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Hii This is Aditi. i am the author of this post. i have last 2 years experience as jurnalist

In a moment that will be etched into the annals of hockey history, Alex Ovechkin, the indomitable captain of the Washington Capitals, has tied Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing NHL goal record of 894 goals. The milestone came during an electrifying Capitals vs. Blackhawks game on Friday night at Capital One Arena, where Ovechkin showcased his signature scoring prowess in front of a roaring home crowd and a watching legend, Gretzky himself. As the NHL celebrates this monumental achievement, the hockey world now holds its breath, awaiting the moment when Alexander Ovechkin surpasses “The Great One” to claim the title of the most goals in NHL history.

A Night of Destiny: Ovechkin Ties Gretzky

The Capitals game against the Chicago Blackhawks was more than just another entry on the Washington Capitals schedule. It was a night steeped in anticipation, with fans clutching their Capitals tickets and filling the arena with chants of “Ovi! Ovi!” The stage was set for Alex Ovechkin to make history, and he did not disappoint.

Just 3:52 into the first period, Ovechkin struck. Positioned at the bottom of the right circle, he received a pinpoint pass from teammate Dylan Strome and unleashed a one-timer that clanged off the post before ricocheting off Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight and into the net. The goal marked Ovechkin’s 893rd career tally, bringing him within one of Gretzky’s hallowed mark. The crowd erupted, but the best was yet to come.

With 13:47 remaining in the third period, on a power play, Ovi struck again. Assisted by John Carlson and Andrew Mangiapane, he fired a shot past Knight, igniting a frenzy as the scoreboard reflected Ovechkin goal count: 894. The Capitals score stood at 4-3, and the game paused as players spilled onto the ice in celebration. Ovechkin skated laps around the rink, fist-bumping his son Sergei through the glass, bowing to Gretzky in a suite above, and blowing kisses to the adoring fans. The Caps score would finish at 5-3, with rookie Ryan Leonard sealing the victory with his first career goal—an empty-netter—prompting Gretzky to quip, “Only 895 to go to pass Alex.”

This historic night wasn’t just about the numbers; it was a testament to Ovechkin’s enduring legacy with the Washington Capitals, a franchise he has carried on his shoulders for two decades. As the NHL standings reflect the Caps’ dominance atop the Eastern Conference, Ovechkin’s pursuit of the Gretzky goal record has added an extra layer of excitement to an already stellar season.

The Road to 894: Ovechkin’s Relentless Pursuit

How many goals does Ovechkin have now? As of April 04, 2025, the answer is 894, tying him with Gretzky atop the NHL all-time goal leaders list. However, the journey to this point has been nothing short of extraordinary. Born on September 17, 1985, in Moscow, Russia, Alex Ovechkin age is currently 39. Despite his age, he continues to defy expectations, proving that his scoring touch remains as lethal as ever.

Ovechkin stats tell a story of consistency and brilliance. Entering the 2024-25 season with 853 goals, he started red-hot, netting 15 in his first 18 games. A fractured left fibula in November sidelined him for 16 games, casting doubt on whether he could break the Wayne Gretzky goal record this year. Yet, upon his return, Ovi goals continued to pile up. His 40th of the season came with goal 893 against the Blackhawks, marking his 14th 40-goal campaign—an NHL record surpassing Gretzky’s 12.

Comparatively, Wayne Gretzky stats show he reached 894 goals in 1,487 games, while Ovechkin games played stand at 1,486 for the same total. The Ovechkin vs. Gretzky debate has long captivated fans, with Gretzky’s playmaking genius contrasting Ovechkin’s pure goal-scoring tenacity. Gretzky, who played until age 38 across how many games did Wayne Gretzky play—1,487—set a benchmark once thought untouchable. Now, Ovechkin stands poised to rewrite history.

A Career Defined by Greatness

Drafted first overall by the Washington Capitals in 2004, Alexander Ovechkin burst onto the NHL scene in 2005-06, scoring twice in his debut and earning the Calder Trophy. His early years were marked by jaw-dropping goals and a physicality that redefined the left wing position. By 2010, at age 24, he was named captain, cementing his status as the face of Capitals hockey.

