The pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record has been the narrative of choice in hockey. Alex Ovechkin, or “Ovi” to fans, is only 10 goals away from filling that trophy case with Gretzky’s legendary 894 goals. With every new game, excitement mounts as Alex Ovechkin inches ever closer to that legendary mark. Ovechkin’s moment is truly near.

Now the looming question is, when is it going down and where? Going by his current showing, sooner rather than later. The excitement grows, with both fans and players anxiously awaiting to see Alex Ovechkin write his name into the records.

Even though the Capitals aren’t exactly crushing it this season with a 38-14-8 record, Ovechkin’s chase for the record is still huge in the hockey world. This isn’t about team wins; it’s about one of the GOATs gunning for the ultimate individual achievement. The team’s put up 215 goals and allowed 154, but honestly? It’s all about Alex Ovechkin right now, and fans and analysts can’t look away.

Beyond having great individual accomplishments, Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit is a benchmark moment in NHL history, with all eyes on him as he approaches Wayne Gretzky’s record. Would it happen during a game against the Bruins on April 1, 2025? It’s definitely possible; fans are keeping their fingers crossed for it to happen.

The Countdown is real—Here’s how close Alex Ovechkin is

As of March 2, 2025, Ovechkin has scored 884 goals—well within striking distance of tying Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894, just 10 MORE. With an average of 0.5 goals per game, he is going to be in a position over the next 10-20 games to take a shot at breaking it. At this pace, Ovechkin is projected to break the record within the next 20 games—likely by late March or early April 2025, with a strong chance it happens around the Bruins game on April 1. This means each of the remaining opportunities gives him a chance to witness history in the making.

It will not be easy for the Capitals, and since Alex Ovechkin is pretty consistent, he could break the record any time now. The game to watch, however, will be the one against the Bruins because that could provide Ovechkin with one of the greatest moments to create history. At present, the team’s record is dodgy, and the possibility of the playoffs lives but is hit-or-miss, really. Alex Ovechkin moving up on the record will take center stage in the remaining matches, and there is no denying that the moment he goes past Gretzky will be something special for him and fans, irrespective of how the season goes for the team.

Ovechkin’s pursuit of his record has meanwhile sealed his place among the greatest players to have ever graced the ice. As he inches closer to a truly historic milestone, the entire NHL community watches with bated breath. The record-breaking goal, if scored against the Bruins or any other team, is bound to be a momentous one in the game. Now, with a mere 10 goals to go before breaking Wayne Gretzky’s long-established record, the race is on, and anticipation runs high. The question is no longer whether he will break the record, but when and where the moment will happen. All across the league, fans are hoping it will come soon, and when it does, one cannot deny it will be a moment to remember.