• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 22, 2025

As Ovechkin Nears Gretzky Goals Record, How Will NHL Capitalize?

Sports so often is about history and milestones, and the Capitals’ Alexander Ovechkin is nearing one of hockey’s great records. 

Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

March traditionally has been all about college basketball, but next month, hockey will also be taking center stage thanks to the GR8 Chase. 

The pursuit of the NHL’s all-time goals scored record by Capitals superstar Alexander Ovechkin, already a key late-season storyline for the league, took another big step forward Sunday with the Russian netting a hat trick against the Oilers—last year’s Western Conference champion and again a Stanley Cup contender. Ovechkin is now just 13 goals away from breaking the career mark of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky and long thought to be untouchable.

The 39-year-old Ovechkin, however, continues to find new levels of consistency and excellence—especially given his age and the fact he missed five weeks earlier this season with a broken fibula. 

“You can’t write this stuff,” said Capitals coach Spencer Carbery. “You can’t write a story and a book of what he’s doing right now. The goals he’s scoring … massive goals against the Stanley Cup finalists from last year, as good a team as there is in the league. It’s just incredible.”

Betting odds currently point to Ovechkin breaking the record in early April, in the final games of the regular season. His accelerating pace with seven goals in his last seven games, however, has made the Capitals’ two remaining February games and 14 more in March of heightened interest.

Several of the team’s final regular-season games are already set for national broadcast on ESPN or TNT, but further adjustments could happen as the record approaches. TNT Sports also said it is collaborating with the NHL to feature Ovechkin during the chase on a variety of its linear and digital properties, including Bleacher Report and House of Highlights.

Ovechkin trademarked “The GR8 Chase” back in 2022, and has been working on marketing around the chase since then with the NHL, NHL Players’ Association, and the Capitals. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Gretzky, meanwhile, plan to start attending each Capitals game in person once Ovechkin gets within about five goals of the record. 

Monumental Juxtaposition

The on-ice surge by Ovechkin and the Capitals, meanwhile, created a rather unique situation involving two of the teams owned by the Ted Leonsis–led Monumental Sports & Entertainment.

The Capitals are currently the NHL’s top team with 84 standings points, one ahead of Winnipeg, and are now the leader for the Presidents’ Trophy. The Wizards are at the exact opposite end of the scale, with the team’s nine wins this season amounting to five fewer than any other NBA team. 

The difference in success between the two teams is certainly not new, as the Wizards have reached the playoffs just once since 2019, while the Capitals have missed the postseason just once since 2014. Never before, however, has disparity been quite so stark.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Netflix

Netflix Staying on the Sidelines As TNT Sports Parent Seeks Buyer

The streaming giant shows little interest in acquisition possibilities.

TNT Sports Parent WBD Is for Sale As Comcast, Netflix, Paramount Circle

The TNT Sports parent said it has received interest from “multiple parties.”

Jazz to Get New Training Facility on Same Campus As Mammoth

The company is developing a sports campus in Sandy, Utah.
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl talks with his players against the Florida Gators in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.

Bruce Pearl: ‘The One Thing’ I Miss About Coaching

FOS interviewed ex-Auburn coach on his move to TNT Sports.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Malonga

Turkish Dispute Could Cloud French Star’s Return to WNBA 

Fenerbahçe needs to give Dominique Malonga a “letter of clearance.”
Jamier Brown
October 21, 2025

Judge Temporarily Allows Ohio High Schoolers to Make NIL Deals

Most states do not restrict high school NIL deals.
Keegan Murray
October 21, 2025

$20 Million Per Year Becoming New Baseline for NBA Role Players

Christian Braun signed a five-year deal worth $125 million.
Sponsored

Michelle Wie West: Women’s Sports Doesn’t Need Charity

The LPGA legend on redefining women’s sports and the future of golf.
October 21, 2025

Nicklaus Wins $50M Defamation Lawsuit Over False LIV Golf Claims

The legendary golfer sued his former company.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) hands off the ball in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
October 20, 2025

Mac Jones, Daniel Jones Cash In on Big Incentive Money

Both quarterbacks have hit big contract incentives just halfway through the season.
October 19, 2025

Jannik Sinner’s $6M Saudi Payday Tops Any Grand Slam Purse

The other five participants received $1.5 million.