Alex Ovechkin isn’t slowing down. As the Washington Capitals captain pushes through his 19th NHL season, the legendary left winger remains focused on a singular pursuit: becoming the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. With each puck he buries in the net, Ovechkin edges closer to Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record of 894 career goals—a number once thought untouchable.
Now 39, Ovechkin has racked up more than 850 goals, placing him firmly in second place on the all-time list. The Russian superstar has built a legacy defined not only by stats, but by a playing style that blends brute power with pinpoint accuracy. For nearly two decades, Ovechkin has been a constant force in the NHL, captivating fans with his signature one-timers from the left circle and unmatched intensity on the ice.
“Every goal now is part of history,” Ovechkin told reporters earlier this season. “I know what’s at stake, and I feel the support not just from Washington, but from hockey fans around the world.”
Drafted first overall in 2004, Alex Ovechkin quickly transformed the Capitals franchise. His rookie season in 2005-06 saw him net 52 goals, and he hasn’t looked back since. Ovechkin has led the league in scoring nine times and earned the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s Most Valuable Player three times. Beyond the numbers, his leadership and loyalty to Washington—culminating in a long-awaited Stanley Cup win in 2018—cemented his status as one of the game’s most iconic figures.
Still, questions about age and durability naturally shadow any athlete in the late stages of a career. Yet Ovechkin’s performance remains remarkably steady. As of this season, he continues to average around 20 goals, despite the physical toll and the evolution of the game toward faster, younger players. His longevity is partly credited to his training regimen, recovery discipline, and an unrelenting drive to compete.
As the 2024–25 season progresses, analysts and fans alike are crunching numbers. If he stays healthy and maintains his pace, Ovechkin could catch or surpass Gretzky’s record within the next two seasons. The chase has become a storyline larger than just stats—it’s a celebration of endurance, passion, and greatness.
Whether he ultimately breaks the record or falls just short, Alex Ovechkin’s place in hockey lore is secure. His pursuit of history offers a rare thrill in modern sports: witnessing a legend in real time, rewriting what once seemed permanent in the record books.
