Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is already one of the crucial heralded gamers in NHL historical past. The legendary ahead already has a ton of information on the NHL historical past books, however there’s yet another nonetheless to go that might put him within the pantheon of all-time greats.

Ovechkin is on the verge of changing into the NHL’s all-time targets chief, and he can move Wayne Gretzky’s mark of 894 throughout the 2024-25 common season. The Capitals standout at present has 871 profession targets, so must rack up 24 extra targets this season in an effort to high Gretzky’s file.

The 2023-24 marketing campaign proved to be a mortal one for Ovechkin, who scored 31 targets final season, his lowest whole in a full-length season since he netted 32 targets within the 2012-13 season. Ovechkin did have simply 24 targets in 2020-21, however that season was shortened as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.

Ovechkin scored 42 targets throughout the 2022-23 season, and has tallied no less than 41 targets in 13 of his 19 NHL seasons.

Ovechkin at present has tallied 1,578 factors (871 targets, 707 assists) in his skilled profession. He made much more historical past in 2023-24 when he registered an NHL file 18th 30-goal season, passing Mike Gartner’s 17 for the respect.

Ovechkin returned to the ice final week after lacking over a month with a leg damage. Since his return, Ovechkin has scored three targets in 4 video games, together with tallying a purpose in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Minnesota Wild on Jan. 2.

At this season’s tempo, given well being, Ovechkin would surpass “The Nice One” earlier than the tip of the common season. He is already scored 18 targets this season regardless of lacking a month attributable to damage.

Ovechkin will doubtless proceed to be a longtime power on the Capitals’ high power-play unit, so there figures to be loads of goal-scoring alternatives. He, clearly, has gotten off to a a lot hotter begin than he did a 12 months in the past when he recorded simply 5 targets over the primary two months of the season.

CBS Sports activities will maintain observe of Ovechkin’s targets all through the season and maintain tabs on how shut he’s to eclipsing Gretzky’s all-time file.