What’s at Stake in the NHL: All eyes on Ovechkin, three away from goals record
We’ve reached the eventful final stretch of the NHL season. At this point, something significant is on the line virtually every day, whether it’s a playoff spot or division title to clinch or a major individual milestone. At Daily Faceoff, we’re here to break down exactly what you need to know between now and the end of the season April 17.
So what’s at stake across the three-game slate for Friday, April 4?
– All eyes shift to Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals Friday night at home to the Chicago Blackhawks. He sits at 892 career goals, two away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record and a hat trick away from breaking it. Gretzky and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will be in attendance at Capital One Arena. Ovechkin’s 892 goals have come in 1,485 games, while Gretzky got 894 in 1,487 career games. Another milestone to watch: with one more goal, Ovechkin will get to 40 in 2024-25, which will make him just the second player 39 or older in NHL history to score 40 goals in a season. The other is Gordie Howe, who bagged 44 in his age-40 season in 1968-69.
– The Carolina Hurricanes (46-24-4) can’t officially clinch the No. 2 spot in the Metropolitan Division, but a win over the Detroit Red Wings Friday night would make it a virtual certainty. If the Canes beat the Wings, a New Jersey Devils loss Saturday will lock the Canes into second. Splits of note: Ovechkin averages fewer goals per game rate at home (0.58) than on the road this season (0.75).
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