Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has broken Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goal record.
Ovechkin, 39, entered this season needing 42 goals to break Gretzky's record of 894 career goals, which has stood since 1999. The Washington captain scored twice on Friday to tie the record and again on Sunday at the New York Islanders to become the NHL's all-time leader.
Ovechkin scored 15 times in his first 18 games before suffering a fractured left fibula during a Nov. 18 game against the Utah Hockey Club. He has scored 27 times in 43 games since he returned on Dec. 28 and ranks third in the NHL in goals.
This season, he also passed Gordie Howe for most goals scored after 30 and set records for game-winning goals, first-period goals and goalies scored against in his career. He moved into second place with 20 consecutive 20-goal seasons and tied the record for most franchises against which he has a hat trick. He became the first player to score 200 goals in three different decades.
Here's a breakdown of Ovechkin's statistics in the completed Gretzky chase (through April 6):
How many goals does Alex Ovechkin have?
Ovechkin has 895 career goals, breaking Wayne Gretzky's record.
