Ovechkin vs Gretzky: Who Is the True NHL Goal King?

The cold ice of the arena, the roar of the stands and there it is - the moment when history changes forever. On April 6, 2025, Alexander Ovechkin, that indomitable Russian giant, scores his 895th goal against the New York Islanders. He doesn’t just overtake the legend Wayne Gretzky - he rewrites the record book, becoming the most prolific goalscorer in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL). This wasn’t just statistics, but a true epic route with years of hard work, injuries, triumphs and disappointments. Ovechkin, with his signature smile and powerful shot, showed that even in an era when goals are harder to come by, true passion conquers everything

And Gretzky? He remains “The Great One,” but now shares the throne with the “Great Eighth.” In this article I will tell you this story in more detail, let’s recall the great moments of hockey together. We will analyze who these guys are, how their careers were built, their statistics, key matches and what this means for the entire hockey world. If you’re a fan too, then let’s dive into this together - with facts, emotions and a drop of nostalgia.

Who are Gretzky and Ovechkin

Let’s start with the basics, but not dryly - in a way that you can feel who these people are beyond the ice. Wayne Gretzky, nicknamed “The Great One,” is a guy from the small Canadian town of Brantford in Ontario, born on January 26, 1961. Since childhood he was a hockey wunderkind who at 6 he played with 10-year-olds and in the junior league at 16 he scored 100 goals per season. Imagine a kid who sees the game three steps ahead, like a chess player.

He debuted in the NHL in 1979 for the Edmonton Oilers and immediately became a star - his passes were like magic and goals poured in like a river. Gretzky didn’t just play, he changed hockey and made it faster, more spectacular, more appealing to fans. Over his career he recorded 894 goals in 1,487 games, plus a record 1,963 assists and won four Stanley Cups (in 1984, 1985, 1987 and 1988). But you know what’s touching? Gretzky was always modest: “I’m not the most talented. I just work harder than anyone.” He retired in 1999, leaving 61 records and even now, in 2025, many of them seem unattainable.

And now Alexander Ovechkin - “The Great Eighth” (The Great 8th), born September 17, 1985, in Moscow. His life is a mix of ups and downs. At 11 he lost his mother, Tatyana, who was an Olympic basketball champion - that could break anyone, but for Ovechkin hockey became salvation, a lifeline.

From childhood he was goal-oriented - powerful, unyielding, with a shot that breaks goalie pads. Unlike Gretzky, Ovechkin is a pure forward, a sniper who loves physical contact and isn’t afraid of fights. His NHL debut came in 2005 for the Washington Capitals and since then he has become the face of the league: three Hart Trophies (most valuable player), one Stanley Cup in 2018 and as of September 2025 - 897 goals in 1,491 games. Ovechkin is energy, charisma, just remember how he celebrates goals, jumping onto the glass? He doesn’t just break records, he inspires. “Hockey is my life and I live it to the fullest.” – he says. These two are essentially opposites - Gretzky with his vision and Ovechkin with brute force. Their “rivalry” through records is not a battle, but a tribute: Gretzky himself said, “I’m proud of Alex, he earned it.”

How Wayne Gretzky’s record was formed - numbers, years, achievements

Gretzky’s record of 894 goals isn’t just a number, it’s the era of the 1980s, when hockey was like a rock concert - fast, loud and bright. Back then defense was weaker, goalie equipment smaller and attacks bolder. Gretzky amassed those goals over 20 seasons (from 1979 to 1999), playing for the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers. The peak fell on 1981–1985, imagine - 92 goals in the 1981–82 season - that’s like someone scoring 70 today! He scored 50+ goals in a season nine times, recorded 200+ points (goals plus assists) four times - a record that still seems fantastic. Remember how in 1981 he scored 50 goals in just 39 games? It was pure magic, fans rose to their feet.

Key achievements: 894 goals (now second place after Ovechkin), nine Hart Trophies, ten Art Ross Trophies (points leader). In the playoffs - 122 goals and four Stanley Cups. Gretzky didn’t just score, he created historic moments in hockey. His passes made his teammates stars as well. But the era changed - the average number of goals per game fell from 7.5 in the ’80s to 6 in the ’90s. Even Wayne himself admitted: “My record is a product of its time, but if someone breaks it, that would be cool.” And now, in 2025, it happened and Gretzky was there to congratulate the new triumphant.

Ovechkin’s path: from Moscow’s Dynamo to the captain of the Capitals

Ovechkin’s path is worthy of a Hollywood adaptation. From humble beginnings in Moscow to stardom in Washington. At 16 he debuted for Dynamo in the Russian Superleague in 2001, scoring 11 goals in his first season. By 2004 - already 29 goals in 37 games and the Capitals selected him first overall in the draft. But the NHL lockout due to a players’ strike postponed his debut - and then in 2005 Ovechkin steps onto the ice getting 52 goals in his rookie season, the Calder Trophy (best rookie). It was a breakthrough in the league and fans fell in love with his energy, with the way he bulldozes opponents.

