On March 15, 2025, Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin scored his 887th career goal against the San Jose Sharks, inching closer to breaking Wayne Gretzkys NHL record of 894 goals. With just 9:06 remaining in the third period, Ovechkin redirected a shot from teammate Martin Fehervary, beating Sharks goalie Georgi Romanov and extending his own record of scoring against different goalies to 182.
This milestone goal came during the Capitals 5-1 victory over the Sharks, marking Ovechkins return to form after struggling earlier on this California road trip, where he had no shots on goal during the previous game against the Los Angeles Kings. "Hes been passing to me too much," said Dylan Strome, who spoke about the collective excitement surrounding Ovechkin's chase for Gretzky's record. "Weve got to get him the puck more. Hes doing all the little things right. And nice for 'Tin (Fehervary) to find him in the slot there. I mean, you could just see the crowd. Not much left to say at this point. I hope he can get a couple on this homestand here and inch closer. Were all excited, obviously. And its pretty cool.”
Now, sitting just eight goals away from history, Ovechkin's pace suggests he could tie Gretzky on April 6, 2025, against the New York Islanders, and potentially break the record on April 12, 2025, when the Capitals face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This stunning opportunity to surpass the record which had seemed unbreakable—held by Gretzky since March 29, 1999—has captivated fans and former players alike.
Alex Ovechkin began this season with 853 career goals and hit the ground running, scoring 15 times in his first 18 games. A setback came when he broke his fibula, sidelining him for five weeks. Nevertheless, upon return, he wasted little time, scoring four goals in his first five games back. His remarkable resilience is repeatedly highlighted by fans and commentators, all excited to see if he can etch his name even higher in the record books.
Further emphasizing the significance of his pursuit, Ovechkin has collaborated with Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation for Cancer Research to launch the campaign named "THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer." With this initiative, Ovechkin has pledged to donate $1 for each goal he scores for the rest of his career, matching each donation with support from Monumental Sports & Entertainment.
Capitals fans and hockey enthusiasts closely monitor Ovechkin's chase for Gretzky's elusive record. With each game, excitement swells. Ovechkin's next chance to add to his goal tally will come during their scheduled matchup against the Detroit Red Wings on March 18, 2025.
Ovechkin, the first overall pick of the 2004 NHL Draft, continues to redefine expectations. The recent clash against the Sharks marked not only his historic milestone but also the debut match between the legendary Ovechkin and the 2024 Draft's first overall pick, Macklin Celebrini. Both shining stars managed to light the lamp, showcasing the future of the league and keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
“It’s just a matter of time, whether it’s late this year, early next year, whenever,” Gretzky remarked to NHL.com earlier this season, acknowledging Ovechkin’s formidable scoring ability. “I mean, he’s a great player. He’s a great goal scorer.”
With the NHL playoffs fast approaching, the Capitals captain has both personal and team goals to motivate him. While chasing greatness, he has proven he can rise to challenges. Caps' fans remain hopeful and believe he will exceed expectations, making history along the way.
The Capitals' schedule includes several significant games leading up to potential record-breaking moments, with many eyes set on Ovechkin as he continues this remarkable pursuit. Upcoming matchups include important contests against Philadelphia and Florida, followed by anticipated games against the Islanders and Blue Jackets, which could potentially serve as historic milestones.
The excitement pulsates through the fan base each time Ovechkin steps onto the ice, creating anticipation for not only the goal tally but the larger narrative surrounding what this challenge means for the sport of hockey. His legacy, irrespective of the ultimate outcome, is already firmly established, but as Ovechkin nears Gretzky’s impressive total, discussions about his place within the annals of NHL history grow increasingly vibrant.