Alex Ovechkin nears Wayne Gretzky’s goal record while closing in on another historic NHL achievement

Washington Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of rewriting NHL history. The 39-year-old superstar, despite a serious injury in November 2024, still pursues Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record. The hype about Ovechkin's milestone intensifies with every game, yet as the LA Kings broke the Capitals' five-game winning streak, another intriguing statistic has come to light.


Although a great deal of discussion has surrounded Ovechkin breaking Gretzky's 894-goal milestone, podcast host Rob Gucci recently suggested that the Capitals captain is also getting close to another record. At 3,721 hits in 1,475 games, Ovechkin is getting close to the NHL career hits leader, New York Islanders' Cal Clutterbuck, who is at 4,029 hits.
Although the NHL only began officially tracking hits in the 2005-06 season, limiting comparisons with earlier legends, Ovechkin’s remarkable durability at 39 years old makes his pursuit even more impressive. “How his body is holding up is beyond me," Gucci remarked, emphasizing the physical toll of Ovechkin’s playing style.

Ovechkin's pursuit of breaking Gretzky's all-time goals record has been a measuring stick narrative in the NHL. Sports commentator John Buccigross pointed out this potential on X, as Ovechkin has kept a 10-game lead to break the record early. But after being held scoreless in two straight games—first in the Capitals' 7-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks and then in a 3-0 shutout loss to the LA Kings—the pressure is building.

As Ovechkin approaches making his mark, the hype builds. Whether he breaks the all-time hits mark, surpasses Gretzky's goal record, or both in record-breaking time, his influence on the game is indubitable.
Also read: Alex Ovechkin’s historic pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s record coincides with exit plans
With several key games looming, everyone's eyes are still on Ovechkin to determine whether he can do what now appears unbelievable. Will he break up for weeks to come multiple records? The world of the NHL is keenly watching to see history happen.