The Nashville Predators have announced that they have signed goaltender Magnus Chrona to a one-year, two-way contract extension for the 2025-26 season. At the NHL level, Chrona will carry a $775,000 cap hit.
Chrona, 24, was acquired by the Predators from the San Jose Sharks back in August as a part of the Yaroslav Askarov trade. This was after Chrona posted a 1-6-2 record, a 4.71 goals-against average, and a .859 save percentage in his first nine career NHL games with the Sharks in 2023-24.
Chrona has yet to make his Predators regular-season debut and has instead spent this entire campaign down in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals. In 29 games this season with the AHL club, he has an 11-11-5 record, a .901 save percentage, and a 2.87 goals-against average.
Overall, there is no harm in the Predators keeping Chrona around for next season. At a minimum, he will continue to provide them with more goalie depth for the AHL.
Alex Ovechkin tied Wayne Gretzky for the most goals scored in NHL history, netting his 894th career goal in the third period of the Washington Capitals‘ home game against the Chicago Blackhawks Friday night.
The record-tying goal, which was Ovi’s second of the game, gave the Caps a 4-3 lead with 13:47 left in regulation. They went on to win 5-3 after Ryan Leonard scored on an empty net for the first goal of his career.
Capitals players stayed on the ice after the game to celebrate with their star as fans chanted, “Ovi! Ovi! Ovi!”
Ovechkin’s pursuit of the career goals record — which continues Sunday when the Capitals play on the road against the New York Islanders — has been dubbed “The GR8 Chase.”
Ovechkin reached 894 goals in his 1,486th game. Gretzky finished with 894 in 1,487 games.
Gretzky was in the building with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to witness the historic moment by the 39-year-old Ovechkin.
Gretzky had held the scoring record since 1994 when he tallied his 802nd goal to pass Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe. Gretzky, who played primarily for the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings, scored his 894th and final goal came on March 29, 1999 as a member of the New York Rangers. He retired three weeks later at the age of 38, concluding a historic 20-year NHL career.
His scoring record had stood since — with Jaromir Jagr scoring 766 goals before retiring in 2018 and Brett Hull netting 741 goals before closing his 19-year career in 2006.
Then came Ovechkin, who after being selected first overall in the 2004 draft, scored 52 goals as a rookie, including two in his debut on October 5, 2005.
That was nearly 20 years and 892 goals ago.
Ovechkin scored a career best 65 goals during his third season in 2007-2008. He has recorded nine 50-plus goal seasons, matching the record shared by Gretzky and New York Islanders legend Mike Bossy. He has scored 40 or more goals in a season 14 times, which topped Gretzky’s record of 12.
Along the way, Ovechkin won nine Rocket Richard Trophies for most goals scored in a season, three Hart Trophies as most valuable player, and the 2017 Stanley Cup, which was the first in Capitals’ franchise history.
Ovechkin entered his 20th NHL season in October needing 42 goals to top a record once believed to be unbreakable. He missed 16 games earlier this season with a fractured left fibula, pushing the record pursuit closer to the end of the season.
Ovechkin scored No. 893 less than four minutes into Friday’s game, setting the stage for the record-tying goal in front of the Washington fans.
He now shares the league’s hallowed scoring record with the sport’s most revered player.
“Alex has been exceptional for our game,” Gretzky told CNBC earlier this season. “I hope I’m the first guy to shake his hand when he does break the record.”
Alex Ovechkin tied Wayne Gretzky for the most goals scored in NHL history, netting his 894th career goal in the third period of the Washington Capitals‘ home game against the Chicago Blackhawks Friday night.
The record-tying goal, which was Ovi’s second of the game, gave the Caps a 4-3 lead with 13:47 left in regulation. They went on to win 5-3 after Ryan Leonard scored on an empty net for the first goal of his career.
Capitals players stayed on the ice after the game to celebrate with their star as fans chanted, “Ovi! Ovi! Ovi!”
