Watch: Alex Ovechkin scores goal No. 893, two from passing Gretzky

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin. Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Watch: Alex Ovechkin scores goal No. 893, two from passing Wayne Gretzky

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Apr 4, 2025 10:31 PM ET

It could be a history-making night for Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.

The 39-year-old team captain entered Friday's home contest with the Chicago Blackhawks three goals from passing Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky for most in NHL history (894).

He needed only three minutes past puck drop to lower that number to two, making the record-breaking moment feel like an inevitability.

Is two more too much to ask for? pic.twitter.com/3Bmg2K2RKH
— x - Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 4, 2025

Ovechkin ripped the puck from the right faceoff circle, off the left goal post and down Chicago goalie Spencer Knight's back to sneak it across the goal line. The quick first-period tally put Washington up 1-0 early in the contest.

It was his 40th goal of the season, the third time he's reached that benchmark after his 35th birthday — an NHL record. He's now also scored at least one goal in 679 career games, 41 more than the next-closest player (Wayne Gretzky, 638).

The Capital One Arena crowd erupted at Ovechkin's early tally, buzzing in the following moments hoping he would complete his 33rd career hat trick to pass Gretzky.

Washington still has six more regular-season games for him to complete the record feat if he cannot do so Thursday. Gretzky was present for goal No. 893 and is expected to follow the Capitals around with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman until Ovechkin reaches 895.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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