Wayne Gretzky's longstanding NHL goal record of 894 is under threat from Alex Ovechkin, who currently has 886 goals. With 18 games left in the season, Ovechkin needs to average at least one goal every two games to break the record. Betting odds suggest he may score his 895th goal against the Islanders or Blue Jackets. If successful, Ovechkin would join Gretzky and Howe as the only players with over 800 goals and is on track to become the first to reach 900 goals, assuming he continues playing next season.
As of March 10, Ovechkin, 39, has 886 career goals in 1,475 games. Gretzky reached 894 in 1,487 games. Ovechkin needs to score at least one goal every two games the rest of the way to break the record.
Ovechkin is favored to break the record against either the Islanders or the Blue Jackets. The Capitals play New York on April 6 and 15, and Columbus on April 12 and 13.
Gretzky retired in 1999, which means his scoring record of 894 has stood for 25 years. However, he broke the record of 801 - set by Gordie Howe - in 1994, meaning he's been the all-time goals leader for three decades.
Assuming he plays next season, Ovechkin will likely become the only player to ever score 900 regular-season goals. Gretzky holds the record for all-time goals, regular season and playoffs, with 1,016.
Collection
[
|
...
]