Gretzky's Milestone:: Wayne Gretzky scored his 894th and final NHL goal on March 29, 1999, against goalie Wade Flaherty, who was then with the New York Islanders.
A Dual Record:: This goal was also Gretzky's 1,072nd professional goal (including WHA stats), surpassing Gordie Howe's combined total of 1,071.
Ovechkin's Chase:: Alex Ovechkin currently sits at 888 NHL goals, needing just seven more to break Gretzky's NHL record.
The Goalie's Perspective:: Wade Flaherty, now a Winnipeg Jets assistant coach, reflects on being the goalie for Gretzky's final goal as a unique piece of trivia and acknowledges the impressiveness of Ovechkin's pursuit.
Gretzky's Blessing:: Gretzky himself has been supportive of Ovechkin's chase, recognizing the potential for the record to be broken.
Why this matters:: This chase represents a potential shift in hockey history, highlighting Ovechkin's incredible scoring prowess and longevity in an era often perceived as defensively tougher than when Gretzky played. It brings significant attention to the sport.
Wayne Gretzky's 894th NHL goal wasn't a highlight-reel classic; it was a rebound tapped in during a New York Rangers victory over the Islanders. Gretzky himself described it similarly to his first professional goal: "It wasn't pretty." However, its significance was immense. It solidified his NHL record and simultaneously pushed him past Gordie Howe for the most goals in professional hockey history (NHL + WHA regular season and playoffs combined: 1,072 for Gretzky vs. 1,071 for Howe).
Wade Flaherty, the goalie who allowed the goal, now watches Ovechkin's approach with interest. He, along with Gretzky's former linemates John MacLean and Adam Graves, initially believed the 894-goal mark would stand forever. Even Gretzky seemed focused elsewhere at the time, noting the goal's importance was tied to the team needing a win.
Decades later, Alex Ovechkin is challenging that assumption. With 888 goals, 'The Great Eight' needs seven more goals to claim the record. His scoring pace remains strong, giving him a realistic chance to achieve this milestone before the current season ends. The remaining schedule sees the Capitals facing teams Ovechkin has historically scored well against, though many games are on the road. Gretzky recognized Ovechkin's potential early on and has publicly cheered him on.
Interestingly, Ovechkin provided a glimpse of his extraordinary talent early in his career in a game directly involving Gretzky. In January 2006, a rookie Ovechkin scored a sensational goal against the Phoenix Coyotes – coached by Gretzky at the time. While falling and sliding on his back away from the net, Ovechkin reached over his head to hook the puck and flick it in. Goalie Brian Boucher, who allowed the goal, now calls it a "badge of honor," while commentator Darren Pang remembers Gretzky nodding in acknowledgment, perhaps sensing his record might one day be in jeopardy.
How many NHL goals did Wayne Gretzky score?
Wayne Gretzky scored 894 regular-season NHL goals.
How many goals does Alex Ovechkin need to pass Gretzky?
As of the latest reports, Ovechkin has 888 goals and needs 7 more to surpass Gretzky's record of 894.
Who holds the record for most professional hockey goals (NHL + WHA)?
Wayne Gretzky holds this record with 1,072 goals, narrowly surpassing Gordie Howe's 1,071.
Witnessing history: Fans are potentially seeing one of hockey's most revered records about to fall.
Consistency is key: Ovechkin's longevity and consistent goal-scoring over two decades are remarkable.
Follow the chase: Keep an eye on the Capitals' remaining games as Ovechkin attempts to reach 895.
Appreciate the past: Remember the context of Gretzky's final goals and his combined professional record.
Alex Ovechkin is incredibly close to making NHL history. His relentless scoring puts him on the verge of surpassing a record many thought unbreakable.
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When might Alex Ovechkin break Wayne Gretzky goal record? A look at Capitals' schedule | USA TODAY (Note: Link adapted for source reference, original may vary slightly)
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