Alex Ovechkin continues rewriting NHL history with milestone goal against Blackhawks

In a moment that brought Capital One Arena to its feet, Alex Ovechkin scored career goal No. 893 on Friday night, putting him just one goal shy of Wayne Gretzky ’s all-time NHL scoring record . The Washington Capitals ’ veteran superstar found the net early in the first period against the Chicago Blackhawks, setting the tone for a game that was as much about history as it was about hockey.

Alex Ovechkin scores 893rd goal as he inches closer to Wayne Gretzky's legendary record
The 39-year-old winger, Alex Ovechkin’s goal not only gave Washington an early 1-0 lead, it also marked yet another historic milestone. According to the Capitals, “Ovechkin is the first player in NHL history with at least three 40-goal seasons at the age of 35 or older.” His tally this season joins his 42-goal effort in 2022-23 and the impressive 50-goal campaign in 2021-22.

The FIRST player in NHL history with at least three 40-goal seasons at the age of 35 or older#EasyToCelebrate | @budlight pic.twitter.com/VCDRZ87Phs

— x - Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 4, 2025

With the league's most iconic scoring record now within arm’s reach, the buzz surrounding Ovechkin has never been louder. “It’s going to be pretty crazy,” defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk said before the game. “It feels like it’s right there, and he feels like he’s still scoring every night. It’s been huge for us, and obviously awesome for him, that he is still doing it at this torrid pace.”

Ovechkin’s consistency in finding the net remains unmatched. Capitals PR shared during the game that he’s scored in an NHL-record 679 games—41 more than Gretzky, the next closest. Despite suffering a fractured leg in November that sidelined him for 16 games, Ovechkin hasn’t lost a step.

“If he hadn’t gotten hurt, he’d probably be right up there with the most this year,” van Riemsdyk noted, underlining just how impressive the Russian’s scoring touch remains.

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With the home crowd rallying behind him and history on the line, Ovechkin’s next game could cement his place as the NHL’s greatest goal scorer. Whether it happens in the next period or the next game, one thing is certain—hockey fans are witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime achievement unfold.