Mon Jan 20 23:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Ovechkin Pauses Historic Goal Chase to Honor Gretzky in Edmonton

**EDMONTON, AB** – Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, hot on the heels of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record, took a moment to pay tribute to his legendary predecessor during the Capitals’ recent visit to Edmonton. With just 20 goals separating him from Gretzky’s 894-goal mark, Ovechkin (currently at 874) visited the Oilers Hall of Fame Room at Rogers Place on Monday. There, he handled some of Gretzky’s game-worn equipment, including gloves, a stick, and a jersey. A photo of Ovechkin holding the artifacts was shared on social media.

The gesture came after Ovechkin scored his 874th career goal in overtime against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. Despite missing five weeks earlier this season with a broken leg, the Capitals’ leading scorer (21 goals in 30 games) continues his relentless pursuit of the record. His next chance to add to his total will be Tuesday, when the Capitals face the Oilers in Edmonton.

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