Gretzky's 'unreachable' NHL scoring record could be surpassed this season

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is closing in on the NHL career goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky.

Ovechkin has 868 goals after scoring 15 in the first 18 games this season. He needs 27 to set a new record.

Ovechkin entered the season 42 short of breaking a record by “The Great One” that long seemed unapproachable. The 39-year-old Russian is in his 20th NHL season and on pace to get to 895 sometime in late February.

Ovechkin scored twice in a 6-2 win over the Utah Hockey Club on Monday night, getting goals 867 and 868 in his first game in Salt Lake City before leaving in the third period with an apparent left leg injury.

Ovechkin’s goals on Utah goaltender Connor Ingram marked the 178th different goaltender he has scored on in his 20-year NHL career. He is tied for the league record with Jaromir Jagr. 

It was his 177th multigoal game, which is second to Gretzky (189).

Ovechkin earlier this season became the 60th player to record 700 career assists and is now at 707. He joined Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Jagr, Dionne and Phil Esposito as the only players with 700 goals and 700 assists.

The Capitals play at home Thursday night against the Colorado Avalanche, though Ovechkin’s status is uncertain after being injured.

Gretzky has held the record since 1994.



(AP Photo David Zalubowski)