Alex Ovechkin is approaching another historic milestone in his remarkable NHL career. The Washington Capitals captain is chasing Wayne Gretzky’s record of 1,016 combined regular-season and playoff goals. As of November 1, 2026, Ovechkin has reached 1,007 total goals, leaving him just 10 away from surpassing hockey’s legendary scoring benchmark.
The pursuit has become one of the biggest storylines of the 2026–27 NHL season. It is also especially meaningful because Ovechkin has confirmed that this will be his final season in professional hockey.
Ovechkin’s Record-Breaking Career
Ovechkin already made history in April 2025 when he scored his 895th regular-season goal. That achievement moved him past Gretzky’s previous record of 894 regular-season goals.
However, Gretzky still holds the combined record when playoff goals are included. The former Edmonton Oilers superstar accumulated 894 regular-season goals and 122 postseason goals. Ovechkin currently has 930 regular-season goals and 77 playoff goals.
Fans can follow official statistics through the NHL statistics database and review the NHL’s individual scoring records.
Can Ovechkin Break the Record Before New Year’s?
The possibility of Ovechkin reaching the milestone before January 1, 2027, has generated excitement among hockey fans. However, the timeline depends heavily on his scoring pace, health, playing time, and the Capitals’ schedule.
Last season, Ovechkin scored 32 goals in 82 games. At a similar pace, he could potentially reach the required 10 goals within approximately 26 games. That makes a late-December or early-January milestone conceivable, but not guaranteed.
His current scoring pace is slower. Therefore, fans should avoid treating New Year’s as a confirmed deadline. Every goal, assist, and game could influence the timing of this historic achievement.
For current schedules and game updates, supporters can check the Washington Capitals’ official website and ESPN’s NHL coverage.
Why This Final Season Matters
Ovechkin announced on October 5, 2026, that the 2026–27 campaign would be his final NHL season. The announcement adds emotional significance to every game he plays.
At 41, the Capitals captain continues to attract attention because of his extraordinary consistency, powerful shot, and ability to score from the left faceoff circle. His career has transformed the modern understanding of goal-scoring longevity.
His journey has also inspired younger players and established a lasting legacy in Washington. The Capitals’ championship victory in 2018 remains a defining moment in franchise history.
Gretzky’s Record and Hockey History
Gretzky’s combined goal record has stood as a major benchmark for generations. Ovechkin’s pursuit represents a rare opportunity to challenge a statistical achievement that many once considered untouchable.
Fans can explore Hockey-Reference’s historical statistics and NHL news coverage for comparisons between the two legends.
Whether Ovechkin reaches 1,017 goals before New Year’s or later in his final season, the chase is already historic. The hockey world will be watching every time Washington takes the ice.
Alex Ovechkin stands just 10 goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s combined NHL scoring record. The New Year deadline remains an ambitious possibility rather than a certainty. Regardless of the timing, his final season promises a remarkable chapter in hockey history.
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