Ovechkin Scores Again, Closing in on Gretzky’s Record

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin scored his 872nd NHL goal on Saturday night against the New York Rangers, bringing him within 23 goals of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894.

Ovechkin’s Latest Goal

• Date: January 4, 2025
• Location: Capital One Arena, Washington
• Opponent: New York Rangers (goalie: Jonathan Quick)
• Time of goal: 10:50 of the third period
• Summary: Ovechkin backhanded a shot under Quick’s right pad after a face-off in the Rangers’ zone, putting the Capitals up 5-3.

Gretzky’s Corresponding Goal

• Date: December 28, 1997
• Location: Madison Square Garden, New York
• Opponent: Boston Bruins (goalie: Byron Dafoe)
• Time of goal: 14:42 of the first period
• Summary: Gretzky ended an 11-game goal drought by banking the puck in off Dafoe after his initial shot was stopped on a 3-on-2 rush. The Rangers won 4-3.

Ovechkin’s Next Game

The Capitals will play their next game against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, January 8th at 7:30 PM ET.

 By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer