Alex Ovechkin closes in on Wayne Gretzky's goal record

In San Jose, California, on March 15, 2025, Alex Ovechkin achieved a significant milestone by scoring his 887th career goal, which brought him within eight goals of breaking Wayne Gretzky's longstanding NHL record of 894 goals. The 39-year-old forward's goal came during the third period of a game against the San Jose Sharks, when he expertly deflected a shot from teammate Martin Fehervary past goaltender Georgi Romanov. This goal not only highlights Ovechkin's scoring prowess but also marks a noteworthy moment as he becomes the 182nd different goalie he has scored against throughout his illustrious career. Ovechkin's performance in this game was crucial for the Washington Capitals, as they secured a decisive 5-1 victory over the Sharks. This game marks the sixth win for the Capitals in their last seven games, showcasing their strong form as the season progresses. Ovechkin also contributed an assist on the opening goal scored by Dylan Strome, pushing his points total to 777 on the road, just two points shy of tying Gordie Howe for the eighth most road points in NHL history. The Capitals had bounced back well after suffering a 3-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings earlier in the week, reflecting their ability to recover from defeats effectively. In addition to Ovechkin's milestone achievement, the game featured several other key moments. Aliaksei Protas, Taylor Raddysh, and Trevor van Riemsdyk all contributed goals for the Capitals, while Macklin Celebrini scored a lone goal for the Sharks. The Capitals displayed exceptional offensive control, especially in the first period when they outshot the Sharks 17-3. This dominant performance is indicative of Washington's current form as they prepare for their next match against the Detroit Red Wings, showcasing not only their individual talents but also their collective teamwork. Overall, Alex Ovechkin's scoring milestone is a testament to his career longevity and skill, and as he continues to chase down Wayne Gretzky's record, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can reach this historic achievement before the season ends. With 34 goals this season already, a record-breaking moment appears increasingly within reach for the legendary Russian forward.