From a Great One to a GR8 one: Wayne Gretzky watched Alex Ovechkin close on his record

Alex Ovechkin can almost taste the all-time NHL scoring record.

The longtime Washington Capitals star inched even closer to breaking the mark set by the legendary Wayne Gretzky on Friday night, scoring a first-period goal in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks. The goal was the 893rd of Ovechkin's storied career, and it puts him just one away from tying and two away from breaking Gretzky's record of 894.

The Great One was in the building to see it. Gretzky attended Friday's game in Capital One Arena, and when Ovechkin scored the goal to inch even closer to his record, he received a standing ovation from the crowd while Ovechkin looked up at him.

The Great One 🤝 The Great 8

Wayne Gretzky is in the building! #Gr8Chase

🇺🇸: @NHLNetwork
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctFpic.twitter.com/2i6UCco4py

— NHL (@NHL) April 4, 2025

Gretzky's scoring record is in jeopardy, but his points record likely remains unbreakable as his total career assists (1,963) are over 700 more than any other player in NHL history and more than 900 more than any active player.

But Ovechkin, who has 40 goals this season, could tie Gretzky's goals record imminently. With six games remaining in the regular season, there's a pretty strong chances it happens in 2025.

The question now: Will Gretzky keep going to Capitals games until Ovechkin breaks the record?

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Alex Ovechkin scored his latest goal in front of Wayne Gretzky closing in on the record