Ovechkin’s pursuit of the career goals record — which continues Sunday when the Capitals play on the road against the New York Islanders — has been dubbed “The GR8 Chase.”
Ovechkin reached 894 goals in his 1,486th game. Gretzky finished with 894 in 1,487 games.
Gretzky was in the building with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to witness the historic moment by the 39-year-old Ovechkin.
Gretzky had held the scoring record since 1994 when he tallied his 802nd goal to pass Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe. Gretzky, who played primarily for the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings, scored his 894th and final goal came on March 29, 1999 as a member of the New York Rangers. He retired three weeks later at the age of 38, concluding a historic 20-year NHL career.
His scoring record had stood since — with Jaromir Jagr scoring 766 goals before retiring in 2018 and Brett Hull netting 741 goals before closing his 19-year career in 2006.
Then came Ovechkin, who after being selected first overall in the 2004 draft, scored 52 goals as a rookie, including two in his debut on October 5, 2005.
That was nearly 20 years and 892 goals ago.
Ovechkin scored a career best 65 goals during his third season in 2007-2008. He has recorded nine 50-plus goal seasons, matching the record shared by Gretzky and New York Islanders legend Mike Bossy. He has scored 40 or more goals in a season 14 times, which topped Gretzky’s record of 12.
Along the way, Ovechkin won nine Rocket Richard Trophies for most goals scored in a season, three Hart Trophies as most valuable player, and the 2017 Stanley Cup, which was the first in Capitals’ franchise history.
Ovechkin entered his 20th NHL season in October needing 42 goals to top a record once believed to be unbreakable. He missed 16 games earlier this season with a fractured left fibula, pushing the record pursuit closer to the end of the season.
Ovechkin scored No. 893 less than four minutes into Friday’s game, setting the stage for the record-tying goal in front of the Washington fans.
He now shares the league’s hallowed scoring record with the sport’s most revered player.
“Alex has been exceptional for our game,” Gretzky told CNBC earlier this season. “I hope I’m the first guy to shake his hand when he does break the record.”
Colorado is the third-hottest NHL team since the deadline, going 10-2-2. They’re averaging two goals against per game in that span, which is tied for the second fewest. Nelson also has four goals and 10 points in 14 games, which is the type of secondary scoring Colorado needed. Deadline acquisition Charlie Coyle also has five points while averaging 13:32 in ice time.
The major long-term question is whether the team will be better off after trading former pending UFA Mikko Rantanen, who signed an eight-year contract extension with the Dallas Stars. Martin Necas has 26 points in 27 games in Rantanen’s place.
Nevertheless, the Avalanche’s moves on trade deadline week have paid off well – and that’s why they’re one of the more frightening teams heading into the playoffs.
Dallas Stars
Dallas has gone 9-2-2 since the deadline, and its big pickup – star right winger Rantanen – has fit right in. He has nine assists and 13 points in 13 games as one of five Stars players averaging at least a point per game since March 7. Earlier acquisition Mikael Granlund also has six goals and 18 points in 24 games since joining Dallas.
Rantanen is one of the reasons the Stars are now in a position to challenge the Winnipeg Jets for the top spot in the highly competitive Central Division. Tyler Seguin could even return in the playoffs as well, and if they get past the first round, Miro Heiskanen could also return.
Dallas GM Jim Nill’s willingness to step up and make big swings at the trade deadline is one of the reasons why the Stars are once again asserting themselves as a Stanley Cup front-runner.
Ottawa Senators
The Senators made one of the biggest moves at the deadline, picking up center Dylan Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres for center Josh Norris as part of a package deal.
Since the deadline, the Senatorshave gone 9-4-1, solidifying their hold on the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot and getting within a hot streak of challenging the Florida Panthers for third place in the Atlantic Division.
Cozens has six assists and nine points in 14 games as a Senator, and that’s music to Ottawa’s ears. Six of those points came at even strength, which comes out to one-third of Norris's 18 even-strength points in 53 games for Ottawa this season.
