When will Alex Ovechkin break Wayne Gretzky's goal record? Updated schedule for Capitals star to make history

Alex Ovechkin keeps defying Father Time. 

Just when it looked like a broken leg would push his chase for the NHL's all-time goal record to next season, the 39-year-old Capitals great has come back with a vengeance and is on track to pass Wayne Gretzky's mark before the end of the season.

Pinpointing exactly when the record will fall is more difficult, but if ticket prices in Washington D.C. are any indication, fans are expecting a historic moment for Ovechkin late in the regular season.

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Here's a look at when Ovechkin could break the all-time NHL goal record.

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When will Alex Ovechkin break Wayne Gretzky's goal record?

Ovechkin needs just one goal to break Gretzky's record with six games remaining. He's averaging 0.68 goals per game this season, so by those numbers, he has a great chance to score record-breaking goal No. 895 on the road against the Islanders on April 6 or back home against the Hurricanes on April 10.

Of course, there is no guarantee Ovechkin stays on his exact pace, especially considering his pace this season is well ahead of his pace from last season. If Ovechkin slows down, he will still have five games to work with after April 10.

If he stays on his current pace or even picks up his pace, Ovechkin will easily clear Gretzky's record before the end of the season. Notably, the playoffs do not count toward Ovechkin's career totals.

Here's a look at the Capitals' schedule for the remainder of the season. 

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How many goals does Alex Ovechkin have?

Ovechkin has 892 career goals, two shy of Gretzky's record. He needs three goals to break the record.

The 39-year-old legend has 39 goals in 59 games this season, a major improvement compared to a slower 2023-24 season, even with Ovechkin missing a chunk of the year due to a broken leg. 

How close is Alex Ovechkin to breaking Wayne Gretzky's record?

Ovechkin is just one goal away from breaking Gretzky's record. If he gets there, his 42nd goal of the season will be the record-setter. 

NHL all-time goal leaders

Ovechkin is one of three players in NHL history with at least 800 career goals, and nine more goals would make him the first player to reach 900 goals.