The Great Eight is within striking distance of Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record of 894, which Gretzky reached on March 29, 1999, against the New York Islanders. Ovechkin began this season with 853 career goals.

The Edmonton Oilers allowed Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin an opportunity to try on some of Wayne Gretzky’s equipment. After the Capitals finished their practice at Rogers Place on Monday,

Entering the 2024-25 season, Ovechkin needed 42 goals to break Gretzky’s record of 894 career tallies. After scoring goal No. 874 on January 16, Ovechkin now needs just 21 goals to pass Gretzky for the NHL’s record.

Alex Ovechkin had a special tour of the Edmonton Oilers Hall of Fame on Monday with an opportunity to try on the gloves and hold the stick that Wayne Gretzky used in the 1980s. The Washington Capitals captain remains 21 goals from passing Gretzky for first in NHL history after the Capitals beat the Oilers 3-2 on Tuesday.