Alex Ovechkin has done what many thought impossible – he’s now the greatest goal scorer in NHL history. The Washington Capitals star netted his 895th career goal Sunday against the New York Islanders, passing Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record of 894.
It’s a milestone that seemed untouchable for 25 years. But Ovechkin, at age 39, isn’t done yet.
With five games left this season, he could hit 900 goals. And if he keeps playing into his 40s? The magical 1,000-goal mark isn’t out of the question.
But while Ovechkin conquered one of hockey’s “unbreakable” records, there are others that might never be touched. Here’s a look at some of the most untouchable marks in NHL history:
Gretzky’s total points record is probably safe forever. The Great One racked up 2,857 points (894 goals, 1,963 assists) – that’s nearly 1,000 more than second-place Jaromir Jagr’s 1,921. For perspective, Ovechkin has 1,619 points after Sunday’s game.
Then there’s Gretzky’s mind-boggling 1981-82 season: 92 goals in 80 games. No player in this century has even hit 70. Auston Matthews came closest with 69 this season.
The Great One’s playmaking was even more incredible. In 1985-86, he dished out 163 assists and totaled 215 points in just 80 games. That’s like scoring nearly three points every single game.
Some other seemingly unbreakable records:
• Darryl Sittler’s 10 points in one game (1976)
• Teemu Selanne’s 76 goals as a rookie (1992-93)
• Bobby Orr’s 139 points in a season by a defenseman (1970-71)
• Glenn Hall’s 502 straight games in goal – without a mask!
• Martin Brodeur’s 691 career wins
• Henri Richard’s 11 Stanley Cup wins
Richard’s Cup record might be the safest of all. In today’s NHL, with 32 teams and salary caps, winning even half that many championships seems impossible.
But then again, they said that about Gretzky’s goal record too.
