It took Alex Ovechkin 1,486 games, almost 7,000 shots on net and nearly 20 seasons of work to catch Wayne Gretzky and his NHL career goals record.
Now, there’s only one thing left for the Washington Capitals superstar to do: pass him.
Ovechkin scored two goals on Friday night against the Chicago Blackhawks, giving him 894 for his career, tying Gretzky and leaving him six more regular-season games to score once more and own the record.
“There’s no question of ‘if,’” longtime teammate Lars Eller said before the game. “It’s a question of ‘when.’”
A few hours later, Ovechkin got a little closer to the answer, scoring his 40th goal of the season 3:52 into the first period, on a one-timer from the right circle to beat Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight. Then, with the Capitals on the power play 6:14 into the third period, Ovechkin scored again to tie the record.
Ovechkin beat Knight with a one-timer from the middle of the left circle, sparking a celebration that included Ovechkin skating to the glass to greet his son.
“It’s fun,” Ovechkin said in a postgame bench interview with Monumental Sports Network. “I’m sure everybody will enjoy this moment because it’s something special. Do it at home, you know, in front of family, friends and obviously Wayne’s here as well. It’s a huge honor, it’s a historical moment and, yeah, it’s great.”
GO FURTHER
Alex Ovechkin ties Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record with 894 career goals
