Alex Ovechkin goals tracker: Capitals star five away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is one of the most celebrated players in NHL history. This legendary forward has already secured his place in history, but he`s still pursuing Wayne Gretzky`s all-time goal record.

Now, at 39 years old, Ovechkin is close to becoming the NHL`s all-time leading goal scorer, and he could surpass Gretzky`s record of 894 before this season concludes. The Capitals` prominent player currently holds 890 career goals after scoring his 37th goal of the season on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres, narrowing the gap to 6-4 in the third period. Ovechkin almost scored again later in the third, but he was credited with an assist on a tip-in from teammate Pierre Luc Dubois during Washington`s 8-5 loss.

With nine games remaining in the 2024-25 season, Ovechkin needs just five more goals to overtake Gretzky`s record this season.

While Ovechkin appears to be on track to break The Great One`s record, he has very little room for error as the regular season approaches its end. If Ovechkin maintains his current scoring rate, he has a chance to break Gretzky`s record by April 17, the final day of the regular season.

Achieving a multi-goal game or two would significantly improve his chances. He has done this five times this season, but only once since late November. Here`s a look at the Capitals` upcoming schedule and the average number of goals these opponents allow per game.

Capitals Upcoming Schedule

• April 1: at Bruins (3.28)
• April 2: at Hurricanes (2.64)
• April 4: vs. Blackhawks (3.59)

Ovechkin currently has 1,613 total points (890 goals, 723 assists) in his professional career. On March 9, Ovechkin became the 11th player in NHL history to reach 1,600 points.