Alex Ovechkin Sets NHL Record, Nears Gretzky’s Goal Milestone

OTTAWA, Canada — Alex Ovechkin made NHL history Thursday night, becoming the first player to score against 179 different goaltenders. The Washington Capitals captain achieved the milestone with a game-winning overtime goal against Ottawa Senators rookie Leevi Merilainen, securing a 1-0 victory for his team.

The 39-year-old forward surpassed Jaromir Jagr’s previous record of 178 goalies scored upon. Ovechkin’s latest goal also marked his 874th career NHL goal, placing him just 20 shy of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894. The NHL has compiled a video montage of all 179 goalies Ovechkin has scored against, a testament to his longevity and dominance in the league.

Ovechkin’s pursuit of Gretzky’s record, dubbed ‘The Gr8 Chase,’ has captivated hockey fans worldwide. Despite missing 16 games earlier this season due to a fractured left fibula, Ovechkin has returned to form, scoring six goals in 11 games since his comeback. His current scoring rate of 0.55 goals per game suggests he could tie Gretzky’s record by the end of the season, with the potential to break it early in the 2025-26 campaign.

Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette cautioned against rushing Ovechkin’s recovery. “It’s harder than people may realize,” Laviolette said. “Missing a month and trying to get back up to speed at 39 is a lot easier said than done. But we know he’ll get there.”

Historically, Ovechkin has been a second-half performer, and his current scoring rate of 0.724 goals per game this season far exceeds his career average of 0.600. If he maintains this pace, he could break Gretzky’s record as early as April 1, 2025, during a game against the Boston Bruins.

Ovechkin already holds several NHL records, including most power-play goals (317), most shots (6,732), and most empty-net goals (61). His 134th game-winning goal on Thursday also brings him within one of Jagr’s all-time record of 135.

The Capitals, currently leading the NHL’s Eastern Conference with a 30-10-5 record, will host Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday as Ovechkin continues his historic chase.