On March 27, 2025, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin inched closer to hockey immortality, scoring his 889th career NHL goal in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre. The milestone goal came in the third period, tying the game at 2-2 and sending the crowd into a frenzy, though Nikolaj Ehlers’ breakaway tally in overtime ultimately handed the Jets the victory. With this latest score, Ovechkin now sits just six goals shy of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record of 894, a mark long considered untouchable. As the 2024-25 season progresses, Ovechkin’s pursuit of the record remains one of the most compelling stories in professional hockey, drawing attention from fans, analysts, and media worldwide.
The goal itself was classic Ovechkin. Stationed in his familiar spot near the left circle during a Capitals power play, he received a crisp pass from John Carlson and unleashed a one-timer past Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck at 8:42 of the third. It was his 36th goal of the season in his 66th game, a remarkable pace for the 39-year-old winger who missed 16 games earlier this year due to a fractured fibula. His durability and scoring prowess have kept the Capitals atop the league standings with 103 points, while his chase of Gretzky’s record adds an extra layer of intrigue to Washington’s campaign.
Ovechkin’s journey toward 889 goals has been a testament to his consistency and evolution as a player. Since entering the NHL in 2005, he has won the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league’s leading goal-scorer nine times, including a 52-goal season in 2021-22 at age 36. This year, his 36 goals rank him among the NHL’s top scorers, trailing only Auston Matthews and Nathan MacKinnon. Despite the Capitals’ loss to Winnipeg, Ovechkin’s performance underscored his value to a team eyeing another Stanley Cup run after their 2018 triumph.
Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery praised Ovechkin post-game, saying, “What he’s doing at this stage of his career is incredible. Every goal brings us closer to history, and he’s still driving our team night in and night out.” The sentiment reflects Ovechkin’s dual role as a record-chasing superstar and a leader for a Washington squad that includes rising talents like Dylan Strome and Connor McMichael. The Capitals’ depth has complemented Ovechkin’s production, with the team boasting a 47-15-4 record entering late March.
The Winnipeg Jets, meanwhile, used the game to solidify their playoff standing. Ehlers’ overtime winner, his 25th goal of the season, came after a back-and-forth contest that showcased both teams’ strengths. Hellebuyck stopped 29 of 31 shots, reinforcing his status as a Vezina Trophy contender, while the Jets improved to 43-19-3. Their victory came on the heels of clinching a playoff spot two nights earlier against the same Capitals, highlighting their consistency in the Central Division race.
For Ovechkin, the focus remains on Gretzky’s record. With 16 games left in the regular season, he needs to average roughly 0.38 goals per game to surpass 894 before the playoffs begin. His current rate of 0.55 goals per game suggests he could achieve the feat sooner, possibly in early April if he maintains his form. Upcoming matchups against teams like the Minnesota Wild and Pittsburgh Penguins offer prime opportunities, especially given Ovechkin’s history of performing in high-profile games.
NHL fans searching for updates on Ovechkin’s goal chase will find plenty to dissect. His 889 goals have come across 1,485 career games, compared to Gretzky’s 894 in 1,487. While Gretzky’s era featured higher-scoring games, Ovechkin’s longevity in today’s tighter defensive landscape stands out. Advanced stats show his 313 power-play goals dwarf Gretzky’s 204, a product of his lethal shot and the Capitals’ reliance on his one-timer over two decades.
The hockey world has taken notice. Jets coach Rick Bowness remarked after the game, “You can feel it every time he’s on the ice. He’s a legend, and we’re witnessing something special.” Social media buzzed with reactions, with “Ovechkin” and “Gretzky record” trending on platforms like X as fans debated his chances of catching the Great One. Some pointed to his earlier injury as a hurdle, while others marveled at his resurgence since returning in January.
Washington’s next game, set for March 29 against the Detroit Red Wings, will give Ovechkin another shot at goal #890. The Capitals’ schedule includes a mix of playoff contenders and struggling teams, providing a balanced stage for his pursuit. Should he break the record, it would cap a career already defined by a Stanley Cup, three Hart Trophies, and now, potentially, the title of NHL’s greatest goal-scorer.
For those following the NHL in 2025, Ovechkin’s march toward history is a storyline that transcends the sport. Whether he reaches 894 this season or next, his 889th goal against the Jets on March 27 serves as a reminder of his enduring impact. As the Capitals push for the playoffs, all eyes will remain on their captain—and the record books.
