Alex Ovechkin Nears Wayne Gretzky’s All-Time NHL Goals Record

As the National Hockey League (NHL) embarks on the 2024-25 season, all eyes are on Washington Capitals‘ captain, Alex Ovechkin. The accomplished forward is on the brink of breaking a historic record, potentially surpassing Wayne Gretzky as the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. Ovechkin enters this season with 853 career goals, placing him just 41 goals shy of Gretzky’s remarkable 894-goal record.

The 2023-24 season saw Ovechkin net 31 goals, marking his lowest scoring output since the 2012-13 season, where he scored 32 goals. Remarkably, Ovechkin has managed to score at least 41 goals in 13 out of his 19 seasons in the NHL, a testament to his sustained excellence and goal-scoring prowess.

In addition to his pursuit of Gretzky’s record, Ovechkin made history during the 2023-24 season by registering his 18th 30-goal season, surpassing Mike Gartner for the most in NHL history. Heading into the new season, Ovechkin boasts 1,550 points in total, comprising 853 goals and 697 assists.

Ovechkin will showcase his skills on opening night against an unspecified opponent on October 12. The Capitals will start their season with three consecutive home games, providing Ovechkin opportunities to add to his goal tally early on. The Capitals legend will continue anchoring the team’s power-play unit, a crucial role in generating scoring chances.

Comparisons between Ovechkin and Gretzky are inevitable, given their status as two of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history. Notably, the two players scored against 11 of the same goaltenders throughout their respective careers, including NHL luminaries such as Martin Brodeur and Ed Belfour.

Ovechkin aims not only to surpass Gretzky’s record but also to continue contributing to the Capitals’ success. His enduring presence as a top-tier player in the NHL underscores his determination and ability to perform at the highest level as he approaches one of hockey’s most hallowed records. CBS Sports will provide regular updates as the season progresses, tracking Ovechkin’s journey towards potential history.