Alex Ovechkin’s second goal of the game against the Chicago Blackhawks tonight (April 4) tied Wayne Gretzky for the most goals in the NHL’s history.
His 893rd career goal came with just under four minutes gone in the first period. Goal number 894 came on the power- lay in the third period.
Alex Ovechkin: 894 career NHL goals, tying Wayne Gretzky for No. 1 all-time. His 2nd of the night. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/SbFIrnFbwg
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 5, 2025
Since the first day of NHL play in 1917, nine players have topped the league in career goals (outright or tied), including seven since Feb. 23, 1921, when Joe Malone took a lead he would hold for nearly two years. The record has been broken only six times since Malone pulled ahead 104 years ago, with Ovechkin having tied the benchmark Gretzky (894) held for over 31 years.
With his next goal, Ovechkin will become the 10th player to hold the distinction as the all-time NHL goals leader and the eighth since Malone pulled ahead 104 years ago.
With the goals tonight, Ovechkin became the second player in NHL history with a 40-goal season at age 39 or older, following Gordie Howe (44 in 1968-69). Ovechkin could conclude the campaign ranking among the top five goals for the 15th time in his 20 career seasons and pass Howe (14x) for the highest total in league history (outright or tied).
In addition to extending his record for career 40-goal seasons and becoming the first player in League history with three 40-goal campaigns at age 35-plus, Ovechkin furthered his NHL benchmark for most games with at least one goal.
