The Sweet Melody of Success in the Nation’s Capital
A sweet melody looms over Capital One Arena, the home of Washington’s Capitals, as they continue to dominate the league standings. At the heart of this success stands Alex Ovechkin, a player whose name is synonymous with goal-scoring prowess. Despite the challenges of age and even a broken leg, Ovechkin remains an unstoppable force, drawing ever closer to one of hockey’s most celebrated records: Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring mark. As the Capitals’ marquee player, Ovechkin has become the embodiment of the team’s relentless spirit, his ability to score from various angles and situations making him a formidable threat game after game.
Ovechkin’s Dominance in Empty-Net Goals
Alex Ovechkin is not just the game’s greatest shooter; he also has a unique talent for scoring empty-net goals. As of February 25, Ovechkin boasts an impressive tally of 64 empty-net goals, the most in NHL history. This number far surpasses the second-place record held by Wayne Gretzky, who scored 56 such goals. No other player in the league has more than 40. Ovechkin’s 2021-22 season was particularly notable for his empty-net scoring, with nine goals in that category, matching the NHL record. That season, empty-net goals accounted for 18 percent of his total goals. In the 2024-25 season, through 41 games, he has already registered seven empty-net goals, putting him on an 82-game pace to score about 14 by the end of the year. While a recent injury has derailed his potential to meet this pace, Ovechkin is still projected to score around 11 more empty-net goals this season, further cementing his place in history.
The Pursuit of Immortality
Alex Ovechkin’s quest to break Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record has been nothing short of remarkable. With 882 career goals to his name as of February 25, Ovechkin is just 12 strikes away from tying Gretzky and 13 goals away from seizing the record outright. His goal-scoring rate in the 2024-25 season has been astonishing, nearly matching his 2023-24 totals in 28 fewer games. Had it not been for an injury, Ovechkin might have been in contention for his 10th Rocket Richard Award, which is given to the league’s top goal scorer. Currently, he averages 0.71 goals per game, projecting him to finish the season with around 47 goals. This pace, if maintained, will undoubtedly propel him past Gretzky and into the history books as the all-time leading goal scorer.
A Closer Look at Empty-Net Goal Leaders
While Ovechkin’s overall goal-scoring ability is legendary, his prowess in empty-net goals is equally impressive. The NHL leaderboard for empty-net goals is dominated by a select few icons, with Ovechkin’s 64 goals at the top. Wayne Gretzky, a player who set numerous records in his career, follows with 56 goals. Marian Hossa, with 40 goals, is the only other player to have more than 40, while Brad Marchand, Sidney Crosby, and Eric Staal round out the top five with 38, 36, and 33 goals, respectively. Mario Lemieux and Jarome Iginla each have 32 goals, and Sebastian Aho and Blake Wheeler are tied with 31. Ovechkin’s lead in this category underscores his versatility and ability to capitalize on any scoring opportunity, no matter how late in the game.
The Great 8’s Goal-Scoring Styles
Ovechkin’s goal-scoring methods are as varied as they are effective. His patented one-timers, often launched from the left face-off circle, are a hallmark of his playing style and have secured him many a goal. Early in his career, Ovechkin was known for his ability to slalom around defenders and finish with grace and precision at the net. More recently, he has made a habit of scoring from deep in his own defensive territory, converting long shots into empty-net goals. These diverse methods highlight his adaptability and continued evolution as a player, making him a constant threat on the ice regardless of the game situation.
The Countdown to History
The anticipation around Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s record is palpable. Ovechkin has already scored 42 goals this season, and his 42nd strike will mark a historic moment. The Capitals and their fans are witnessing a legend in the making, as each goal brings Ovechkin closer to immortality. His injury may have slowed his progress, but it has not dampened the spirit of the team or the enthusiasm of the fans. With an average of 0.71 goals per game, Ovechkin is well on track to finish the season with a significant number of goals, solidifying his position as the greatest goal scorer in NHL history. The question now is not if he will break the record, but when.
