Washington Capitals player Alex Ovechkin is poised to make history. Last night, Ovechkin netted his 885th goal. He just needs 10 more to become the NHL’s top goal scorer of all time. The record is currently held by Wayne Gretzky with 894 career goals.
No. 885 came against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. With the Rangers up 2 to 1 in the third period, Ovechkin took a loose puck from in front of Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin and scored a power play goal that tied the game.
Gretzky has held the record for the most goals scored in the NHL since 1999. The Great One broke the record back in 1992 when he surpassed Gordie Howe, who held the previous record at 801 goals. The closest active NHL player on the all-time goal scorers list is Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby with 611.
Other NHL scoring records that Ovechkin currently holds include:
- Power play goals: 321
- Goals scored with one franchise: 885
- Overtime goals: 27
- Empty net goals: 64
- Game-winning goals: 135 (tied with Jaromir Jágr)
- Different goalies scored on: 181
Just before last night’s game, the Capitals announced that Ovechkin was launching THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer campaign. Every time Ovechkin scores a goal, he will donate an amount equal to his career goal total for the rest of his NHL career to the V Foundation to help pediatric cancer research. Monumental Sports & Entertainment will also match Ovechkin’s donation. One hundred percent of fan donations will also go directly toward the V Foundation.
Feature image courtesy Washington Capitals