While Fabian Zetterlund only has one assist in that span, he’s taken the fifth-most shots on net on the team since March 7, and he’s generating enough chances to suggest he’s due for goals.
If the Sens pull off a first-round upset, the price they paid at the deadline will be well worth it – if it isn’t worth it already.
The Blues didn’t make any trades at the deadline. Sometimes, the moves you don’t make are more important than the ones you do, and that’s certainly true for St. Louis this year.
So yes, St. Louis should be on this list, as they’ve been one of the biggest winners because of their decisions at the deadline. They could’ve been much more active, but that could’ve sunk their season. Standing pat absolutely was the right choice for them.
The Lightning are 7-5-1 since the deadline, but they’ve won four of their last five games to move into second place in the Atlantic.
Tampa Bay’s big pre-deadline move brought in forwards Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Seattle Kraken. Both players have done well in the early going with the Lightning, as Gourde has nine assists in 14 games, and Bjorkstrand has four goals and six points in 14 games.
Neither player has to do the heavy lifting for Tampa Bay, but the Lightning needed that quality depth in their lineup. Gourde already has more points for the Bolts than Zemgus Girgensons’ six points in 75 games and Luke Glendening’s seven points in 74 games, and he has as many as Cam Atkinson’s nine points in 38 games.
The reason why the Leafs are on this list is the play of veteran defenseman Brandon Carlo, who has been very solid since the Buds acquired him from Boston. Carlo has proven to be a great fit with Morgan Rielly on Toronto’s first defense pairing, and the Leafs also needed more of his physical edge and shot-blocking ability.
Toronto has gone 8-4-1 since the deadline to move into the top spot in the Atlantic, and they’re a tougher team to play against ahead of a pressure-filled playoff run.
The Buffalo Sabres practiced at LECOM Harborcenter on Friday after taking team photos on their day off after returning from Ottawa after going 2-1-0 on a three-game road swing. The club returns to action on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the contest will mark the NHL debut of youngster Noah Ostlund, who the club called up on Friday.
The 21-year-old was the Sabres middle first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft and has made remarkable strides in his first full season in North America. After missing two months with an injury, the young center returned in December and struggled to find his game, going goalless in 11 straight.
"It was something with my hand that wasn't right, and (they) had to do a little surgery on it, and now I don't feel it," Ostlund said. "(After returning, I just found my game a little bit more. I've been playing more with the puck and creating more."
Since January 19, Ostlund has been red-hot, with 18 goals in 28 games. Last week, he was named AHL Player of the Week, and his empty net goal in the Amerks playoff clinching win over Springfield on Wednesday marked his sixth straight game with a goal, which prompted the Sabres to recall him with the injury to center Tyson Kozak.
"(I’ve heard) nothing but good (things). The way he's played, the way he's defended, how well he's operated with the puck, he's put together real good year down (in Rochester)." Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said. "It's just a player (who is) finding his path, and he feels comfortable down there. (The AHL is) a hard league to play in, but he's progressed and pushed himself to where he's become one of the top players down there……I always think players need that time. It's a hardness that you have to get. It's like I say, sometimes playing down there is harder than playing up here, and he's navigated that path pretty well."
Ostlund skated on Friday in place of Kozak on the fourth line with Beck Malenstyn and Sam Lafferty. Ruff indicated that his being placed there was more due to not mixing up his other three lines and not to overwhelm the youngster against a lineup of Stanley Cup-winning veterans with the Lightning.
Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo
As the NHL season begins to wind down, the top teams in the standings are starting to punch their ticket to the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
For the Columbus Blue Jackets, the path is still uncertain. With just eight games remaining, they sit four points back of the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The road ahead won’t be easy. The Blue Jackets have a tough schedule to close out the regular season, with key games against teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, and Washington Capitals.
