Ovechkin Closes in on NHL History with Latest Strike Against Jets

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin continues his relentless pursuit of the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring crown, edging ever closer to Wayne Gretzky’s legendary mark. In a thrilling clash against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday, Ovechkin fired home his 889th career goal, leaving him just six shy of surpassing Gretzky’s record of 894—a milestone that has loomed over the league for over two decades.

The 39-year-old superstar struck late in the third period, knotting the score at 2-2 with under four minutes remaining. Though the Jets ultimately prevailed 3-2 in overtime with a goal from Nikolaj Ehlers, Ovechkin’s performance stood out. With 11 games left in the regular season, the countdown to history is on.

The game carried the intensity of a postseason battle, marked by physical play and high stakes. Ovechkin’s goal against Winnipeg was his 36th of the season, a remarkable tally for a player nearing 40. Only Gordie Howe, with 38 goals at age 39 in 1967-68, has outscored him at this age in league history.

Ovechkin has long dominated the Jets, now holding 57 goals in 75 career games against them, more than against any other franchise. Winnipeg’s players and coaches have noted his uncanny ability to find the net with minimal time and space, a skill that keeps opponents on edge.

With 10 goals in his last 15 games and 21 since returning from an injury in December, Ovechkin is peaking at the right moment. His current pace of 0.65 goals per game suggests he could claim the record in the season’s final contest—though a quicker chase remains possible. Gretzky reached 894 goals in 1,487 games; Tuesday’s strike came in Ovechkin’s 1,481st.

The Road Ahead

The Capitals’ remaining schedule offers ample opportunity for Ovechkin to make history. Their next game, on Thursday, is against the Minnesota Wild, a team he’s scored against 20 times in 24 career matchups. Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury has allowed 28 goals to Ovechkin over the years, mostly from their days as division rivals, while Minnesota’s backup, Filip Gustavsson, has only conceded two.

Following that, Washington returns home to face the Buffalo Sabres, a team with one of the league’s weakest defenses, ranking fourth in goals allowed this season. Six of the Capitals’ final 11 games are against bottom-10 defenses, providing a favorable path for Ovechkin to close the gap.

Beyond the pursuit of Gretzky’s record, Ovechkin is nearing another milestone. Four more goals would give him his 14th 40-goal season, further extending his own NHL record. Gretzky, with 12 such seasons, trails behind.

As the hockey world watches, Ovechkin’s blend of skill, consistency, and enthusiasm keeps him at the forefront. Whether he breaks the record this season or next, his legacy as one of the game’s greatest scorers is already cemented.