Alexander Ovechkin: Closing In On Wayne Gretzky’s NHL Goal Record

By Caleb Tallman | Mar 26, 2025, 7:28pm

Washington Capitals superstar Alexander Ovechkin is inching closer to making history, sitting just eight goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record.

The Russian winger — the first overall pick in 2004 — has spent his entire career in Washington, maintaining a level of scoring consistency rarely seen in NHL history. His ability to stay healthy and produce at an elite level year after year has put him in a position to challenge one of hockey’s once seemingly untouchable milestones.

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Ovechkin Career Milestones

Since stepping onto NHL ice, Ovechkin has been a scoring machine. Across two decades, he has never scored fewer than 24 goals in a season while playing at least 45 games. His most explosive season came in 2007-08, when he netted a career-high 65 goals. In total, he has recorded nine seasons with 50+ goals, reinforcing his reputation as one of the greatest pure goal scorers in the game.

Some wondered if age was catching up to him last season, as he managed just 31 goals in 79 games. This year, though, he’s flipped the narrative, already passing last season’s total with 35 goals in just 54 games. If he keeps up his current pace, breaking the record this season is a real possibility.

Will Ovechkin Pass Gretzky’s Record This Season?

With 12 games remaining in the regular season, Ovechkin’s path to 895 goals is within reach. He is averaging 0.65 goals per game, which would put him on pace to tie the record in 11 more games and surpass it in 12 games, assuming he maintains this rate. If he stays healthy, fans could witness history before the season ends.

Potential milestone games to watch

April 12: Away at Columbus Blue Jackets
April 13: Home vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
April 15: Away at New York Islanders
April 17: Away at Pittsburgh Penguins

Each matchup could present a chance for Ovechkin to tie or break the record, making them must-watch games for hockey fans.

Betting Odds On Ovechkin Breaking Gretzky’s Record

Sportsbooks have various wagers on when and how Ovechkin will make history.

BetMGM Odds:

Ovechkin to break Gretzky’s record this season:
- Yes (-115) / No (-115)
Method of 895th goal:
- Even strength: -220
- Powerplay: +165
- Shorthanded: +5000
Which team will Ovechkin score No. 895 against?
- Blue Jackets: -110
- Islanders: +160
- Hurricanes: +290
- Penguins: +320
- Blackhawks: +650

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