Blue Jackets Remaining Schedule:
Saturday, April 5: vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Sunday, April 6: vs. Ottawa Senators
Tuesday, April 8: vs. Ottawa Senators
Thursday, April 10: vs. Buffalo Sabres
Saturday, April 12: vs. Washington Capitals
Sunday, April 13: vs. Washington Capitals
Tuesday, April 15: vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Thursday, April 17: at New York Islanders
They’ll need to pick up points fast and string together wins if they want to catch the Montreal Canadiens in the standings. That push begins Saturday in Toronto.
On March 28, the St. Louis Blues signed top prospect Jimmy Snuggerud to a three-year entry-level contract. This was after the 20-year-old forward posted 24 goals, 27 assists, and 51 points in 40 games this season with the University of Minnesota.
Following signing his ELC, Snuggerud quickly made his NHL debut with the Blues on April 1 against the Detroit Red Wings. During it, the 2022 first-round pick did not look out of place and recorded two shots in 10:43 of ice time.
During the Blues' following matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 3, Snuggerud took another step forward. The Minnesota native recorded his first NHL point by picking up the primary assist on Jake Neighbours' third-period goal.
Snuggerud showed off his impressive playmaking skills leading up to the goal, too. While stickhandling the puck in the offensive zone, Snuggerud made a perfect feed across the slot to Neighbours before the latter fired it home.
This was a great play from Snuggerud, and the young forward showed just how solid of a passer he is with it. Overall, the youngster is fitting in quite nicely with the Blues early on, and it will be fascinating to see how he builds off this from here.
“He
went and saw a doctor today and he’s not back yet so we don’t
have information, but he’s not going to be a player for the next
couple of games,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said. “Saturday and
Monday, he’s not going to play. That I know.”
Holloway,
who has 63 points (26 goals, 37 assists) in 77 games, was checked in
the offensive zone by Penguins forward Rutger McGroarty at the 17:09
mark; he came on for a final shift with 1:16 remaining but left the
ice quickly hunched over and was ruled out the rest of the game after
leaving the bench area.
At
practice on Friday, the Blues shuffled around their forward lines,
only leaving the line of Radek Faksa, Alexey Toropchenko and Nathan
Walker together.
Jimmy
Snuggerud, the No. 23 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft who had an assist –
his first NHL point – on Thursday in his second game, moved up to
the top line and was paired with Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich,
while Jake Neighbours slid down to skate with Brayden Schenn and
Jordan Kyrou, and Mathieu Joseph, a healthy scratch the past two
games, moved onto ‘The 70s’ line with Zack Bolduc and Oskar
Sundqvist.
“The
good thing is we have a lot of options,” Montgomery said. “You
have Bolduc, you have Snuggerud, you have Mojo. I don’t want to
split up the ‘Faksi’ line, they’re just too important to our
team identity and how I use them. We have a lot of guys that are
playing really good hockey. Unfortunatey, ‘Tex’ is out or he
would be another option. Snuggerud has shown a lot. I like ‘The
70s’ line. I like it a lot. That and moving Jake with Schenn and
Kyrou is going to allow me to get more ice time for Jake.
“[Snuggerud’s]
shown us a lot. He’s a hockey player. He’s making plays and he’s
competing. As long as that maintains and stays up, I say that
cautiously. This is the NHL and to be an every day player in the NHL
is not easy. You see it a lot with young players.”
Texier,
who played in four straight games before being a healthy scratch the
past two, has an upper-body injury and is also unavailable for
Saturday’s game against the Avalanche.
“Upper
body issue that he went to see a doctor about, what treatment he
needs to get back as soon as possible,” Montgomery said. “I think
he is day to day, not a player tomorrow. That’s all the information
I have. He’s not back from the doctor either.”
As
for reuniting ‘The 70s Line’ again, Montgomery said,.”Speed,
how they attack the blue line with speed and how ‘Sunny’ gives
that line incredible details, especially in our own end and in
tracking. And the other two work.”
LAS VEGAS -- Needing to distance themselves from the pack, the Golden Knights missed another opportunity when they lost to the Western Conference-leading Winnipeg Jets, 4-0, on Thursday.
