The chase for hockey immortality continues. Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin potted his 878th career goal on Tuesday night, inching ever closer to Wayne Gretzky’s once-thought unbreakable NHL record of 894. The Russian sniper is now just 17 goals away from matching the Great One and cementing his status as the greatest goal scorer in league history.
Ovi’s latest tally came with just 0.1 seconds left in a 6-3 victory over the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. It was a signature Ovechkin goal – a blistering one-timer from the left circle that found the back of the net before the goalie could even react. Vintage #8.
“That’s good that he scored. It’s great for everyone.”
– Capitals forward Aliaksei Protas on Ovechkin’s goal
The Capitals have 29 games remaining this season for Ovechkin to score the 18 goals needed to surpass Gretzky. That’s certainly within reach for the 12-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner. Even at age 37, Ovi continues to be one of the most dominant offensive forces in the game. His powerful skating stride and lethal shot show no signs of slowing down.
The Ovechkin-Gretzky Goal Race
For over two decades, Gretzky’s 894 career goals stood as one of those unbreakable sports records, like Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak or Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game. No one ever thought they would see another player even sniff 895 goals in their lifetime. Enter Alexander Ovechkin.
- Gretzky Goals: 894 – The current NHL record, set by Wayne Gretzky over his 20-year Hall of Fame career
- Ovechkin Goals: 878 – Ovi sits 2nd all-time after scoring his latest goal vs. the Panthers. He needs 17 more to tie Gretzky.
Since entering the league in 2005, the Capitals legend has made a career out of doing the impossible. He’s led the NHL in goals a record nine times. He’s scored 50+ goals in a season nine times. And now he’s on the cusp of breaking the most hallowed record in hockey – a feat many thought was untouchable.
Chasing the Great One
Ovechkin has always had a nose for the net, but this season the Great 8 seems more focused than ever on chasing down Gretzky’s elusive record. With each passing game, the once-unthinkable is suddenly looking more and more inevitable. Here’s a look at how many goals Ovechkin needs by season’s end to stay on pace:
| End of Season | Goals Needed | 82-Game Pace |
| 2022-23 | 17 | 48 |
| 2023-24 | 4 | 12 |
As the above numbers show, Ovi would need to maintain a 48-goal pace over the Caps’ final 29 games to match Gretzky by the end of this season. Certainly possible for the greatest scorer of his generation. If he falls short, the record would likely fall early next year in 2023-24.
A Living Legend
Whenever Ovechkin does inevitably break Gretzky’s record, it will be the crowning achievement of a career filled with accolades and milestones. The Capitals legend already has his name all over the NHL record book:
- 9-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner as the league’s top goal scorer
- 3-time Hart Trophy winner as NHL MVP
- 7-time First Team NHL All-Star
- 2018 Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP
His place in hockey history is already secure. But becoming the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer would elevate Ovechkin into the Mt. Rushmore of the sport’s greatest players. Move over Gordie, Bobby, Mario, and Wayne – make room for Alex the Great.
The Countdown is On
17 goals. That’s all that stands between Alex Ovechkin and sports immortality. With each goal, the gap narrows. The buzz builds. The anticipation mounts. Like the final mile of a marathon, the hardest part is still to come. But would anyone bet against the greatest pure scorer to ever lace up a pair of skates? Not a chance.
The countdown is officially on. 895 or bust. Enjoy the ride, because we are witnessing history in the making. Get your popcorn ready – the Ovechkin goal watch will be the NHL’s must-see TV as the regular season enters its final stretch. Long live the Great 8.
