Jan 2, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) chases the puck during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

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Alex Ovechkin Record Chase : 24 goals from Breaking NHL Record

The Gre8t scored his 871th career goal against Minnesota

With his return to the ice, Alex Ovechkin has resumed his pursuit of the once-thought-unbreakable record held by Wayne Gretzky.

Facing the Minnesota Wild, Ovechkin netted the 871st goal of his illustrious career.

Alex Ovechkin scored his 18th goal of the season on the power play, tying the game at 2-2 with a pinpoint wrist shot from the top of the left circle. The puck weaved through heavy traffic in front of the net before finding its mark.

ALEX OVECHKIN 🦅

He only needs 24 more goals to pass Wayne Gretzky! pic.twitter.com/FqKGxbTDVL
— NHL (@NHL) January 3, 2025

This goal marked his 28th in 47 games (46 starts) against Marc-André Fleury, the highest number Ovechkin has scored against any goaltender in his career.

After missing several weeks, Alex Ovechkin has returned to his goal-scoring form, netting three goals in his last four outings.

“When you miss so many games, you just try to take short shifts, play hard every game, every shift, and feel the puck,” Ovechkin explained. “But sometimes, on those nights, you might not have any chances to score, and then suddenly, you get one, and it feels so much better.”

Despite Ovechkin’s efforts, the Capitals, who currently lead the Metropolitan Division, fell 4-3 in a shootout.

When’s Alex Ovechkin’s Next Game?

Ovechkin will have the opportunity to score career goal number 872 this Saturday at home against the New York Rangers.

The Rangers are coming off a 2-1 victory over the Bruins last night, a rare bright spot as it marked just their third win in their last 10 games.

Credit Photo: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Alex Ovechkin

Washington Capitals

Charles Taudin

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Global Editorial Chief of The Playoffs, I created The Free Agent, which became The Playoffs FR, in 2020 during the pandemic. A longtime fan of the four major American sports, I now oversee the editorial strategy and social media for all versions of The Playoffs. I still occasionally write about sports I’m particularly passionate about, such as the NFL or MLB. If there’s one thing you should remember: Eli Manning is the true GOAT for beating Tom Brady twice.