famous longevity has contributed greatly to his success; he continues to be a top scorer even as he approaches 40 years of age. Currently, he has amassed 35 goals over 53 games this season, placing him among league leaders in scoring, despite being sidelined earlier in the year due to a leg injury. Remarkably, he has netted 13 goals in his past 19 games, showcasing that he remains a strong contender in the league.
For the Capitals, this chase has become a unifying theme, capturing the attention and enthusiasm of players and fans alike. Capitals goalie Charlie Lindgren remarked, “He amazes me night in, night out. I mean, he truly is the best... You can't deny how special this is.” The excitement surrounding Ovechkin's journey is palpable; every match is now filled with the anticipation of when he will reach this significant milestone.
While many may assume that a formal gathering or larger ceremony would accompany Ovechkin tying or breaking Gretzky's record, Johnston clarified that only a brief celebration will occur for the tie. He noted, “When he ties the record, there won’t be a ceremony... they’ll let the Capitals players come on the ice and celebrate with him.” The focus will instead shift to the actual record-breaking goal, where more extensive preparations will be made.
The Capitals will next face the Winnipeg Jets on March 25, 2025, continuing what has been dubbed “The Gr8 Chase.” With each game, fans are more excited than ever, not only to see the Capitals succeed but to fulfill their desire to witness Ovechkin's name etched in the history books of the NHL.
This pivotal chase is taking place in the wake of strong team performances. The Capitals further cemented their position atop the Metropolitan Division with a 6-3 victory over the Florida Panthers, in which Ovechkin contributed with two assists despite not scoring himself. After finalizing a playoff spot with the win against Philadelphia, the Capitals are focused on solidifying their positioning while also cheering on their captain’s record chase.
As each showdown approaches, the energy within Capital One Arena builds not just towards winning games, but achieving what many fans believe is a lasting legacy. Even Ovechkin himself remains humble in reflecting the daunting task of nearing Gretzky's record. He stated, “Our goal was to make the playoffs this year. We take it and move on,” showcasing his commitment to the team’s success alongside his personal ambition.
As the days draw closer to perhaps witnessing history in the making, one thing is sure—Fans are ready to embrace the excitement that Alex Ovechkin will surely bring as he chases one of the most storied records in professional sports.
