Alex Ovechkin is back. © APA / PATRICK SMITH

Ovechkin is chasing Gretzky's scoring record

Alex Ovechkin has made an impressive comeback after breaking his fibula about five weeks ago and has resumed the hunt for NHL legend Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record.

29 December 2024

From: never

On Sunday night, the Washington Capitals were challenged by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ovechkin returned to the ice at the Scotiabank Arena after an absence of 16 games - and promptly contributed a goal in his Capitals' 5-2 victory.

"I still have to find the rhythm, find a feel for the game, pay attention to the little things and feel the puck. So I tried to play short and hard shifts," Ovechkin said after the game. "Then, after the first shift, I felt: OK, I can play."

With his goal, the Russian resumed his pursuit of NHL icon Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record. Ovechkin currently has 869 goals in the North American professional league, while Gretzky's record is 894. "He's taking the hockey world on a crazy trip. He's the man, we love him here, and it's great to see him flying toward that goal," explained fellow striker Tom Wilson.

Oilers narrowly lose – Seattle crowns comeback

The Edmonton Oilers, on the other hand, suffered a narrow defeat. At one point the team was leading 3-2 against the Los Angeles Kings, but ultimately lost 3-4 in overtime. A similar fate befell the Ottawa Senators, who were defeated 1-0 by the Winnipeg Jets after leading 2-4.

Seattle, on the other hand, was able to celebrate a comeback thanks to a spectacular comeback after five previous defeats. Seattle beat the Vancouver Canucks 1-4 after trailing 5-4 in the final third. Vince Dunn and Jaden Schwartz secured the win with two goals each from the 56th minute onwards.