Sun Apr 06 16:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Ovechkin Passes on Empty-Netter, Delays Gretzky Record Chase

**Washington, D.C.** – Alex Ovechkin, on the cusp of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal record, opted against scoring his 894th and 895th goals on an empty net Wednesday night. With the Washington Capitals leading the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 late in the third period, Ovechkin scored twice to tie Gretzky’s long-standing record. However, with Chicago pulling their goalie, he chose to remain on the bench, declining an easy opportunity to surpass the legendary mark.

Ovechkin confirmed post-game that he wanted to achieve the record-breaking goal in a more traditional manner, emphasizing that he wanted the milestone goal to be a memorable one, not an empty-netter. While Capitals rookie Ryan Leonard scored his first NHL goal in the ensuing moments, Ovechkin returned to the ice and had several close attempts before the final buzzer, ultimately falling short of the hat trick and the record. The Capitals secured a 5-3 victory.

The Capital One Arena crowd voiced their displeasure towards Chicago’s goalie, Spencer Knight, for his late-game efforts in preventing Ovechkin from scoring. Ovechkin now has six games remaining in the regular season to break Gretzky’s record, with his next chance coming this Sunday against the New York Islanders. He’ll have a home game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday if he chooses to wait for a home crowd. Both Gretzky and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman are eagerly awaiting Ovechkin’s historic moment.

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