After netting his 895th goal against the New York Islanders on Sunday, Alex Ovechkin has cemented his place as the greatest goal scorer in NHL history. Ovechkin`s journey to overtake Gretzky spanned two decades and is marked by remarkable career statistics.
For many years, Wayne Gretzky`s all-time goal record was considered almost unbreakable. However, Ovechkin entered the league and immediately began scoring at an exceptional rate, starting with 52 goals in his rookie season of 2005-06. He continued this scoring pace for two decades.
Ovechkin`s enduring career and consistent performance are truly impressive. His remarkable numbers over the years have allowed him to surpass Gretzky in various aspects of the game. Ovechkin has become renowned for his prowess on power plays, in crucial moments, and when playing away games.
Becoming the NHL`s all-time leading scorer was a long and challenging path for Ovechkin. Let`s examine the key statistics that highlight his achievement, drawing on data from hockey analysts.
Games Played: 1,487
For years, many hockey experts believed Gretzky`s all-time goal record would remain unmatched. Ovechkin not only broke this record but did so in the same number of games as Gretzky. Both legends reached 894 goals in 1,487 career games. Considering the physical demands of hockey, just reaching 1,486 games is an accomplishment in itself, even before breaking the all-time scoring record.
Even-Strength Goals: 565
While Ovechkin is celebrated as the most dangerous power play weapon in history (and rightfully so), his 565 even-strength goals are also noteworthy. This puts him just behind Gordie Howe for second-most in NHL history in this category. Gretzky still leads with 617 even-strength goals, but Ovechkin could potentially top this list in the coming years.
Power Play Goals: 325
A hallmark of an exceptional competitor is their ability to perform even when opponents know what to expect. This has been the case with Ovechkin on the power play throughout his career. Everyone in the arena anticipates the puck heading to the left circle for his signature one-timer, yet no one has been able to consistently stop it. Perhaps no one is willing to get in front of it, including goalies. Fittingly, Ovechkin`s record-breaking goal was his 325th power play goal.
Empty-Net Goals: 65
Much discussion surrounds Ovechkin`s record of 65 empty-net goals. However, this shouldn`t detract from his achievement. Gretzky played during a higher-scoring era in the NHL. Any difference in empty-net goals is likely offset by the improved goaltending standards since Gretzky`s time. Moreover, accumulating empty-net opportunities requires a team to win games, which Ovechkin has consistently contributed to. Notably, Ovechkin ensured his 895th goal was not an empty-netter.
Shorthanded Goals: 5
If asked to guess Ovechkin`s shorthanded goal count, many would likely underestimate it. It might be surprising that he has even five, as he isn`t primarily known for his defensive skills. Perhaps he could have been given more shorthanded ice time. His last shorthanded goal was in the 2021-22 season.
Penalty Shot Goals: 2
This number might seem lower than expected, but it is double the penalty shot goals Gretzky scored in his career. It`s remarkable that these two highest scorers in NHL history combined for only three penalty shot goals.
Game-Winning Goals: 136
This is another record held by Ovechkin, which he achieved with his 894th career goal. Ovechkin now stands alone with the most game-winning goals, surpassing Jaromir Jagr. His success in the 3-on-3 overtime era contributes to this number, but it doesn`t diminish the impressiveness of his ability to perform in critical moments throughout his career.
Hat Tricks: 32
While Gretzky`s goals came in bursts, both in single games and seasons, Ovechkin has maintained a steady scoring pace throughout his career. Despite 32 career hat tricks, Ovechkin is still 18 behind Gretzky in this category. This statistic highlights Ovechkin`s remarkable consistency over almost 1,500 games.
Season High Goals: 65
Ovechkin`s highest single-season goal total is 65, which ranks him tied for 24th in NHL history. Gretzky surpassed this in four seasons, including seasons with 92 and 87 goals. Ovechkin has never reached those heights in an 82-game season, but his durability and reliability have been key. He consistently finds the net.
40-Goal Seasons: 14
Ovechkin`s 893rd goal, bringing him within one of Gretzky, marked his 14th 40-goal season. He already held the record for the most 40-goal seasons and extended his lead over Gretzky with this milestone. Ovechkin`s consistency is undeniable; regardless of age, he is a reliable bet to reach 40 goals each year.
Longest Goal Drought: 14 Games
Ovechkin has never experienced a goal drought longer than 14 games, and even those were infrequent. His power play dominance helps him avoid extended dry spells. In contrast, Gretzky`s longest goal drought was 21 games. This further emphasizes Ovechkin`s consistent goal-scoring ability.
Road Goals: 456
For unknown reasons, perhaps related to travel comforts, Ovechkin has always excelled at scoring on the road. His 456 road goals are an NHL record. While fans in Washington D.C. have seen him score many times, opposing fans have witnessed his scoring prowess up close hundreds of times.
Goals Against Single Opponent: 57
No fan base has been more consistently victimized by Ovechkin than fans of the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets. When the Jets were the Thrashers, they were in the same division as Ovechkin, and he frequently scored against them. This remains his highest total against a single opponent, even though the Jets and Capitals have been in different conferences for over a decade.
Interestingly, Gretzky also scored most of his goals against a Jets franchise, though not the same one. He scored 79 goals against the original Winnipeg Jets, who later moved to Arizona and became the Coyotes before relocating to Utah for the 2024-25 season.
Elton Marrow