Capitals Ovechkin joins two legends in the NHL record books
Wayne Gretzky holds the record for most goals, assists and points in NHL history. Another player may never touch his points and assists, but his goal record may be in danger.
Last night, Alex Ovechkin didn't quite catch Gretzky's goal total, but he did join him and another Hockey Hall of Famer in the NHL record books.
With two goals against the Vegas Golden Knights Wednesday night, Alex Ovechkin now has 50 on the season, making it the ninth time the Russian has reached that milestone in his career. He is now tied with Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy for the most 50-goal seasons in NHL history.
He did it in a very "Ovechkin" way too:
Ovechkin has been chasing Gretzky's goal record since joining the NHL in the 2005-06 season. He now has 780 for his career and trails Gordie Howe for second all-time by 21 and Gretzky for most all-time by 114. His consistent ability to score is what makes him great, and with his two goals last night, he currently holds the record for most goals in a season by a player 36 years of age or older.
The veteran signed a four-year contract extension with the Capitals this past summer that ends after the 2025-26 NHL season. Most players decline with age, but Ovechkin's ability to put the puck in the net hasn't seemed to fade yet.
He currently needs to average about 28.5 goals a season to catch Gretzky for most all-time. If Ovechkin can stay healthy and consistent, NHL fans may witness greatness and a record that was thought never to be able to break.
| POLL | ||
How many goals will Alex Ovechkin finish his NHL career with? | ||
| 800 - 830 | 36 | 19.1 % |
| 830 - 860 | 40 | 21.3 % |
| 860 - 890 | 58 | 30.9 % |
| 894 + (NHL RECORD) | 54 | 28.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
