Ovechkin sets a new NHL record, scoring against 179 goalies, and inches closer to breaking Wayne Gretzky's career goal-scoring mark.
NHL superstar Alex Ovechkin added another historic achievement to his legendary career on Thursday night, inching closer to breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record as the league’s all-time leading scorer.
Ovechkin netted the lone goal in the Washington Capitals’ 1-0 overtime victory against the Ottawa Senators, making him the first player in NHL history to score against 179 different goaltenders. The goal, his 874th, leaves him just 21 shy of Gretzky’s career total of 894. At 39, Ovechkin has already tallied 21 goals in 29 games this season, putting him on pace to surpass Gretzky’s mark before season’s end—potentially in fewer games than the 1,487 Gretzky played during his illustrious 21-year career.
“I knew I should take a shot as soon as I can, because I knew (goaltender Leevi Merilainen) may be thinking I’m going to pass it back to Sandy, And it was a good one, and it goes in the net, so I’ll take it.” : said Ovechkin.
Thursday’s milestone goal came off a Rasmus Sandin pass during a 2-on-1 breakaway and marked Ovechkin’s 27th career overtime game winner, a record he continues to extend. Sidney Crosby ranks second with 22. Despite missing 16 games earlier this season with a broken fibula, Ovechkin made a strong return, scoring four goals in five games to close out 2024.
In another feat of consistency, Ovechkin recently joined Gordie Howe as the only player in NHL history to record 20 goals in 20 consecutive seasons, cementing his status as one of the game’s greatest scorers. With history within reach, the hockey world eagerly watches as Ovechkin closes in on the ultimate milestone.
Image Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
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