Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is closing in on Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record of 894. The 39-year-old Russian now has 868 goals after scoring twice in Monday’s 6-2 win over the Utah Hockey Club, leaving him just 27 goals short of the all-time mark.
Ovechkin, in his 20th NHL season, entered the year needing 42 goals to surpass Gretzky. After notching 15 goals in the first 18 games, he is on pace to break the record by late February, barring injury.
Playing his first game in Salt Lake City, Ovechkin scored his 867th and 868th goals against goaltender Connor Ingram, marking the 178th different netminder he has beaten—tying Jaromir Jagr’s league record. His first goal came in the first period, followed by another early in the second. However, he left the game in the third period with an apparent left leg injury, putting his status for Thursday’s home game against the Colorado Avalanche in doubt.
A Career of Records
Ovechkin already holds NHL records for power-play goals (316) and shots on goal (6,690). His pursuit of Gretzky’s seemingly untouchable record adds another layer to his illustrious career.
With 27 goals to go, the hockey world will be watching closely as Ovechkin continues his quest to make history.
