WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin is edging closer to setting a new milestone in NHL history as he continues to chase Wayne Gretzky’s all-time career goals record. Ovechkin, known as the “Great 8”, scored his 888th career goal on Thursday evening, leading the Washington Capitals to a victory over the Philadelphia Flyers and securing their spot in the playoffs. This impressive feat puts him just seven goals away from the legendary Gretzky’s historic record of 894 goals, a number once thought untouchable.
“Another important goal at a key moment,” remarked goaltender Charlie Lindgren. “Credit to Ovi: another big goal and another goal off the mark.”
During the first period, with just over five minutes remaining, the puck landed with linemate Aliaskei Protas who then assisted Ovechkin for his 35th goal of the season – a tally that ties him for the fourth-highest number of goals in the league.
“It was a great play,” Ovechkin acknowledged. “Take it and move on.”
As the arena celebrated, fans were treated to confetti showers and Big Joe Turner’s “Shake, Rattle & Roll” booming from the speakers. Mascot Slapshot musically flipped the goal counter from 887 to 888, while fans energetically chanted “Ovi! Ovi!”
“Each time he scores, the energy in the crowd amplifies, and it just bursts with enthusiasm. Whatever happens afterward, fans are ceaselessly cheering,” commented winger Andrew Mangiapane. “It’s always an exhilarating atmosphere whenever he scores for us.”
Mangiapane, donning the jersey No. 88, noticed the symbolic triple 8s, and entertainingly expressed hope for a similar fortune, which paid off when he netted a goal midway through the second period.
“There were lots of 8s out there,” said Ovechkin.
At his current pace, Ovechkin is on track to potentially surpass Gretzky’s record by the end of the current season.
“No one anticipated this happening so swiftly over the last couple of years,” noted Flyers captain Sean Couturier. “It’s undoubtedly special. When we retire, we’ll be able to say we played against the greatest goal-scorer of all time. … It’s enjoyable to watch him inch closer.”
The Capitals have 13 games remaining in the regular season before the playoffs commence, with Ovechkin having an additional year remaining on his contract in the event he does not reach the milestone this season.
Teammates eagerly anticipate Ovechkin reaching 895 with time to spare.
“We’d love to see him accomplish it,” Lindgren commented. “He’s generating a myriad of scoring opportunities every game. He could have scored a couple more tonight. Although I’m not privy to how he feels, he seems unperturbed by pressure. He’s consistently scoring and proving to be an outstanding captain.”
Coach Spencer Carbery shares that Ovechkin’s quest is motivating the Capitals positively.
“Our guys feed off it on the bench — they’re rooting for him,” Carbery explained. “This pursuit is energizing them to elevate their game. As a coach, this pursuit and the excitement accompanying it haven’t distracted the team but instead served as a huge advantage.”