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Who is Wayne Gretzky? Legend's stats as Alex Ovechkin approaches NHL goal record
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- Who is Wayne Gretzky? Legend's stats as Alex Ovechkin approaches NHL goal record
One of the great records in NHL history seems set to fall, with Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin closing in on the goal-scoring record set by Wayne Gretzky during an incredible 20-year career.
Few thought another player would even approach Gretzky's record of 894 goals . "The Great One" was a radically different player than anyone the NHL had seen when he burst onto the scene in the 1980s, and he did so in an era where defensive tactics placed more emphasis on hard hits than denying space and opportunities. Gretzky's time with the Edmonton Oilers , Los Angeles Kings , St. Louis Blues , and New York Rangers saw him rack up four Stanley Cup wins and nine Hart Trophies as the NHL's MVP.
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Ovechkin's pursuit has been relentless, though, with the seemingly ageless winger's consistent production bringing him closer and closer to an NHL record that seemed untouchable. That has put him on the cusp of one of major U.S. sports' great achievements, but newer hockey fans might not know much about the man who currently holds the record.
Here's what to know about NHL record goal scorer Wayne Gretzky:
NHL goal record: How many goals does Alex Ovechkin need to pass Wayne Gretzky as NHL's all-time scorer?
Who is Wayne Gretzky? 'The Great One,' explained
Wayne Gretzky is widely considered to be the best hockey player ever, with a 20-year NHL career that defies comparison to any other player in league history. The all-time leader in goals, assists and points revolutionized the sport, redefining how teams and players approached hockey on a fundamental level.
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Gretzky went pro at 17, starting out with the Indianapolis Racers in the World Hockey Association before an early-season trade to the Oilers. The Oilers left the struggling WHA to join the NHL as part of a merger, and Gretzky became an instant superstar.
The centerpiece of an Edmonton team that is often considered the best in NHL history, Gretzky racked up honors. Starting in the 1979-80 season, he won eight consecutive Hart trophies as the NHL's MVP, a run that has no parallels. During that time, "the Great One" posted some jaw-dropping numbers, including a 92-goal season in 1981-82 (when Gretzky was just 21 years old) and a 215-point campaign in 1985-86.
Even in a higher-scoring era, no one else was on Gretzky's planet. He posted 74 more points than any other player in 1985-86, and went on a five-year rampage in which his lowest point total was a whopping 196. With Gretzky leading the way, the Oilers vaulted to perennial contender status, winning four Stanley Cups in five seasons at one point.
In what is probably the single most significant trade in NHL history, Edmonton shipped Gretzky to the Kings shortly after winning the Stanley Cup in 1988, a move that sparked protests in Canada. Gretzky's move to California raised the profile of the NHL across the United States, even as the Kings (who lost to the Montreal Canadiens in the 1993 Stanley Cup Final) never quite matched the Oilers' record of success during his eight seasons in LA.
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Gretzky would spend the back end of one season with the Blues before wrapping up his incredible career with three seasons as a member of the Rangers .
Gretzky's dominance wasn't merely era-defining. In an NHL that was characterized by tough-edged, physical "grinders," the center pointed hockey in a new direction. Despite being on the smaller side by hockey standards, Gretzky's mastery of the puck and spatial awareness made him unstoppable, and the sport had to catch up.
The Hall of Famer's ability to read the game faster than anyone else was the key to his otherworldly stats. It took some time for things to shake out, but the more free-flowing, faster style of play seen in the modern NHL has its roots in how Gretzky completely took over throughout the 1980s.
Edmonton Oilers center Wayne Gretzky during an NHL game in 1987.
What is NHL goals record? Gretzky's stats and records
Wayne Gretzky holds numerous NHL records, including those for career goals, assists and points. Unsurprisingly, his single-season highs in all three categories are also league records, and the Brantford, Ontario native is also the NHL leader in playoff goals, assists and points.
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Here is just a sampling of NHL records held by "The Great One:"
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Goals (regular season only): 894
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Assists (regular season only): 1,963
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Points (regular season only): 2,857
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Playoff goals: 122
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Playoff assists: 260
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Playoff points: 382
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Goals (single season): 92 (1981-82)
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Assists (single season): 163 (1985-86)
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Points (single season): 215 (1985-86)
Alex Ovechkin NHL record chase: When could Capitals star break Gretzky's record?
As of Thursday, April 2, Washington's Ovechkin has 892 career NHL goals. He needs three more goals to break Gretzky's all-time mark of 894.
The 39-year-old started the 2024-25 season needing 42 goals to break Gretzky's record, and was on pace to do so until a broken fibula suffered in November. It seemed to postpone any celebrations until next season, but Ovechkin has been a machine since returning from his 16-game absence, scoring 24 goals in 41 games.
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As a result, Ovechkin's pace leaves him on track to break the record in the final days of this season. With the Capitals flying high atop the Eastern Conference (and leading the NHL in goals scored), "Ovi" is in a strong position to get the job done just before the playoffs begin.
Gretzky is expected to follow the Capitals around in remaining games this season so he can be there for when Ovechkin breaks the record.
Washington Capitals remaining schedule
Here is the remaining schedule for the Capitals ( how he's fared against remaining teams ):
All times Eastern.
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Friday, April 4: vs. Chicago Blackhawks (7 p.m.)
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Sunday, April 6: at New York Islanders (12:30 p.m.)
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Thursday, April 10: vs. Carolina Hurricanes (7:30 p.m.)
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Saturday, April 12: at Columbus Blue Jackets (12:30 p.m.)
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Sunday, April 13: vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (6 p.m.)
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Tuesday, April 15: at New York Islanders (8 p.m.)
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Thursday, April 17: at Pittsburgh Penguins (7 p.m.)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is Wayne Gretzky? Alex Ovechkin approaches NHL legend's record
