Wayne Gretzky initiated his journey to surpass The Great One as the NHL’s all-time leading goalscorer by following Alex Ovechkin on Friday night. The expedition almost reached its conclusion in just one day.
In need of three goals to exceed Gretzky, Ovechkin managed to score twice to equal the record and made a valiant attempt for a hat trick.
However, Gretzky had held the top spot for over 31 years. Now, he will soon have company and find himself in an unfamiliar position at the pinnacle.
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FILE: Canadian retired professional hockey player Wayne Gretzky arrives for the inauguration ceremony before Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th US President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (Saul Loeb-Pool via Imagn Images)
Although Gretzky’s record is on the verge of being eclipsed, he is at peace with the situation.
“That’s OK… That’s what the game’s all about,” Gretzky expressed to the Monumental Sports Network after Ovechkin tied him.
“Alex has been a tremendous asset to the game, Washington, and his home country. It’s fantastic. I am incredibly proud of him, proud of my achievements, and that is what makes our sport so remarkable – the exceptional athletes we have, and more importantly, the outstanding individuals they are.”
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Capital One Arena. (Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images)
ALEX OVECHKIN ODDS: WHEN WILL HE BREAK WAYNE GRETZKY’S SCORING RECORD?
Gretzky established himself as the NHL’s all-time leading goalscorer on March 23, 1994, when he surpassed Gordie Howe with his 802nd career goal. Before retiring in 1999, Gretzky scored 92 more goals, bringing his total to 894.
Ovechkin scored just four minutes into the game against the Chicago Blackhawks, edging closer to the milestone. Then, in the third period, during a power play, Ovechkin capitalized, receiving a pass and sneaking the puck past goalie Spencer Knight.
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks in the third period at Capital One Arena. The goal was the 894th of his career, tying Wayne Gretzky for most all-time goals scored in the NHL. (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)
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Ovechkin’s next opportunity to break the record will be on Sunday in New York against the Islanders, with the game scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m. ET.
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