Ovechkin Chasing History: Odds On When Goal Record Could Be Broken

They say records are made to be broken, and Alexander Ovechkin is close to breaking one most thought would be unreachable. 

Ovechkin is now 11 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record for most NHL goals scored at 894. Some of the game’s greats never even came close.

Jaromir Jagr finished his career with 766, Brett Hull scored 741, and Gordie Howe (801) was the only other player until Ovechkin to eclipse 800.

Alexander Ovechkin Career Stats

The Washington Capitals left winger was drafted No. 1 overall in 2004 and has played his entire career with Washington. To get to the point he is now and have a chance at the record, he has had to stay healthy and score at a prolific rate for not just a few seasons but for his entire career.

Ovechkin has never had fewer than 24 goals in a season while playing in at least 45 games or more every year of his 20-year career.

He notched a career-high 65 goals in his third season, while scoring 50+ goals nine times in his career. It looked like Ovechkin’s age may have finally caught up to him last season when he played 79 games but only scored 31 goals.

But he has squashed that narrative and turned back the clock, scoring 31 goals this season in his first 45 games.

When Could Ovechkin Break The Record?

At his current pace this season, and with the Capitals having 21 games left, there is a solid chance that Ovi will break the record before the end of the regular season if he stays healthy. Scoring an average of 0.68 goals per game means if the pace stays the same, the record could be tied in 14 games and broken in 16 games.

Looking at what games are good for Ovechkin to potentially tie or break the record, here are a few that may be likely:

• Home vs. Chicago Blackhawks on April 4
• At New York Islanders on April 6
• Home vs. Carolina Hurricanes on April 10

Prop Bets For Breaking The Record

BetMGM has several bets available related to Alexander Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time scoring record:

• Ovechkin to top Gretzky this season (11 goals needed to reach 895): Yes (-160) / No (+125)
• Method of Ovechkin’s 895th NHL goal
  • Even Strength -225
  • Powerplay +150
  • Shorthanded +6600
• Ovechkin to score 895th goal vs. Team x
  • Blue Jackets +475
  • Islanders +600
  • Hurricanes +750
  • Penguins +1300
  • Blackhawks +1400

FanDuel also has a handful of available bets tied to Ovechkin breaking the scoring record:

• Alex Ovechkin to score 895th goal during the 2024-25 regular season: Yes (-160) / No (+122)
• Alex Ovechkin’s 895th goal will be an empty net goal: Yes (+350) / No (-530)

• Method of Ovechkin’s 895th NHL goal
  • Even Strength -220
  • Powerplay +150
  • Shorthanded +10000
• Ovechkin to score 895th goal vs. Team x
  • Blue Jackets +470
  • Islanders +600
  • Hurricanes +750
  • Penguins +1300
  • Blackhawks +1400