Alex Ovechkin, left wing for the Washington Capitals, marked a historic moment by scoring his 894th career goal during the third period of Friday night’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, held on April 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
On Friday night, the 39-year-old Washington Capitals star sent shockwaves through the hockey world by scoring twice against the Chicago Blackhawks, tying Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record of 894 career goals. With that, Ovechkin now stands shoulder to shoulder with the hockey legend — needing just one more to claim the record for himself.
The crowd roared at Capital One Arena as Ovechkin struck early, scoring just four minutes into the game to notch goal number 893. But it was his second goal — a powerful shot during a third-period power play from his signature spot in the left faceoff circle — that brought him level with “The Great One.” Teammate John Carlson delivered the assist, and Ovechkin did what he’d done hundreds of times before: fired with precision and found the net.
This chase for the record has been anything but easy. Ovechkin came into this season needing 42 goals to break the record. He was on pace to reach that in February. But a brutal shin-on-shin collision in November left him with a broken leg, sidelining him for 16 games. The injury delayed his progress, but he returned determined after the holiday break — stepping right back into the rhythm and continuing his mission.
But Ovechkin's legendary career isn't defined by this record alone.
He already holds the NHL record for the most power-play goals and most shots on goal. With his 894th, he also claimed the top spot for most game-winning goals (136), passing Jaromir Jagr. Additionally, he has now scored against 182 different goaltenders — another record, previously held by Jagr as well.
He also became only the sixth player in league history to log both 700 goals and 700 assists, joining an elite company that includes Gretzky, Gordie Howe, and Phil Esposito.
Ovechkin’s path to the top has been nothing short of remarkable.
He climbed past a line of legends — Mike Gartner (708), Esposito (717), Marcel Dionne (731), Brett Hull (741), and finally Jagr (766). He passed Gordie Howe with goal number 802 back in December 2022, moving into second place behind Gretzky.
Wayne Gretzky set the record with his 802nd goal in 1994 and eventually finished his career with 894 in 1999, holding the top spot for over two decades. Even now, Gretzky is widely seen as untouchable in many statistical categories, especially his total points (2,857) and assists (1,963).
Gretzky himself has publicly cheered for Ovechkin to break the record, saying he’s “honoured” to see the game grow through stars like him.
While Ovechkin still trails Gretzky in playoff goals (Gretzky had 122, Ovechkin has 72), his regular-season brilliance has brought him to the doorstep of history.
Now, the entire hockey world waits. With just one goal needed, every Capital's game is a potential moment for the history books.
