WASHINGTON (AP) — The excitement at Capital One Arena reached a fever pitch as Alex Ovechkin scored his 888th career goal, moving just seven goals shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record of 894 goals. This pivotal moment occurred on March 20, 2025, during a tightly contested matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers. With 5:35 remaining in the first period, Ovechkin found the net, injecting a surge of energy into the home crowd as they erupted in chants of "Ovi! Ovi!"
This latest goal contributes to Ovechkin's remarkable tally of 35 goals this season, positioning him tied for fourth most in the league. While the capitals managed to secure a 3-2 victory over the Flyers, Ovechkin's individual milestone highlighted the dual challenge he faces: leading his team and pursuing a historic place in the record books.
"I don’t make plans, I just do my job," Ovechkin explained when asked about his pursuit of Gretzky's record. "I do what’s necessary for the team, for the result. And then – if it works out, it will work out. If it doesn’t, it’s not a big deal.” His humble approach reflects a focus on winning rather than getting caught up in the pursuit of stats.
Despite this, Ovechkin’s journey is nothing short of historic. At 39 years of age, he has defied expectations, showing that age is just a number. The Capitals’ PR team recently released a significant statistic revealing that Ovechkin has scored an impressive 182 goals in 327 games since turning 35. His goals-per-game rate of 0.56 among players over this age is the highest in NHL history.
As the Capitals have now secured 100 points this season and won eight of their last nine games, Ovechkin's pursuit has become a topic of great discussion in the hockey community. With only 13 games remaining in the regular season, the conditions have set in place for a dramatic finish as he aims to surpass the legendary Gretzky.
Reflecting on the current state of the Capitals, following their recent victory over the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 just days prior, the team's overall confidence is palpable. Fans are optimistic about their chances as Washington stands first in the Metropolitan Division and looks poised for a strong playoff run.
As Ovechkin inches closer to Gretzky's mark, his upcoming schedule could provide key opportunities for him to capitalize. Over the next couple of weeks, the Capitals will play key divisional matchups, including hosting the Florida Panthers and road games against various opponents where scoring opportunities may arise. This makes the looming question of whether he will break the record within these last few games all the more tantalizing.
In essence, Ovechkin's chase is not simply about numbers; it represents a storied legacy in the making. Should he succeed in breaking one of the most revered records in sports, the implications for Ovechkin and the game itself could be monumental. As the hockey world watches, the question remains: will Ovechkin's legacy grow to encompass the best goal-scorer in NHL history?
Alongside Ovechkin's individual accolades, his contribution to the Capitals' success remains vital. Fans and analysts alike are excited by his performance this season and are eagerly following every game, hoping for the next milestone to arrive. His goal-scoring prowess has become emblematic of not only his career but has sparked renewed interest in the league during a pivotal year.
As the Capitals continue their path through the end of the regular season, Ovechkin appears ready for a historic finish. Every game now holds the added weight of his chase as the hockey community fervently supports him. The legacy of Ovechkin only grows as he moves closer to entering the pantheon of the sport’s greatest, and his journey will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most compelling narratives in NHL history.
