Alex Ovechkin is just 8 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s seemingly untouchable NHL record of 894 goals. It’s a chase that’s captivated hockey fans for years.
The Washington Capitals star has been a scoring machine since day one. He burst onto the scene in 2005 with 52 goals as a rookie, and he hasn’t slowed down since.
Now at 886 goals, Ovechkin’s climb through hockey’s record books has been nothing short of remarkable. He’s left a trail of legends in his wake.
Just last year, he passed Gordie Howe – “Mr. Hockey” himself – to claim second place all-time with his 802nd goal. The moment sent shockwaves through the sport.
What makes Ovechkin’s achievement even more impressive? He’s doing it in an era where scoring is much harder than it was in Gretzky’s day. Modern goalies are bigger, faster, and better trained than ever before.
The only modern player who comes close is Jaromir Jagr, whose 766 goals rank fourth all-time. But most of Jagr’s scoring came before Ovechkin even entered the league.
Here’s how the all-time scoring list looks now:
1. Wayne Gretzky – 894 goals
2. Alex Ovechkin – 886 goals
3. Gordie Howe – 801 goals
4. Jaromir Jagr – 766 goals
5. Brett Hull – 741 goals
The rest of the top 10 reads like a who’s who of hockey royalty: Marcel Dionne (731), Phil Esposito (717), Mike Gartner (708), Mark Messier (694), and Steve Yzerman (692).
At 38 years old, Ovechkin isn’t showing many signs of slowing down. He’s still averaging around 40 goals per season, making Gretzky’s record look more vulnerable with each passing game.
Could we see the record fall this season? It’s possible. But even if it takes a bit longer, one thing’s becoming clear: it’s not a question of if Ovechkin will break the record, but when.
The chase has become one of sports’ most compelling storylines. After all, we’re watching a player who could end up being the greatest goal-scorer in hockey history.
