Sat Jan 04 17:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Ovechkin Inches Closer to Gretzky’s NHL Goal Record

**Washington, D.C. –** Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of making history. The Washington Capitals captain currently sits at 871 career goals, just 24 shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing NHL record of 894.

Ovechkin, 39, has been steadily closing the gap throughout his 20th NHL season. A leg injury in November briefly stalled his progress, forcing him to miss 16 games. However, he returned with renewed determination, scoring his 871st goal against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night. This goal, a power-play marker against Marc-Andre Fleury, marked his 28th against the veteran goaltender – the most Ovechkin has scored against any single netminder.

Already holding NHL records for power-play goals and shots on goal, Ovechkin is also nearing Jaromir Jagr’s record for game-winning goals (currently 132, four behind Jagr’s 135) and is tied with Jagr for most goaltenders scored against (178). He has also recorded 700 career assists, placing him in elite company alongside Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Jagr, Marcel Dionne, and Phil Esposito. While surpassing Gretzky’s goal record appears imminent, Gretzky’s overall point total (2,857) and assist record (1,963) remain seemingly insurmountable.

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