The Greatest of All Time: Wayne Gretzky and His Untouchable Records
Wayne Gretzky, often referred to as "The Great One," is considered the greatest hockey player of all time. His records, particularly in goal-scoring, have stood the test of time and were long thought to be untouchable. However, the stage is set for a thrilling chase as Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals’ prolific winger, inches closer to breaking one of Gretzky’s most prestigious records. Drafted first overall by the Capitals in the 2004 NHL Draft, Ovechkin has been a dominant force in the league since the 2005-2006 season. As of February 23, 2025, Ovechkin is just 12 goals away from tying Gretzky’s record and 13 goals away from breaking it. This article explores the likelihood of Ovechkin achieving this historic milestone before the end of the 2025-2026 regular season.
The Mathematical Case for Ovechkin Breaking the Record
Ovechkin has already played in 40 games this season and has netted 29 goals. The Capitals, currently boasting a record of 38-11-8, have 25 games left in the regular season. To break Gretzky’s record, Ovechkin needs to score 13 more goals in the remaining 25 games. This translates to an average of 0.52 goals per game, which is less than his current goal average of 0.67 goals per game this season. Mathematically, the odds are in Ovechkin’s favor, and according to Neil Greenberg of The Washington Post, there is an 83% chance that Ovechkin will break the record this year. If you’re hoping to witness this historic moment, here are the upcoming games where the Capitals will be playing:
- February 25: vs. Flames
- February 27: vs. Blues
- March 1: vs. Lightning
- March 3: vs. Senators
- March 5: at Rangers
- March 7: vs. Red Wings
- March 9: vs. Kraken
- March 11: at Ducks
- March 13: at Kings
- March 15: at Sharks
- March 18: vs. Red Wings
- March 20: vs. Flyers
- March 22: vs. Panthers
- March 25: at Jets
- March 27: at Wild
- March 30: vs. Sabres
- April 1: at Bruins
- April 2: at Hurricanes
- April 4: vs. Blackhawks
- April 6: at Islanders
- April 10: vs. Hurricanes
- April 12: at Blue Jackets
- April 13: vs. Blue Jackets
- April 15: at Islanders
- April 17: at Penguins
Ovechkin’s Career: A Journey of Consistency and Dominance
Alex Ovechkin’s journey to this historic moment is a testament to his consistency and dominance in the NHL. Here is a look at his career stats, which highlight his relentless goal-scoring ability:
- 2005-06: 81 games, 52 goals (0.64 GPG), 54 assists, 106 points
- 2006-07: 82 games, 46 goals (0.56 GPG), 46 assists, 92 points
- 2007-08: 82 games, 65 goals (0.79 GPG), 47 assists, 112 points
- 2008-09: 79 games, 56 goals (0.71 GPG), 54 assists, 110 points
- 2009-10: 72 games, 50 goals (0.69 GPG), 59 assists, 109 points
- 2010-11: 79 games, 32 goals (0.41 GPG), 53 assists, 85 points
- 2011-12: 78 games, 38 goals (0.49 GPG), 27 assists, 65 points
- 2012-13: 48 games, 32 goals (0.67 GPG), 24 assists, 56 points
- 2013-14: 78 games, 51 goals (0.65 GPG), 28 assists, 79 points
- 2014-15: 81 games, 53 goals (0.65 GPG), 28 assists, 81 points
- 2015-16: 79 games, 50 goals (0.63 GPG), 21 assists, 71 points
- 2016-17: 82 games, 33 goals (0.40 GPG), 36 assists, 69 points
- 2017-18: 82 games, 49 goals (0.60 GPG), 38 assists, 87 points
- 2018-19: 81 games, 51 goals (0.63 GPG), 38 assists, 89 points
- 2019-20: 68 games, 48 goals (0.71 GPG), 19 assists, 67 points
- 2020-21: 45 games, 24 goals (0.53 GPG), 18 assists, 42 points
- 2021-22: 77 games, 50 goals (0.64 GPG), 40 assists, 90 points
- 2022-23: 73 games, 42 goals (0.56 GPG), 33 assists, 75 points
- 2023-24: 79 games, 31 goals (0.39 GPG), 34 assists, 65 points
- 2024-25: 40 games, 29 goals (0.72 GPG), 17 assists, 46 points
The Current Stand: 882 Career Goals and Counting
As of the 2024-2025 season, Alex Ovechkin has 882 career goals. He came into this season with 853 goals and has already added 29 this year. Wayne Gretzky, the legendary mark, stands at 894 career goals. Ovechkin is now just 12 goals away from tying Gretzky’s record and 13 goals away from breaking it. This incredible pursuit has captivated the hockey world and has put Ovechkin in the spotlight once again.
The Road Ahead: 25 Games to Glory
The Capitals have played 57 games in the 2024-2025 season, and the NHL regular season consists of 82 games per team. Therefore, Washington has 25 games left in their season. Each game represents an opportunity for Ovechkin to etch his name in the history books. With his current form and the Capitals’ strong team performance, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to this historic chase. The Capitals’ remaining schedule includes a mix of home and away games, providing Ovechkin with a variety of challenges and opportunities to reach his goal.
The Legacy of Ovechkin and Gretzky: A New Chapter in Hockey History
The potential for Alex Ovechkin to break Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record is more than just a statistical milestone. It represents a new chapter in the rich history of the NHL and the evolution of the sport. Ovechkin’s journey to this point is a story of unwavering determination, skill, and passion. While Gretzky’s legacy remains unassailable, Ovechkin’s achievement will solidify his place among the greatest players to ever lace up skates. As the hockey world watches with bated breath, the final stretch of the 2024-2025 season promises to be one of the most exciting and memorable in recent history.
