Alex Ovechkin Goal Record : Hat Trick Brings Him 13 Goals Away from Breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL Career Record
For Ovechkin, this game was another testament to his legendary scoring ability and relentless drive. The 39-year-old sniper opened the scoring with a perfectly placed wrist shot past Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard. His second goal came in signature fashion from his famous power-play spot, where he blasted a shot into the net. Finally, he sealed the hat trick with an empty-net goal from deep inside his own zone, sending the home crowd of 18,573 fans into a frenzy.
“I had pretty good chances to score more,” Ovechkin said postgame. “But I’ll take three.”
The Alex Ovechkin goal record chase has been one of the most thrilling storylines of the NHL season. Even after missing 16 games earlier due to a broken leg, Ovechkin remains on pace to break the record this spring. His ability to defy age and continue scoring at an elite level has amazed fans and teammates alike.
Ovechkin’s linemate Dylan Strome, who has assisted on 16 of Ovechkin’s 29 goals this season, acknowledged the difficulty of setting the record but remains optimistic about his teammate’s chances.
“It’s going to be tough still,” Strome said. “But knowing Ovi, if there are more games like tonight, it’s not a matter of if, but when.”
With 25 games remaining in the season, Ovechkin would need to average just over a goal every other game to pass Gretzky’s mark. When asked if scoring 13 goals in that span was realistic, Ovechkin kept his focus on the present.
“Game by game,” he said with a smile.
Few players in NHL history have displayed the same level of hunger for scoring as Ovechkin. Longtime teammate Tom Wilson highlighted Ovechkin’s insatiable desire to keep finding the back of the net.
“I’ve never seen a guy so hungry,” Wilson said. “Some guys score and they’re satisfied. Ovi comes back to the bench asking if he can go out again immediately. It’s been an amazing journey watching him do what he does.”
Edmonton’s veteran forward Corey Perry, watching from the opposing side, lamented the defensive lapses that allowed Ovechkin to work his magic.
“You give the best goal scorer in the world that kind of time, he’s going to put it in the back of the net,” Perry admitted.
Ovechkin’s performance not only brought him closer to the Alex Ovechkin goal record, but it also helped him reach several other milestones. His three-goal night tied him with NHL legend Phil Esposito for fifth place on the all-time hat trick list with 32 career hat tricks. Additionally, he matched Jaromir Jagr’s record of 135 game-winning goals, further cementing his legacy among the greatest players in league history.
Capitals coach Spencer Carbery was in awe of Ovechkin’s ability to produce at such a high level, even at age 39.
“You cannot write a story and a book of what he’s doing right now,” Carbery said. “The goals he’s scoring, he could’ve had six tonight.”
Ovechkin took a game-high eight shots on goal, consistently testing Pickard and the Oilers’ defense. He nearly completed the hat trick earlier in the third period but was denied by the Edmonton goaltender. However, with just minutes remaining and the Oilers pulling their goalie for an extra attacker, Ovechkin took full advantage. He launched a perfectly aimed shot from 139 feet away, securing his third goal and sending hats flying onto the ice from the raucous Washington crowd.
“I was a little surprised they pulled the goalie at that moment,” Ovechkin admitted. “But I’ll take it.”
For years, the idea of anyone surpassing Gretzky’s 894 goals seemed impossible. However, as Ovechkin inches closer, it has become clear that history is within reach. His ability to score in every conceivable way—from wrist shots to slap shots, power plays to even-strength goals, and now empty-netters—makes him the most complete goal scorer the league has ever seen.
Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren, who has had the privilege of playing alongside Ovechkin for the past two seasons, expressed his admiration.
“It’s just insane, honestly,” Lindgren said. “He just scores in so many different ways. He amazes me night in and night out. He truly is the best.”
With every game, every goal, and every milestone, the Alex Ovechkin goal record chase continues to captivate the hockey world. If Ovechkin maintains his scoring pace, it’s only a matter of time before he cements his place as the greatest goal scorer in NHL history. Until then, fans will eagerly watch as he takes the ice, ready to witness history unfold, one goal at a time.
