Alex Ovechkin is just one goal away from matching Wayne Gretzky’s seemingly untouchable NHL record of 894 career goals. The Washington Capitals star hit number 893 Friday night against the Chicago Blackhawks, and he did it in classic Ovechkin style.
It was his 40th goal this season – pretty remarkable for a 39-year-old who broke his leg just a few months ago.
The historic goal came in the first period, when teammate Dylan Strome found Ovechkin with a perfect pass from behind the net. Ovi’s signature one-timer pinged off the post and bounced in off Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight.
He’s now sitting at the doorstep of history. Here’s what the all-time NHL goals list looks like:
• Wayne Gretzky: 894
• Alex Ovechkin: 893
• Gordie Howe: 801
• Jaromir Jagr: 766
• Brett Hull: 741
What makes this even more impressive? The closest active player, Sidney Crosby, isn’t even in the same neighborhood – he’s more than 370 goals behind Ovechkin.
But that’s not the only record Ovi’s breaking. This is his 14th season scoring 40 or more goals – nobody else has done that more than 12 times. Even “The Great One” Gretzky only did it 12 times.
The Russian superstar is showing no signs of slowing down, even after a scary injury in November. He broke his left fibula in a collision with Jack McBain and missed 16 games.
Most players would need time to get back in rhythm. Not Ovechkin. He scored in his first two games back and hasn’t looked back since.
He’s actually scoring at the highest rate of his career – 2.2 goals per hour of ice time. That’s incredible for any player, let alone someone pushing 40.
The Capitals are riding Ovechkin’s hot streak all the way to the playoffs. They were the first team to clinch a spot this year and currently lead the Eastern Conference.
Now, all eyes are on when – not if – he’ll catch Gretzky. The countdown to history is down to one.
