Alex Ovechkin scores his 892nd career goal and is two goals away from tying Wayne Gretzky's record

Ovechkin scored his 892nd career goal in the Washington Capitals’ 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes, moving just two goals away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal record. While the goal brought him closer to history, Ovechkin was clearly frustrated by the loss. “I had a chance in the second, first shift a breakaway, and in this game, if you have a chance, you have to use it,” Ovechkin said after the game, referring to a missed opportunity to further extend his tally.


Ovechkin’s 892nd goal came late in the second period on a 5-on-3 power play, a sharp shot that beat Carolina goalie Frederik Andersen. This goal underscored his success in special teams, especially against the Hurricanes, with whom he has enjoyed considerable success in his career. Despite the goal, the game didn’t go as planned for the Capitals, with Ovechkin himself missing earlier chances to put his team on the board.

The game became a test of physicality in the third period, as tensions flared with multiple scrums and eight misconduct penalties—four per team—dispersed throughout the period. It turned into a playoff-like atmosphere as both teams engaged in rough play, and Ovechkin was well aware of the intensity. “We understand there’s a possibility to see them in the playoffs,” he said, highlighting the potential for future postseason matchups with the Hurricanes.

Despite a broken fibula earlier in the season that caused him to miss 16 games, Ovechkin has 39 goals on the year and is just one away from his 14th 40-goal season, a record in itself. With only seven regular-season games left, he is poised to break Gretzky’s long-standing record as the Capitals push toward the postseason. "It feels like it’s right there," said teammate Trevor van Riemsdyk, highlighting Ovechkin's continuing brilliance and his imminent place in history.