It looks like history is about to be rewritten! Now just seven goals away from surpassing the legendary Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record of 894, Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin stands tall with 887 goals and counting. With the entire hockey world holding its breath, the looming question remains—how does Ovechkin feel, standing at the edge of immortality?

When NHL Network journalist Tarik El-Bashir asked Alex Ovechkin about the chase, his response was simple yet telling. “I try to not think about it, to be honest with you, but as soon as I’m talking to you guys, it reminds me of that,” he admitted, flashing a knowing grin. Woah! The man is on the brink of history, yet his attitude remains as casual as a morning skate.

But let’s not mistake his laid-back demeanor for ease—because it’s anything but easy. Every goal has been a battle, every milestone a war against the league’s toughest defensemen and elite goaltenders. “Every game you play against the best defensemen, best goalie, it’s hard to score,” Ovechkin emphasized. As if to drive the point home, he repeated, “It’s hard. It’s hard, man.” With all eyes on him and every opponent laser-focused on stopping him, the challenge has never been greater.

Just when it seemed like nothing could slow down Ovechkin’s relentless march toward history, fate threw him a curveball—a broken leg. With his pursuit suddenly in jeopardy, the questions mounted. Was the Grade 8’s chase on hold? Would his dream have to wait another season? But Ovechkin refused to let an injury dictate his destiny. True to his warrior spirit, he made a triumphant return, scoring in the Washington Capitals’ commanding 5-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on March 15, 2025. The broadcast call said it best: “And he scores! The chase continues. 8.87 for the Grade 8.” The record isn’t waiting—it’s calling.

Wayne Gretzky has been texting Alex Ovechkin! 

And through it all, Ovechkin isn’t alone in this journey. One of his biggest supporters? None other than the man whose record he’s chasing—Wayne Gretzky himself! “He’s looking forward, and it’s very important for me to have that kind of support,” Ovechkin shared, revealing that Gretzky has been sending him words of encouragement throughout this historic chase. The Great One isn’t just watching—he’s cheering him on from the sidelines.

And then there are the fans—the ones who have been there since day one. The same kids who once wore oversized No. 8 hats in 2005, watching Ovechkin’s rookie season, were back in the stands for his latest milestone. Now grown, they don’t see this as just Ovechkin’s achievement—it’s theirs, too. Nostalgia has swept through the NHL as the league prepares to witness history in the making.

Beyond the records and the spotlight, what truly fuels Ovechkin? It’s the team, the fans, and the sheer love of the game. “The chemistry in the locker room has been tremendous,” he said, crediting his teammates for pushing him forward through both triumphs and struggles. It’s their collective effort that has allowed him to thrive, and the passion is evident. As Ovechkin put it, “Passion, love of the game, and I think, you know, the people love it. They like that excitement, the fans, my teammates love that, so yeah.”

And with that, the countdown continues. Ovechkin is closing in on hockey immortality, and the world is watching.