Alexander Ovechkin Forced to Leave Monday's Game With Scary Injury Amid Chase for Wayne Gretzky's Record

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Cooper Godin
November 19, 2024 (8:48)

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Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin is closing in on Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record, but an injury sustained on Monday night is causing a bit of concern among fans around the National Hockey League.

Alexander Ovechkin continued his hot start to the 2024-25 season on Monday night as the Washington Capitals' road trip took them to Salt Lake City where they faced the Utah Hockey Club.

Coming into the night, Ovechkin had 13 goals in 17 games and was coming off a hat trick just 24 hours prior against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Moscow native isn't showing any signs of slowing down despite being 39-years-old, adding two more goals during last night's game in Utah.

Ovechkin is currently in his 20th season in the National Hockey League and his longevity is something to marvel at. Consistent is one way to describe the 2004 first-overall pick and it's only a matter of time before he breaks Wayne Gretzky's record, only needing 27 goals to pass 'The Great One'.

With his two goals last night, Ovechkin set a new personal best, which is pretty crazy considering this is his 20th season. According to Big Head Hockey on X, Alexander Ovechkin's 15 goals are the most he's scored through the first 18 games in season in his entire career.

Alexander Ovechkin leaves Monday's game with an injury

Early on in the third period of Monday's game, Alexander Ovechkin collided knee-on-knee with Utah Hockey Club forward Jack McBain. Ovechkin could be seen yelling in pain as he falls to the ice and was slow getting up, needing a bit of help back to the Capitals' bench.

Ovechkin came back onto the ice shortly after for a quick lap in front of the bench to see how his leg/knee was, but he was still in some pain. He left for the Capitals' locker room and did not return.

When speaking with reporters following the win on Monday, Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said that the team doesn't have an update on Ovechkin and will know more on Tuesday.

The hockey world is holding their breath as they await for an update on Alexander Ovechkin, who's getting closer and closer to being crowned the greatest goal scorer in National Hockey League history.