Ovechkin Scores 885th Goal, Nears Gretzky’s Record

NEW YORK (AP) — Alex Ovechkin scored his 885th career goal midway through the third period of the Washington Capitals’ game against the New York Rangers on Wednesday night, moving him nine goals away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record. The Capitals’ captain knocked in a loose puck from the left side with 9:32 remaining in the third period to tie the game at 2-2.

“Great job on the faceoff. Great battle. Puck came to me and I put it in,” Ovechkin said following the game. His goal marked the 32nd of the season, and he has now scored 46 goals in 76 career games against the Rangers.

The Capitals went on to clinch a 3-2 overtime victory thanks to a goal from Tom Wilson at 4:07 in overtime. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery commended Ovechkin’s performance, noting, “He has a flair for the dramatics at a key moment in the game. The puck squirts to him and he makes no mistake. That’s a huge goal for our team, a huge goal on the power play.”

Ovechkin, who once seemed to be out of contention due to injury, is on pace to break Gretzky’s longstanding record of 894 goals in early April, well before the regular season concludes. Carbery, emphasizing the urgency of this moment, said, “What do we need, 10 more? Ten more. We got this.”

Ovechkin’s journey to the record includes 321 power-play goals, extending his NHL record, and he is just one point away from becoming the 11th player in NHL history to reach 1,600 career points.

The Russian forward faced challenges early in the game, having two shots blocked and being denied by Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin during his first shift. However, he broke through in the third period, nearly winning the game in overtime but was ultimately thwarted by Shesterkin once again.

The Capitals currently sit atop the NHL standings, tied with the Winnipeg Jets at 88 points. Ovechkin’s resilient performance and his pursuit of Gretzky’s record are drawing attention and excitement among fans and teammates alike.