Alex Ovechkin's relentless pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's goal record reached its zenith on Friday, April 5, 2025. 'The Great 8' tied 'The Great One' by netting goals 893 and 894 in a home game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Goal 893 opened the scoring in the first period, a classic Ovechkin one-timer set up by Dylan Strome. The record-tying goal, No. 894, was another signature Ovechkin power-play blast from the left circle in the third period, securing the lead for Washington.
Wayne Gretzky, whose record of 894 goals stood alone since he surpassed Gordie Howe (801 goals) back in 1994, watched from the stands as Ovechkin matched his total. Gretzky needed 1,487 games to reach 894, while Ovechkin achieved it in his 1,486th game, all played with the Washington Capitals since being drafted first overall in 2004.
Ovechkin's journey to 894 has been marked by incredible consistency and durability. At 39, he has 41 goals this season and holds numerous NHL records, including most power-play goals, most overtime goals, most game-winning goals, most 40-goal seasons, and most 30-goal seasons. The Moscow native has scored against an NHL-record 182 different goaltenders since his debut in 2005. The stage is now set for Ovechkin to claim sole possession of one of hockey's most hallowed records.