As he gets closer to a historic NHL milestone, Alex Ovechkin, the captain of the Washington Capitals, continues to enthrall hockey fans.

With his most recent goal on April 2, 2025, against the Carolina Hurricanes, Ovechkin’s career total now stands at 892 goals, two goals short of Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals.  

The Journey to 892 Goals

Ovechkin has shown incredible perseverance and consistency in his quest for this record. He became the only NHL player to score more than 200 goals in three distinct decades during his 20-season tenure with the Capitals.

Due to his aggressive style of play, he has also surpassed Gretzky by almost 1,800 shots on goal, making him the all-time leader in this category.  

Recent Performances

Even though the team lost 5-1 in their most recent game against the Hurricanes, Ovechkin’s goal was a highlight, demonstrating his tenacity and brilliance.

His crucial importance in the Capitals’ attack was highlighted by this goal, which extended his scoring run to three games in a row.  

Upcoming Opportunities

Ovechkin has a great chance to cut the gap or maybe break Gretzky’s record in the Capitals’ upcoming game. On Friday, April 4, 2025, they will play the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena.

Interestingly, Wayne Gretzky is anticipated to be present, which heightens the excitement and importance of the occasion.  

Historical Context

In professional hockey, breaking Gretzky’s record has long been seen as an impossible task. On March 29, 1999, Gretzky scored his last goal, and his record has remained unbeaten for more than 20 years.

In addition to showcasing Ovechkin’s extraordinary talent, his upcoming accomplishment marks a significant turning point in NHL history.  

Looking Ahead

Ovechkin has plenty of time to create history with seven games left in the regular season. Both supporters and experts are keeping a careful eye on his play, waiting impatiently for the day when he might break the previous record for goals scored.

Ovechkin has one more year left on his contract to reach this milestone as he reaches 40, if he doesn’t set the record this season.

The hockey community is eagerly awaiting Alex Ovechkin’s attempt to break Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record, which is evidence of both his continued greatness and the dynamic character of the game.