He entered the NHL - a 39-year-old phenom who plays like a teenager. Alex Ovechkin, the Russian Machine, has resumed his relentless pursuit of hockey immortality after overcoming injury.
With his 872nd career goal scored against the New York Rangers, Ovechkin is now just 23 goals shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record for the most goals in NHL history. Gretzky’s legendary 894-goal mark, once deemed unbreakable, is now firmly within Ovechkin’s grasp.
The scene was electric at Capital One Arena in Washington. Jonathan Quick, the Rangers' seasoned goaltender, couldn’t deny the Great Eight’s brilliance. Midway through the third period, after a faceoff in the Rangers’ zone, the puck deflected off defenseman K’Andre Miller’s skate and found its way to Ovechkin. With the instincts of a predator, Ovechkin unleashed a razor-sharp backhand that slid beneath Quick’s right pad, giving the Capitals a commanding 5-3 lead.
It was another game-winner for Ovechkin—his 133rd—putting him just two shy of Jaromir Jagr’s all-time record. But Ovechkin wasn’t done. In the game’s final seconds, he assisted on an empty-net goal, recording career point number 1,598. That milestone moved him past Ray Bourque to claim 12th place on the NHL’s all-time scoring list.
Ovechkin’s dominance this season is nothing short of awe-inspiring. With 19 goals in 23 games, he’s on pace to obliterate expectations. Only 23 goals separate him from Gretzky, and with 38 games remaining, the stage is set for a historic run.
The Capital One Arena erupted in celebration. Once again, Alex Ovechkin delivered.
WAYNE GRETZKY Born on January 26, 1961, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, and from Georgian origins, he is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player in the sport's history. Nicknamed "The Great One," Gretzky dominated the NHL during his 20-season career, playing for teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers.
Known for his unparalleled vision, playmaking ability, and scoring touch, Gretzky holds numerous NHL records, including the most career goals (894), assists (1,963), and points (2,857). His contributions helped the Edmonton Oilers secure four Stanley Cup championships in the 1980s.
