Feb 25, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Calgary Flames in the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

nhl

Alex Ovechkin Hits 30-Goal Mark for Record 19th Time with Capitals

The Capitals' star moves closer to Gretzky’s all-time goal record, reaching 30 goals for the 19th time in his legendary NHL career.

Alex Ovechkin continues to rewrite history in the NHL. On Tuesday night, the Washington Capitals forward scored his 30th goal of the season against the Calgary Flames at Capital One Arena, extending his record for the most 30-goal seasons in NHL history. This marks the 19th time in his legendary career that he has reached this milestone, further cementing his place among the all-time greats.

His historic goal came on the power play early in the third period. Positioned at the bottom of the left circle, Ovechkin fired one of his signature one-timer past Calgary goalie Dan Vladar, sneaking it in on the short side. The goal not only added to his remarkable season but also inched him closer to one of the most coveted records in hockey—Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record. With 883 career goals, Ovechkin is now just 12 away from surpassing Gretzky’s mark of 894, a record once thought untouchable. Gretzky, who played 20 NHL seasons before retiring in 1999, hit the 30-goal mark 14 times in his career.

How many goals does Alex Ovechkin have? Tracking his chase to catch Wayne Gretzky https://t.co/Th8qnPlvr1
— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) February 26, 2025

Ovechkin already claimed the top spot for the most 30-goal seasons last year when he surpassed Mike Gartner, who accomplished the feat 17 times in 19 seasons. Despite missing 16 games earlier this season due to a fractured left fibula, the 39-year-old has still managed to score 30 goals in just 42 games, proving once again that age is just a number. He also joins an exclusive club as only the fourth player in NHL history to score 30 goals at age 39 or older, alongside legends like Gordie Howe, Johnny Bucyk, and Teemu Selanne.

Since being drafted first overall by the Capitals in 2004, Ovechkin has been a scoring machine. The only time he failed to reach 30 goals was in the shortened 2020-21 season when he scored 24 in just 45 games during the COVID-19 pandemic. His name is scattered throughout NHL history books, holding the record for the most 40-goal seasons (13) and sharing the top spot for 50-goal seasons (nine) with Gretzky and Mike Bossy. He also ranks second all-time in 20-goal seasons with 20, trailing only Gordie Howe’s 22.

Updated schedule for Alex Ovechkin to make history

Alex Ovechkin is just 12 goals away from making history, and with 24 games left in the season, the countdown is officially on. So far, he’s been scoring at an impressive pace of 0.73 goals per game. If he keeps that up, he’s on track to break Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record on April 4 in front of the home crowd against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Of course, hockey isn’t always predictable. Ovechkin’s scoring rate this season is faster than last year, but there’s no guarantee he’ll maintain the same pace. If he slows down a bit, he still has plenty of time, with six games after April 4 to get the job done. And if he gets hot and picks up the pace, he could even break the record sooner. One thing is for sure—he has every opportunity to make history before the season ends.

It’s important to note that playoff goals don’t count toward career totals, so Ovechkin has to get it done in the regular season. Here’s a look at the Capitals’ remaining schedule as he closes in on Gretzky’s legendary mark:

Washington Capitals 2024-25 Remaining Schedule

Feb. 25: vs. Flames (7 p.m.)
Feb. 27: vs. Blues (7 p.m.)
March 1: vs. Lightning (12:30 p.m.)
March 3: vs. Senators (6:30 p.m.)
March 5: at Rangers (7 p.m.)
March 7: vs. Red Wings (7 p.m.)
March 9: vs. Kraken (3:30 p.m.)
March 11: at Ducks (10 p.m.)
March 13: at Kings (10:30 p.m.)
March 15: at Kraken (5 p.m.)
March 18: vs. Red Wings (7 p.m.)
March 20: vs. Flyers (7 p.m.)
March 22: vs. Panthers (5 p.m.)
March 25: at Jets (8 p.m.)
March 27: at Wild (8 p.m.)
March 30: vs. Sabres (3 p.m.)
April 1: at Bruins (7 p.m.)
April 2: at Hurricanes (7 p.m.)
April 4: vs. Blackhawks (7 p.m.)
April 6: at Islanders (12:30 p.m.)
April 10: vs. Hurricanes (7:30 p.m.)
April 12: at Blue Jackets (7 p.m.)
April 13: vs. Blue Jackets (6 p.m.)
April 15: at Islanders (8 p.m.)
April 17: at Penguins (7 p.m.)

With so many games left, all eyes will be on Ovechkin as he inches closer to the most celebrated record in NHL history. If he stays on track, Capitals fans could witness history on home ice in early April.

Image Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Alex Ovechkin

NHL

Washington Capitals

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!