Ovechkin scores goal No. 889 to move within six of topping Gretzky’s all-time mark

By Canadian Press on March 25, 2025.

WINNIPEG — Alex Ovechkin is one step closer to hockey immortality.

The Washington Capitals winger scored for the 889th time in his NHL career Tuesday to move within six goals of passing Wayne Gretzky for the all-time mark.

Ovechkin fired past Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck with four minutes left in the third period to tie the game 2-2. Winnipeg won 3-2 in overtime.

The 39-year-old Russian started the season 41 goals short of tying the Great One’s record of 894 goals.

Ovechkin has scored 36 times in just 55 games in 2024-25 after missing 16 contests with a broken leg earlier in the schedule.

Gretzky has owned the NHL goal record since passing Gordie Howe’s previous mark of 801 in March 1994.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 25, 2025.

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press