Ovechkin Approaches Gretzky’s Record with 892nd Goal

RALEIGH, N.C. — Alex Ovechkin moved within three goals of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record, scoring his 892nd career goal in the Washington Capitals‘ 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night.

The 39-year-old Russian winger expressed disappointment after the game, not only for the loss but for failing to net another goal. Ovechkin had a point-blank shot turned away by Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen early in the second period while the Capitals trailed 3-0. “We have a pretty good chance in the second, first shift a breakaway,” Ovechkin said. “And in this game, if you have a chance, you have to use it, and I think all goalies play well tonight.”

Ovechkin initially had an opportunity to set the tone just five minutes into the game but lost the puck to Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin. He ultimately scored his historic goal on a 5-on-3 power play, beating Andersen with 34.5 seconds left in the second period. Ovechkin’s tally marked his 10th goal in 13 career games against Andersen, and he now has 53 goals in 92 games against the Hurricanes, with 32 of those scored in 46 games played in Raleigh.

Proudly witnessing the milestone were NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, and Ovechkin’s wife, Nastya, who were seen enjoying the game from a suite. Despite the significant focus on Ovechkin’s pursuit of history—dubbed “The GR8 Chase”—the third period turned chaotic with multiple fights leading to eight players receiving misconduct penalties.

The playoff atmosphere was palpable, as Ovechkin noted the potential for a postseason matchup against the Hurricanes. “We understand there’s a possibility to see them in the playoffs,” he said. “It was a playoff atmosphere out there.”

Currently, Ovechkin has 39 goals this season, tied for the second-most among players aged 39 or older in a single season. He is just one goal away from hitting the 40-goal mark for the 14th time in his career, a milestone also unparalleled in NHL history, despite missing 16 games due to a fractured left fibula.

The Capitals, now leading the Eastern Conference, have seven games left in the regular season. Their next matchup is Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Ovechkin has previously scored 15 goals in 25 games against Chicago but is in a scoring slump against them, not finding the net in his last two encounters.

Capitals defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk remarked on the excitement surrounding Ovechkin’s chase. “[The record] feels like it’s right there,” he said. “He feels like he’s still scoring every night. It’s been huge for us and awesome for him to see that he’s still doing it at this torrid pace.”

As the Capitals head toward the playoffs, Ovechkin remains on track to surpass Gretzky’s all-time record of 894 goals, with projections suggesting he could achieve this milestone at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 13, 2025.