By ESPN | Created at 2025-04-04 23:47:37 | Updated at 2025-04-05 05:54:22
6 hours ago
ESPN News Services
Apr 4, 2025, 07:33 PM ET
WASHINGTON -- Alex Ovechkin scored his 893rd career goal Friday night to move one back of tying and two away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL record.
Ovechkin beat Spencer Knight 3:52 into the Washington Capitals' game against the Chicago Blackhawks. He moved closer to making hockey history with Gretzky in attendance for the first time during the chase.
Scoring in a fourth consecutive game, Ovechkin reached 40 goals for a 14th time in 20 seasons, which is the most in league history. It's the second 40-goal season ever by a player age 39 or older, joining Gordie Howe (44 in 1968-69 at age 40).
It also was Ovechkin's 242nd career first-period goal, breaking a tie with Gretzky (241) for the most in league history
The Eastern Conference-leading Capitals have six games left in the regular season with a visit to the New York Islanders up next Sunday.
Information from ESPN Research and The Associated Press was used in this report.
