Ovechkin joins Howe with 20 straight 20-goal seasons
Alex Ovechkin did more than just get closer to Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record Saturday night.
The Washington Capitals sniper scored an empty-netter in a 4-1 win over the Nashville Predators for his 20th tally of 2024-25, becoming the second player in NHL history to reach that mark in 20 consecutive campaigns. Gordie Howe accomplished the feat in 22 straight seasons.
22 TO GO! 🚨
— NHL (@NHL) January 12, 2025
Alex Ovechkin has his 20th goal of the season and is 22 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record! pic.twitter.com/FFKtQXF4Ih
Ron Francis is the only other player to record twenty 20-goal seasons, though he didn't do so consecutively.
Ovechkin scored his 20th goal in his 27th game of the campaign, tying the fourth-fastest time he's required to hit the benchmark.
| Rank | Season | GP | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-1 | 2009-10 | 22 | Dec. 7 (2009) |
| T-1 | 2013-14 | 22 | Nov. 23 (2013) |
| 3 | 2021-22 | 25 | Dec. 4 (2021) |
| T-4 | 2007-08 | 27 | Dec. 1 (2007) |
| T-4 | 2018-19 | 27 | Dec. 4 (2018) |
| T-4 | 2024-25 | 27 | Jan. 11 (2025) |
| T-7 | 2017-18 | 28 | Dec. 4 (2017) |
| T-7 | 2019-20 | 28 | Nov. 30 (2019) |
| T-9 | 2006-07 | 31 | Dec. 15 (2006) |
| T-9 | 2008-09 | 31 | Dec. 18 (2008) |
| T-9 | 2022-23 | 31 | Dec. 13 (2022) |
The longest it's taken the Russian to reach the milestone was last season, when he did it in his 64th game.
The marker was Ovechkin's 873rd in his career, meaning he's now 22 goals away from passing Wayne Gretzky's record.
The 39-year-old missed 16 games with a broken leg earlier this season, but he's scored five goals in nine contests since his return to the lineup.
Ovechkin broke Mike Gartner's record for the most 30-goal seasons with his 18th in 2023-24. The Capitals captain also owns the all-time title for most 40-goal campaigns (13) and needs one more 50-goal season (9) to set a new NHL record.