Ovechkin Nears Gretzky's All-Time Scoring Record

Washington Capitals star inches closer to NHL legend's career goals mark.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin is closing in on Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL scoring record. Ovechkin scored two goals in a recent game against the Montreal Canadiens, giving him 921 career regular-season goals, just 73 shy of Gretzky's record of 894. When including playoff goals, Ovechkin is now just two shy of becoming only the second player in NHL history to reach 1,000 total career goals.

Why it matters

Ovechkin is widely regarded as the greatest goal-scorer of his generation and is on the verge of cementing his legacy as one of the NHL's all-time greats. His pursuit of Gretzky's scoring records has captivated hockey fans, as the two players are considered among the best to ever play the game.

The details

Ovechkin scored two goals in the Capitals' 6-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, bringing his regular-season total to 921 goals. He is now just 73 shy of Gretzky's record of 894 regular-season goals. When including playoff goals, Ovechkin is now only two away from becoming the second player in NHL history to reach 1,000 total career goals, joining Gretzky who scored 1,016 goals (894 regular season, 122 playoffs).

  • Ovechkin broke Gretzky's regular-season goals record on April 6, 2025.
  • Ovechkin scored his 921st regular-season goal on March 1, 2026.

The players

Alexander Ovechkin

A Russian-born forward for the Washington Capitals who is considered one of the greatest goal-scorers in NHL history.

Wayne Gretzky

Widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, Gretzky holds numerous NHL records including the all-time career goals mark that Ovechkin is chasing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Ovechkin will have several more opportunities this season to continue closing in on Gretzky's all-time goals record.

The takeaway

Ovechkin's pursuit of Gretzky's scoring records has captivated the hockey world, as the Capitals star looks to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in NHL history.