With the Capitals he grew from a “rock star” with 65 goals in 2007–08 (Hart Trophy) to captain in 2010 - the first European in the club’s history. There were hard times too: injuries, lockouts in 2012–13, when he returned to Dynamo. But the peak came in 2018. Ovechkin led the team to its first Stanley Cup, scoring 15 goals in the playoffs, including the winner. Remember his tears on the ice? “This is for the fans, for the city.” By 2025, at age 40, he has 897 goals, 324 on the power play (an NHL record). His journey - from Soviet hockey to the American dream - inspires millions: “I lost my mom early, but she taught me to fight.”

Goal statistics by season. A detailed breakdown of who and how approached the record.

Let’s compare Ovechkin’s and Gretzky’s stats. Gretzky recorded 894 goals in 1,487 games (0.60 per game), Ovechkin - 897 in 1,491 (0.60). But Ovechkin did it in the era of “dead” hockey with fewer goals, better goaltending. Gretzky dominated with assists (1,963 vs. Ovechkin’s 729), but Ovechkin is a goal machine - 14 seasons with 40+ goals (a record).

Let’s break it down by season in more detail:

Season	Gretzky (goals/games, average)	Ovechkin (goals/games, average)	Comment
Debut (18–19 years)	51/79 (0.65)	52/81 (0.64)	Both blew up the league: Gretzky with passes, Ovechkin with shots.
Peak (25–30 years)	92/80 (1.15, 1981–82)	65/82 (0.79, 2007–08)	Gretzky - like a machine, Ovechkin - in an era where 50 is already a feat.
30–35 years	40/81 (0.49)	51/78 (0.65, 2015–16)	Here Ovechkin shone. Despite age, he scored steadily.
35+ years	9/70 (0.13, 1998–99)	42/73 (0.58, 2023–24); 44/ (2024–25)	Ovechkin at 39–40 - 44 goals in 2024–25, when others retire.
Total	894/1487 (0.60)	897/1491 (0.60)	Equality in efficiency, but different eras.

Ovechkin approached it methodically. After his 800th in 2022 he added 97 over three seasons, despite the pandemic and injuries. Gretzky “burned out” earlier, but his record stood for 26 years - until that April day in 2025.

Key matches that decided the outcome of the race for the record

This isn’t just a race for a coveted number, but a whole saga. In March–April 2025: the 892nd on March 30 against the Colorado Avalanche - a powerful shot into an empty net. The 893rd on April 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes - in a fierce battle. The 894th (parity) on April 4 against the Chicago Blackhawks - Gretzky was in the arena and the crowd gave a standing ovation. The culmination was on the April 6th against the Islanders - in the second period Ovechkin scores the 895th on the power play, off a pass. Despite a 4–1 loss, it was a celebration: “I felt the support of the whole world,” Ovechkin said through tears.

On April 20th, 2022, against the Vegas Golden Knights - 50th goal of the season, a record for such seasons. Gretzky broke Gordie Howe’s record (801) in 1994 against the Vancouver Canucks - lightning fast. Ovechkin’s games drew millions of viewers. Up to 2 million in the U.S., in Russia - a national holiday.

The NHL’s and fans’ reaction to Ovechkin’s record - from ovations to debates

When Ovechkin scored his 895th, the NHL was in a frenzy. Commissioner Gary Bettman called it “a day that will go down in history.” Gretzky called Alexander personally: “Congratulations, Alex, you’re great.”

Stars like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Nikita Kucherov posted on social media: “Legend!” Capitals fans staged a parade in Washington for 10,000 people. Even in Moscow, themed flash mobs took place.

But not everyone is happy - Canadians revere Gretzky, debate the eras - “It was better in the ’80s.” In Russia - euphoria: “Ovechkin is our hero!” This isn’t just a record, but a true bridge between generations of hockey fans.

The financial and marketing side: contracts, merch and advertising

A record is not just a number, but also big business. Ovechkin has earned ~$220 million over his career, the 2021–26 contract - $9.5 million per year. Sponsors were CCM (equipment), Nike, Hublot, Papa John’s - +$10 million annually. After the record: a new “Ovi 895” line, special cereal with his face.

Bookmakers also rolled out new betting options - odds on the record were +200 at the beginning of the season, −500 in April. Ovechkin’s games are always billions in bets and for the Capitals: +50% tickets sold, +100% merch sold.

Ovechkin vs Gretzky. Clash of the titans on the ice. Who became the new king of goals in the NHL?