Alex Ovechkin is closer than ever to the greatest NHL record of all time. The Capitals captain is currently standing within an arm’s reach of tying Wayne Gretzky‘s all-time goal-scoring record and will soon put himself at the top of the NHL list. However, while the “Great Eight” makes an attempt to surpass Gretzky, data from Washington’s recent matches cast a shadow on his historic chase.

On Wednesday, the Capitals were hosted by Carolina at the PNC Arena, where the former were battered by the hosts 5-1. However, while Washington lost the match by a hefty margin, the night was made memorable nonetheless as Alex Ovechkin scored his goal number 892 at the game. And yet, there weren’t many people around to witness the milestone.

A post by Braylon Breeze on X from April 4 reveals that last Wednesday’s match between the Capitals and the Hurricanes saw shambling viewership numbers. “Wednesday’s #Gr8Chase non-exclusive game did not fare well in the television ratings,” notes the social media update, as it notes that the match was viewed by 186,000 fans on average via TNT and truTV networks, making Ovechkin’s incredible chase look like just another sports statistic. 

What’s even more shocking is that Alex Ovechkin’s feat was seen by an even smaller number of fans than the Avalanche-Blackhawks (191k) game that aired on TNT later in the night. The Capitals vs Hurricanes match also was a massive drop from last year’s incredible number of 505k viewership, which was recorded during the New Jersey vs New York match.

However, considering how the “Gr8 Chase” is about to end, chances are that more viewers will tune in to witness history being made. Moreover, per media insider Braylon Breeze, TNT is willing to shake things up for what could be the game where Ovechkin finally surpasses Gretzky. “TNT will air Sunday’s Capitals–Islanders matchup at 12:30 p.m. ET, potentially the final game of the #Gr8Chase. Kenny Albert, Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher, and Tarik El-Bashir will be on the call, with an alternate “Ovicast” broadcast available on truTV,” he shared on X. On the other hand, while the ratings and numbers will undoubtedly catch the attention of many, others will concern themselves with the main agenda at hand.

The Great One waits to see Alex Ovechkin earn his crown

Just hours ago, Alex Ovechkin attained yet another thunderous feat. At tonight’s match against the Blackhawks at the Capital One Arena, the Capitals captain scored his 893rd and 894th goals, tying the “Great One” in terms of all-time NHL career goals. What makes the Russian’s feat even more impressive is that he caught on with the Canadian while playing one less game than Gretzky’s career total.

Alex started the 2024-25 season with 42 goals behind Gretzky, and many had already claimed that this year, Ovechkin would replace the NHL icon as the top scorer of all time. But game recognizes game. Wayne was spotted at the stands during tonight’s game between the Blackhawks and the Capitals, and he had to admit that there couldn’t have been a better candidate to break his record than the Washington winger.

“I’m proud of him,” Gretzky didn’t hesitate to laud Ovechkin’s seminal feat with all his heart. The retired veteran went on to note that he wished Alex would break the long-standing record at the Capitals’ home ground on Friday itself. But that ultimately didn’t happen, and some people still can’t get over the fact that while Ovechkin inches closer to breaking Gretzky’s record, he is still miles behind the 64-year-old in terms of NHL assists.

All eyes will now turn to Sunday when Alex Ovechkin & Co. hit the road to take on the Islanders at the UBS Arena. Do you think Sunday will be it? Tell us where you see Ovechkin finishing his stellar career in a comment!