The pinnacle of his career came in 2018 when Ovechkin led the Caps to their first Stanley Cup, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. That triumph silenced critics who questioned his ability to win the big one. However, his pursuit of the NHL goal record has kept him in the spotlight.

Alex Ovechkin stats are staggering: most power-play goals (318), most road goals (403), most empty-net goals, most overtime goals, most game-winning goals (136, a record set with goal 894), and most goals with one team. He’s scored on 182 different goaltenders, another NHL best. His 32 career hat tricks rank him among the elite, and his 19 30-goal seasons tie him with Gretzky and Mike Bossy for the most ever.

Yet, numbers alone don’t capture Ovechkin’s impact. His infectious joy—seen in his gap-toothed grin and exuberant celebrations—has endeared him to fans. Off the ice, Alex Ovechkin wife, Anastasia Shubskaya, and their two sons, Sergei and Ilya, provide a grounding force. During the record-tying game, his family’s presence added a personal touch to the historic moment.

The Great Chase: Ovechkin vs. Gretzky Stats

The Ovechkin vs. Gretzky stats comparison is a study in contrasts. Gretzky, “The Great One,” was a maestro of assists (1,963) and points (2,857), leveraging his vision to dominate an era of high-scoring hockey. His 894 goals came in an average of 0.60 per game. Ovechkin, “The Great Eight,” thrives on power and precision, averaging 0.60 goals per game over his career but peaking at 0.67 this season (40 goals in 60 games).

Gretzky’s record stood for 26 years, set on March 29, 1999, his final goal as a New York Ranger. Many believed it was unbreakable, especially as the game evolved into a tighter, more defensive style. Enter Ovechkin, whose signature one-timer from the left circle—his “office”—has terrorized goaltenders for two decades. Even at how old is Ovechkin—39—he remains a force, adapting to modern hockey while maintaining his scoring edge.

Gretzky vs. Ovechkin isn’t just about stats; it’s about eras. Gretzky played in the high-flying 1980s, while Ovechkin has thrived in a more physical, structured game. Critics argue Gretzky faced weaker goaltending, while supporters counter that Ovechkin benefits from better training and equipment. Regardless, both are icons, and Gretzky’s gracious support—attending games and texting Ovi—has elevated this chase beyond rivalry.

The Capitals’ Role in Ovechkin’s Legacy

The Washington Capitals have been Ovechkin’s only NHL home, a rarity in today’s league. His 894 goals dwarf the next closest Capital, Peter Bondra (472), highlighting his singular impact. This season, the Caps schedule has provided a platform for his pursuit, with the team leading the Eastern Conference in the NHL playoff standings.

Teammates like TJ Oshie, a 2018 Cup hero, and emerging stars like Ryan Leonard have rallied around Ovechkin. Oshie, along with former teammates Nicklas Backstrom, Braden Holtby, Brooks Orpik, and Devante Smith-Pelly, returned for the Blackhawks vs. Capitals game as part of the team’s 50th anniversary celebration. Their presence underscored the brotherhood Ovechkin has fostered.

Coach Spencer Carbery has marveled at Ovechkin’s professionalism amid the spotlight. “He wants to break the record with a goaltender in the crease,” Carbery noted, referencing Ovi’s refusal to chase an empty-netter against the Blackhawks. This integrity mirrors Gretzky’s, who was present when Gordie Howe’s record fell in 1994.

What’s Next for Ovechkin and the Capitals?

With six games left in the regular season, the question looms: How many goals does Ovechkin need to break the record? The answer is one. The Capitals schedule offers immediate opportunities, starting Sunday against the New York Islanders. Washington Capitals games against the Islanders (April 6), Hurricanes (April 9), Blue Jackets (April 10 and 12), Islanders again (April 15), and Penguins (April 17) will be must-watch NHL games.

