“Legends Unite: Gretzky and Bettman Set to Witness Ovechkin’s Historic Quest for NHL Glory!”

As the excitement mounts in the NHL, a significant milestone is on the horizon, and it promises to be nothing short of historic. Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals’ legendary forward, is on the verge of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record, a feat that has captivated the hearts of hockey fans worldwide. What makes this occasion even more special is that Gretzky himself will be in attendance, embarking on a unique journey with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Ovechkin’s wife, Nastya, to witness every remaining Capitals game. Ovechkin recently netted his 891st goal, placing him a mere three away from tying and four from shattering Gretzky’s long-held record. With only eight games left in the season, the atmosphere is electric, and fans can expect a grand celebration should he achieve this monumental goal. So, as we countdown to this pivotal moment in sports history, let’s dive into the thrilling build-up and what it means for both Ovechkin and the game itself. <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6249409/2025/04/02/nhl-ovechkin-record-goal-preparations/?utmmedium=social&utmcampaign=nhltw&source=nhltw”>LEARN MORE

When Alex Ovechkin sets the NHL’s all-time goal scoring record, “The Great One” will be there. Wayne Gretzky will be part of a traveling caravan that will attend every Washington Capitals game until Ovechkin breaks the record, according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic.

Gretzky will be joined by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, as well as other league personnel, starting Wednesday, when the Capitals take on the Carolina Hurricanes. Bettman, Gretzky and Ovechkin’s wife Nastya will then attend every single remaining Capitals game until the record is broken.

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Ovechkin scored his 891st career goal in a 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday. With the goal, Ovechkin sits three away from tying Gretzky, and four away from breaking Gretzky’s record.

Including Wednesday’s game, Ovechkin has eight games left to break the record. The Capitals will alternate between home and away games until the final two games of the season, which will be played on the road.

If Ovechkin breaks the record, the league will allow Capitals players to leave the bench and celebrate with him. There will also be a formal celebration and ceremony that will halt the game, per The Athletic. It doesn’t matter how much time is left in the contest, or if it has playoff implications, the league will halt play to celebrate Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal.

That approach is the same one the league took when Gretzky broke Gordie Howe’s record in 1994. The NHL halted the game for a 15-minute ceremony honoring Gretzky’s achievement. Howe and Bettman were in attendance when Gretzky set the goal scoring record.

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In addition to the traveling caravan, the NHL announced Tuesday it will have a camera dedicated to following Ovechkin during the remainder of his games this season. Roughly 10 additional cameras will be at each Capitals game to provide more angles and footage of the historic goal, per The Athletic.

Ovechkin, 39, was an immediate star as a rookie after the Capitals selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NHL Draft. During his 20-year career — all of which has come with the Capitals — Ovechkin is a 12-time All-Star, and three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner. He also led the Capitals to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship in 2018.

Given his age, there were questions about whether Ovechkin would approach Gretzky’s record during the 2024-25 season. But the Capitals great stepped up his game in a major way. After scoring 31 goals in 79 games last year, Ovechkin already has 38 goals in just 58 games this season.