Every hockey fan knows the name Wayne Gretzky, and for decades, his all-time NHL goal record of 894 goals has been regarded as untouchable. Fast forward to the present, and Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is tantalizingly close to breaking it. With just 16 goals needed and 26 games remaining in the 2024-2025 NHL season, the 39-year-old left winger is on the brink of history.
Ovechkin’s pursuit is nothing short of remarkable. He entered the season needing 42 goals to surpass Gretzky's mark, but a leg injury interrupted his momentum earlier this year. On November 18, 2024, Ovechkin suffered a fractured fibula during a match against the Utah Hockey Club, which sidelined him for 16 games. He returned to the ice on December 28 and has since registered 26 goals this season, including some standout performances.
Despite not scoring during the Capitals’ recent dominating 8-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ovechkin remains focused on his goal. "I’m gonna try, you know. Take it game by game and we’ll see what happens," Ovechkin shared during the telecast before the Penguins game, capturing the determination of a player who has dedicated his entire career to the Capitals. He was drafted first overall by Washington in 2004 and became the team captain by 2010.
Ovechkin's chase has garnered attention not only because of his immense talent but also due to the legend of the record holder himself. Wayne Gretzky, often referred to as "The Great One," has publicly endorsed Ovechkin's endeavor. Both have exchanged encouraging words, with Gretzky reportedly sending text messages of support to Ovechkin during periods of low performance. "Even when I have a slump, he will sometimes text me and say, ‘Don’t worry about it. It will come,’” Ovechkin said, expressing gratitude for the mentorship and friendship he has with Gretzky.
The NHL world watches closely as Ovechkin edges closer to the record. While the Capitals are scheduled to face the Edmonton Oilers—another formidable opponent—on February 23, 2025, every game now presents opportunities for Ovechkin to score. Following the Oilers match, the team will have 25 games left, and fans are buzzing with anticipation.
Breaking the record would not only put Ovechkin’s name at the top of the NHL’s all-time scoring list, but it could also redefine future expectations for scorers. The level of skill and competitive spirit displayed by Ovechkin serves as both inspiration and motivation to younger players and fans alike. The significance of surpassing Gretzky’s record cannot be overstated—it would bring closure and likely produce tremendous jubilation for the Capitals and Ovechkin’s legion of supporters.
Ovechkin continues to show impressive consistency—even leading the league for most goals scored against all-time—all of this after 20 consecutive seasons with at least 20 goals, solidifying his place among the elite. His 879 career goals have accrued over 1,466 games played, establishing him as the second-highest goal-scorer of all time. That record is more than impressive; it signifies decades of hard work, perseverance, and talent against some of the league's toughest defenses.
While it remains uncertain if he will break the record this season, the pressure is building. Ovechkin's odds of achieving this feat remain positive, averaging almost one goal every four games since his return from injury. The Washington Capitals have rallied around their captain, engaging every game with renewed motivation to support Ovechkin on this historic quest.
The NHL playoffs loom large, and every goal scored by Ovechkin could be the one to topple Gretzky's intimidating milestone. Fans are already speculating which match Ovechkin will score his record-breaking goal. Will it happen at home? Or will it be on the road? Being the consummate professional, Ovechkin likely has his focus untouched by the narrative surrounding the record; his consistent hard work does the talking.
Ovechkin's legacy is being cemented not only through his statistics but also through his passion for the game. He has transformed countless games and moments with fiery performances and unforgettable goals. The ice bans have often echoed with “Ovi! Ovi!” from thousands of euphoric Capitals fans during home games, who cheer him on as he inches closer to history.
The hockey community watches as the days count down to the end of the regular season and every remaining game serves as one more chance for Ovechkin to add to his storied career totals. While the question remains, will Ovechkin break Gretzky's record this season? One thing is for certain: it is just a matter of time.