Sportsnet Journalist Predicts How Many Games Ovechkin Will Need to Break Gretzky’s NHL Scoring Record

Sportsnet journalist Emily Sadler has speculated on how many games it might take Washington Capitals’ captain Alexander Ovechkin to surpass Wayne Gretzky's record for the most goals scored in NHL history.

"Based on last year’s pace, he would need 105 games to score the 42 goals required, which could make the 2025/2026 season historic. But we all know what can happen when Ovi hits a hot streak. Whether he manages to do it this season or carries it over to the next, the timing of Ovechkin breaking the record seems to be a matter of ‘when,’ not ‘if,’" Sadler said.

Ovechkin is just 41 goals away from breaking Gretzky’s record of 894 goals in regular-season play, with his current tally standing at 853. The new NHL season begins on 4 October.

Last season, the Washington Capitals reached the playoffs but were knocked out in the first round by the New York Rangers, losing 0-4 in the series.