Mar 15, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) controls the puck while defended by San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro (38) in the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

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Alex Ovechkin Closing in on Gretzky’s Record, Only 8 Goals Away

The Capitals’ superstar is closing in on Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record, turning his chase into a historic moment and a fight against cancer.

Alex Ovechkin is on the brink of rewriting NHL history. The Washington Capitals’ 39-year-old superstar is now just eight goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 career goals

Ovechkin entered the 2024-25 season with 853 goals, knowing that every shot he took could inch him closer to immortality. He started the season on fire, scoring 15 goals in his first 18 games. However, a broken fibula in November forced him to miss five weeks of action. Despite the setback, his return was nothing short of remarkable; he netted four goals in his first five games back, proving that his scoring prowess remains as lethal as ever.

Alex Ovechkin broke his leg on November 18. He returned just 40 days later (he’s 39 years old). He has 19 goals in 33 games since and is 8 goals away from passing Wayne Gretzky for the most in NHL history.

We are truly witnessing something remarkable 🎬🔥 pic.twitter.com/WFvOPKVZZl
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 15, 2025

Most recently, Ovechkin found the back of the net for the 887th time in a dominant win over the San Jose Sharks, with a third-period deflection adding another tally to his growing legacy. Now, with just eight goals left to pass Gretzky, every Capitals game carries an extra layer of anticipation.

But Ovechkin’s journey isn’t just about breaking records; it’s also about making a difference. As he chases hockey immortality, he has launched THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer, a campaign in partnership with Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Through this initiative, he has pledged to donate an amount equal to his career NHL goal total for every goal he scores for the remainder of his career. Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the Capitals’ ownership group, will match his donations, turning Ovechkin’s historic pursuit into a force for good.

Also Read: Darcy Kuemper Tops NHL’s 3 Stars of the Week Honors

With history in sight, all eyes are on Ovechkin as he continues his march toward Gretzky’s record. His next opportunity to edge closer comes Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings, and each game moving forward will be a must-watch event.

For years, Gretzky’s record seemed untouchable, but Ovechkin has defied expectations, proving that longevity, skill, and relentless determination can challenge even the greatest marks in sports history. Now, with just a handful of goals separating him from the top, the world is waiting to witness what once seemed impossible. The countdown to history is on.

Image Credit: David Gonzales-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!