Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin is inching closer to breaking what many considered the unbreakable: Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goal record of 894. At age 39, Ovechkin's pursuit has reignited discussions among fans and analysts alike, especially after he recorded a hat trick during the Capitals' resounding 7-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on February 23, 2025.
With this performance, Ovechkin has now scored 882 career NHL goals, needing just 13 more to surpass Gretzky’s long-standing record set when he retired back on March 29, 1999. It’s been said Gretzky's record seemed unassailable for decades, but Ovechkin's scoring prowess and determination have proven otherwise.
During the splendid hat trick against the Oilers, Ovechkin showed his signature scoring touch. He fired a perfect wrist shot past goaltender Calvin Pickard for his first goal, then scored with his second, again showcasing his effective power-play execution. His third goal was something special, as he sent the puck sailing from his own zone to clinch the hat trick, demonstrating both skill and awareness on the ice.
"I have pretty good chances to score more," Ovechkin remarked post-game, with characteristic humility even after his standout performance, "but I’ll take three." This reflects not only his modesty but also his insatiable hunger for more goals.
Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren echoed this admiration, saying, "He amazes me night in, night out. He truly is the best." Lindgren's statement resonates deeply considering Ovechkin's ability to wow even his teammates with his relentless effort on the ice. Linemate Dylan Strome, who has assisted on 16 of Ovechkin's 29 goals this season, acknowledged the challenge of scoring 13 goals within the season’s remaining 25 games but also the excitement surrounding Ovechkin's chase to rewrite history.
"It’s going to be tough still [to set the record this season]," Strome admitted, but the energy Ovechkin brings to every game makes it feel like it's just around the corner. It's easy to see the hunger for greatness extend beyond personal milestones as his teammates remark on his drive. Tom Wilson, Ovechkin's longtime teammate, emphasized, "I’ve never seen a guy so hungry... It’s pretty fun, and it’s been an amazing experience watching him do what he can do."
Opponents also recognize his prowess, as veteran player Corey Perry remarked, "You give the best goal scorer in the world ... he’s going to put it in the back of the net." Perry's acknowledgment of Ovechkin’s greatness reflects the respect he has generated around the league, even among those who share the ice with him.
Ovechkin, after his latest feat, is also on the cusp of reaching other impressive milestones within his storied career, like tying Jaromir Jagr’s record with 135 game-winning goals. His ability to reach 30 goals this season would mark the 18th time he has done so, standing as testimony to both his longevity and talent.
Capitals coach Spencer Carbery chimed in, conveying the frustration of missed opportunities during Ovechkin's games: "You cannot write a story and a book of what he’s doing right now at 39. The goals he’s scoring, he could’ve had six." Clearly, there’s no shortage of ambition powering Ovechkin’s efforts.
Looking at the remaining season games, Ovechkin's eyes are set on achieving the record within the coming months. With each game feeling more electric, the anticipation around whether he can shatter the NHL's scoring mark adds extra excitement for hockey fans everywhere. Remaining matchups include high-stakes games against teams like the Calgary Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Boston Bruins, giving Ovechkin ample chances to etch his name even more firmly within the record books.
Despite the records, Gretzky has proven his legacy is more than just numbers as he retains the title of one of the greatest hockey players of all time. He has stated excitement about Ovechkin’s pursuit and acknowledges its significance to the sport. Gretzky holds 55 NHL records, and even if his goals mark falls to Ovechkin — he noted two are truly untouchable: 2,857 total points and 1,963 assists, which exceed anyone's career thresholds for goals combined.
Ovechkin continues to make his mark by not only chasing the shadow of “The Great One” but also redefining his own legacy. It feels more like when, not if, Ovechkin will achieve this remarkable feat. Hockey fans everywhere will be watching with bated breath, eager to see history made.