Alexander Ovechkin Nears Wayne Gretzky as NHL’s All‑Time Leading Goalgetter
In a focused moment of the NHL regular season, Russian forward and Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin edged closer to the legendary Wayne Gretzky, closing the gap to 78 goals on the stat sheet that tracks the league’s most prolific scorers. At 37, Ovechkin continues to defy age with a record that already places him among hockey’s greatest strikers as he works toward cementing his legacy in the annals of the sport.
During a recent game against Los Angeles, the Capitals forward added a tally in the 43rd minute, boosting his regular-season total to 816 career goals. Gretzky remains ahead with 894 goals across 1,487 NHL games. This pursuit keeps Ovechkin in the conversation about the most durable and dangerous finishers in league history, a rivalry defined not by trash talk but by sustained production and relentless work ethic.
The game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Washington Capitals reached a tense moment as the scoreline stood 3–2 after the tenth minute of the third period. Both teams traded chances as the clock wound down, with Ovechkin’s scoring surge illustrating his continued impact at the highest level of professional hockey.
There is also a poignant chapter in Ovechkin’s life off the ice. Former NHL player Ilya Kovalchuk spoke about the passing of Mikhail Ovechkin, Alexander’s father, describing him as a devoted fan and a steady, supportive presence who dedicated much of his time to cheering and backing his son. Kovalchuk remarked that the loss has given the forward an additional, personal incentive to chase and perhaps surpass historic benchmarks. This reflection underscores the human side of elite athletes who balance triumphs with personal loss.
Mikhail Ovechkin passed away on February 15, prompting the forward to depart for Russia and miss several league games. The emotional impact of that moment was felt across the hockey community, highlighting the resilience players must summon to maintain performance while navigating personal grief. As Ovechkin continues his quest for one of hockey’s most storied records, fans watch not only for more goals but for the legacy of perseverance and leadership he represents within the Capitals organization and the broader sport.