The Gr8 Chase is finally over! Alexander Ovechkin has finally broken Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal-scoring record. Ovi scored his 895th goal Sunday afternoon against the New York Islanders, seven minutes and 26 seconds into the second period. The Washington Capitals would go on to lose the game 4-1. But how did we get to this historic achievement this season?
The goal-scoring phenom broke a record that many, including himself, thought would never be touched. With his 895th goal, he stands alone. This achievement was put on hold earlier this season when Ovechkin fractured his left fibula against the Utah Hockey Club on November 18, 2024. However, “The Great Eight” would return to game action on December 27, 2024—a mere five weeks after his injury. Returning from the injury at his age is an anomaly in itself. But to cap off the regular season, breaking the record is something of legend. His record-setting goal marks his 42nd on the season. The nine-time Rocket Richard winner is currently in fourth place in goals this season; at 39 years of age, that is unheard of.
Monkey off the Back
Despite the Capitals losing the game, the monkey is finally off this team and Ovechkin’s back. We all knew that there was a chance this record would be broken this season, and now the Caps can turn their eyes to the bigger prize, the Stanley Cup. As the Caps sit in first place in the Metro Division with a record of 49-19-9 and 107 points, they trail only the Winnipeg Jets in the standings for total points in the NHL. For a club with many playoff flameouts, capping off this historic season with a Stanley Cup would be a pinnacle achievement for this franchise. With just five games to go, Washington will look to clinch their division with a win on April 10th at home against the Carolina Hurricanes.
With the record officially broken, how far will Ovechkin extend the distance between him and The Great One? His contract with the Washington Capitals, which is running through next season hinders his chances of reaching 1,000 goals. He has talked about finishing his professional career with Dynamo Moscow in the KHL. This is the team that he began his professional hockey playing career with. If he were to sign another two-year extension with the Caps, we could easily see our 1,000-goal scorer.
Despite his physical play on the ice, he has aged graciously, as he is still one of the premier players in the NHL. Lastly, if Washington can reach their ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup, that would make this season so sweet for the organization. I mean, can you imagine it? In the year Ovi breaks the record, Washington completes the quest for the franchisee’s second Stanley Cup. That would be an essential storybook ending to an all-time great season, all culminating in the sport’s grandest prize.
Future?
It was great to see Ovi finally break “The Great One’s” goal scoring record. It is an amazing accomplishment. Let’s hope he chooses to re-up his contract with the Caps after next season so we can all witness his journey to 1,000 goals.
