NHL: New Jersey Devils at Washington Capitals - Source: ImagnWayne Gretzky has confidence in Alex Ovechkin’s goal scoring record (Credit: IMAGN)

Wayne Gretzky has made it clear that he fully supports Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of breaking his NHL goal-scoring record of 894 goals. Ovechkin, who currently sits at 854, is now just 41 goals away from surpassing Gretzky.

Gretzky, who retired in 1999, has believed for a long time that Ovechkin could break his record and thinks it’s only a matter of time. He said in September, per NHL.com:

“Oh yeah, of course. It’s just a matter of time, whether it’s late this year, early next year, whenever. I mean, he’s a great player. He’s a great goal scorer.”

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Although Ovechkin only scored 31 goals last season, his lowest in an 82-game season, he remains confident about reaching the record. He has scored at least 42 goals in 13 of his previous 19 NHL seasons.

Heading into this season, Ovechkin has expressed his appreciation for Gretzky’s support, especially when he’s going through slumps.

“It’s great,” Ovechkin said last week per NHL.com “Even when I have a slump, he will sometimes text me and say, ‘Don’t worry about it. It will come.’ He’s on my side.”

Alex Ovechkin and Wayne Gretzky’s statements show the respect the two have for each other as hockey legends.

Alex Ovechkin scored his first goal of the 2024-25 season

Alex Ovechkin Can Beat Wayne Gretzky's Goal Record in 2024-25

Alex Ovechkin scored his first goal of the season in the Capitals’ 6-5 overtime win against the Devils. This goal brings him to 854 career goals, just 40 away from Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894.

Despite a slow start to the season, Ovechkin ended his three-game goal drought with a deflection goal in the first period.

Tom Wilson scored twice for Washington, including the game-winning goal in overtime. Wilson now has five goals in four games and is on a hot streak. Ovechkin praised Wilson for his strong performance.

“He’s getting rewarded for what he’s doing out there,” Ovechkin said per NHL.com. “You can see he’s feeling it right now … the hottest guy in the League, so I’m happy for him.”

Dylan Strome had a goal and two assists, while Connor McMichael added a goal and an assist. Logan Thompson made 26 saves as the Capitals won their third straight game.

For the Devils, Nico Hischier scored twice and Timo Meier added three assists. Despite their efforts, the Devils couldn’t win in overtime.

While focused on scoring, Ovechkin insists his priority is also helping his team win another Stanley Cup.