Alex Ovechkin entered Friday needing a couple of goals to tie Wayne Gretzky for the NHL’s all-time goals record. The Washington Capitals legend did not disappoint.
Ovi got his shot at history against the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. He entered the night with 892 goals, just two shy of Gretzky’s 894 career total.
Ovechkin got to work early, scoring the game’s opening goal about four minutes into the first period to get him to 893.
TWO GOALS LEFT 😱
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 4, 2025
ALEX OVECHKIN IS CLOSER TO THE ALL-TIME GOALS RECORD!! pic.twitter.com/c9MwapMse3
The anticipation for 894 mounted up until the third period. With the Capitals and Blackhawks tied 3-3, Ovechkin’s moment finally came. Defenseman John Carlson and winger Andrew Mangiapane helped set up Ovi for his record-tying goal six minutes into the final period.
OVI HAS TIED WAYNE GRETZKY FOR MOST GOALS ALL TIME WITH CAREER GOAL #894 🚨 pic.twitter.com/wRQ5uv7s5B
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 5, 2025
Gretzky himself was in attendance to witness Ovechkin’s historic moment.
Wayne Gretzky is in the building to watch Alex Ovechkin's Gr8 Chase❗️
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 4, 2025
📺 ESPN+/Hulu/Disney+ pic.twitter.com/wxVd6EhQpP
The Capitals scored one more goal on Friday, but it came courtesy of Ovechkin’s teammate Ryan Leonard. Washington won 5-3.
With six games remaining on the Capitals’ schedule this season, it seems inevitable that Ovechkin will soon be standing alone as the NHL’s top goal scorer.
