Alex Ovechkin Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Here's how close Alex Ovechkin could be to breaking Gretzky's goals scored record

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 9/6/23

No matter which way you cut it, there are a few NHL records that will probably never be taken away from Wayne Gretzky. His 2,857 total points, 1,963 assists and 73 short-handed goals tower so far over any active player that it's hard to imagine anyone reaching those marks -- let alone surpassing them.

That being said, there is one category where Alex Ovechkin is inching closer: Total career even-strength goals. And if the Washington Capitals' captain keeps up the pace he has had over the last few seasons, fans everywhere could very well watch him make history in the next couple of seasons.

Connor Bedard on Alex Ovechkin chasing Wayne Gretzky’s goals record: “I think he gets it.” #NHL pic.twitter.com/PmRLmRovPp
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) September 5, 2023

The towering Russian -- who already holds the league record for most power-play goals scored -- currently sits 72 goals shy of the Great One's 894 career goals. Excluding a fluky 2016-17 campaign and the COVID-shortened 2021 season, he has registered over 40 goals over the last five 82-game regular seasons. He scored 50 goals in 77 games in 2021-22 and 42 goals in 73 games last season, which puts him on pace to reach Gretzky's marker within less than two seasons.

Oddsmakers seem confident Ovechkin can keep up that pace as well, as DraftKings has over 40.5 goals for Ovechkin priced at -115. They also have him favored at 8-1 to put over 350 shots on goal this season, which would give him ample opportunities to get closer to breaking Gretzky's record.

Alex Ovechkin is back and participating in Capitals informal skate today pic.twitter.com/7wS9O7PuDk
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) September 5, 2023

Of course, all of this is dependent on Ovechkin staying healthy. The veteran forward has endured a few bumps and bruises throughout his career but continues to keep pace despite being 37 years old. He'll have to stay that way if he's going to be the new record-holder in a couple of season's time.

The Capitals open up their season on Oct. 13 at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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