The NHL schedule has aligned for drama, with ESPN and TNT producing “OviCast” broadcasts to track his every move. At his current pace (0.66 goals per game), Ovechkin goal record could fall by April 15 against the Islanders. His career average suggests the finale in Pittsburgh, but Ovi goal tracker enthusiasts know he’s capable of a flurry—witness his two goals against the Capitals Blackhawks matchup.

Beyond the record, Ovechkin’s legacy includes philanthropy. His “GR8 Chase for Victory Over Cancer” campaign donates to pediatric cancer research for each goal, matched by Monumental Sports & Entertainment. It’s a reminder that his impact transcends the ice.

Ovechkin’s Place Among the Greats

Where does Alex Ovechkin rank among the NHL all-time goals leaders? Tied with Gretzky at 894, he’s ahead of Gordie Howe (801), Jaromir Jagr (766), and Brett Hull (741). Howe, the previous record holder until Gretzky, remains a benchmark for longevity, but Ovechkin’s durability—how many games has Ovechkin played: 1,486—rivals them all.

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The most NHL goals all time title is within reach, and Ovechkin ties Gretzky headlines will soon give way to Ovechkin goal record celebrations. His 136 game-winners, set with goal 894, already top Jagr’s mark. At Alex Ovechkin age 39, he’s the second-oldest to hit 40 goals in a season, behind Howe (40, 1968-69).

The Hockey World Reacts

Social media buzzed with reactions to the Caps game tonight. “ALEX OVECHKIN HAS TIED WAYNE GRETZKY FOR THE MOST GOALS IN NHL HISTORY!!!” the NHL tweeted, while TSN noted, “It took Alex Ovechkin just one less game than Wayne Gretzky to reach 894 goals.” Fans hailed Ovi as a legend, with Gretzky’s presence adding gravitas.

Opponents, too, acknowledged his greatness. Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson called him “a heck of a goal-scorer,” echoing sentiments league-wide. The NHL scores may fade, but this moment endures.

Conclusion: A Record on the Horizon

As the Washington Capitals prepare for their next Caps game, the hockey world watches Alex Ovechkin. One goal separates him from immortality, a feat that seemed impossible when Gretzky retired. Whether it happens in the coming days or next season, Ovechkin’s ascent to the most goals in NHL history is inevitable.

For now, the Capitals hockey faithful savor this milestone. Ovechkin goals have defined a generation, and his chase has united fans, players, and legends like Gretzky in awe. The Ovi goal count stands at 894, but the story of Alex. Ovechkin—the kid from Moscow who became “The Great Eight”—is far from over.

NHL.com – Official stats and updates on Ovechkin’s record chase.

ESPN.com – In-depth coverage of Ovechkin’s career milestones.

WashingtonPost.com – Local insights on the Capitals’ star.

SportingNews.com – Analysis of Ovechkin vs. Gretzky stats.

CBSSports.com – Game recaps and Ovechkin’s latest goals

FAQ

Q: How many goals does Alex Ovechkin have as of April 04, 2025?
A: As of April 04, 2025, Alex Ovechkin has 894 goals, tying Wayne Gretzky for the most in NHL history.

Q: How old is Alex Ovechkin?
A: Alex Ovechkin is 39 years old, born on September 17, 1985.

Q: How many games has Ovechkin played to reach 894 goals?
A: Ovechkin has played 1,486 games to reach 894 goals, one fewer than Gretzky’s 1,487.

Q: When might Ovechkin break Gretzky’s goal record?
A: With six games left, Ovechkin could break the record as early as April 6 against the Islanders or as late as April 17 against the Penguins, based on his current pace.

Q: Who is Alex Ovechkin’s wife?
A: Alex Ovechkin is married to Anastasia Shubskaya, a Russian model and film producer.

Q: How does Ovechkin compare to Gretzky in goals per game?
A: Ovechkin and Gretzky both average 0.60 goals per game career-wise, though Ovechkin’s 0.67 this season outpaces Gretzky’s peak years.

Q: What’s next for the Washington Capitals schedule?
A: The Capitals face the New York Islanders on April 6, followed by games against the Hurricanes, Blue Jackets, and Penguins. Check the full schedule for updates.