Alex Ovechkin Goal Tracker: The chase to NHL-record No. 895

We’re watching greatness unfold in front of all of us, folks.

Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin is on the hunt to break the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring record of 894, set by Wayne Gretzky during the 1998-99 season. Ovechkin is the only active NHLer to have more than 700 goals, and he co-owns the record for most 50-goal seasons with Gretzky and Mike Bossy with nine apiece.

At one point, it seemed like The Great One’s record would never be matched. He was only the second player to break past the 800-goal mark in NHL history, and he did it just under 300 fewer games than Gordie Howe did when he nabbed his 801st and final goal. Gretzky will likely never see his 2,857-point record broken – no one else has surpassed 2,000.

With Ovi producing at more than a 50-goal pace for the 10th time in his NHL career, it’s not a matter of IF he’ll break Gretzky’s record – it’s a matter of when. Ovechkin has another year on his contract with the Capitals, so as long as he stays healthy, it looks to be inevitable.

At one point last season, Ovechkin’s slow start brought the idea into question. He was 38 and producing at the lowest rate of his NHL career. But he finished last season piping hot and carried the momentum into this season, burying 15 goals in his first 18 games before breaking his leg. After a 16-game absence, he returned Dec. 28 and is and ready to resume his chase, as evidenced by goals in back to back games since rejoining the lineup.

Throughout the season, we’ll monitor Ovechkin’s race to No. 895. We’ll share updated graphics each game, showing his current streaks, pace, and how close he is to finally taking the top spot. Any time someone manages to smash an NHL record, it’s notable—especially if the previous holder is the greatest player to ever do it.

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