Facing Winnipeg's backup goaltender, Eric Comrie, the Knights stumbled through a sluggish start and couldn't catch up once the Jets got their offense started. Comrie made 26 saves in recording his second shutout of the season.
Vegas started Adin Hill, who made 16 saves before being pulled in the third period for Akira Schmid.
Here are three takeaways from the game:
WESTERN WOES: Vegas has split its 32 games since Jan. 14, with a majority of its wins coming against Eastern Conference foes. The Knights, who turned in a 10-2-2 mark in March, are 16-11-5 during that stretch, including 10-4-3 against teams from the East. That leaves a disappointing 6-7-2 against Western Conference foes in the same span.
"I’m concerned," coach Bruce Cassidy said. "This isn’t a one-off. We should be prepared to play. We didn’t."
The Golden Knights have seven games remaining - all against Western Conference teams.
ENEMY TERRITORY: With three road games on deck, the Golden Knights bring their fledgling offense north of the border for a date with a dangerous and hungry Calgary Flames team that is still looking for a playoff berth. The Flames (84) are five points back of the Minnesota Wild, who have 89 points and are in second place in the Wild Card race. Calgary will be playing its second game of a two-game homestand after Thursday's 4-1 win over Anaheim. The Flames have won two of their last three in Calgary. The Knights have won their last two meetings with the Flames, but the home team is on a 5-1 run with this series.
NOW WHAT, AGAIN: To revisit the same thought after Tuesday's loss to Edmonton, the Golden Knights have clinched a playoff berth, but are not out of the wild-card woods just yet. Vegas (98) is now only three points ahead of the Los Angeles Kings (93) and five in front of the Edmonton Oilers (91). Sitting in first and second of the Western Conference Wild Card standings are the St. Louis Blues and Wild, both from the Central Division. The Knights aren't in jeopardy of slipping out of the Pacific Division's top three, but could fall into second- or third-place with a late-season collapse. By doing so, they would face either the Kings or Oilers in the first round, rather than the Blues or Wild. The Knights have seven games remaining, including five on the road. They'll need to shake off their back-to-back losses at home and get back to winning if they want to wrap up their fifth Pacific Division title.
Alex Ovechkin tied Wayne Gretzky for the most goals scored in NHL history, netting his 894th career goal in the third period of the Washington Capitals‘ home game against the Chicago Blackhawks Friday night.
The record-tying goal, which was Ovi’s second of the game, gave the Caps a 4-3 lead with 13:47 left in regulation. They went on to win 5-3 after Ryan Leonard scored on an empty net for the first goal of his career.
Capitals players stayed on the ice after the game to celebrate with their star as fans chanted, “Ovi! Ovi! Ovi!”
Ovechkin’s pursuit of the career goals record — which continues Sunday when the Capitals play on the road against the New York Islanders — has been dubbed “The GR8 Chase.”
Ovechkin reached 894 goals in his 1,486th game. Gretzky finished with 894 in 1,487 games.
Gretzky was in the building with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to witness the historic moment by the 39-year-old Ovechkin.
Gretzky had held the scoring record since 1994 when he tallied his 802nd goal to pass Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe. Gretzky, who played primarily for the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings, scored his 894th and final goal came on March 29, 1999 as a member of the New York Rangers. He retired three weeks later at the age of 38, concluding a historic 20-year NHL career.
His scoring record had stood since — with Jaromir Jagr scoring 766 goals before retiring in 2018 and Brett Hull netting 741 goals before closing his 19-year career in 2006.
Then came Ovechkin, who after being selected first overall in the 2004 draft, scored 52 goals as a rookie, including two in his debut on October 5, 2005.
That was nearly 20 years and 892 goals ago.
Ovechkin scored a career best 65 goals during his third season in 2007-2008. He has recorded nine 50-plus goal seasons, matching the record shared by Gretzky and New York Islanders legend Mike Bossy. He has scored 40 or more goals in a season 14 times, which topped Gretzky’s record of 12.
Along the way, Ovechkin won nine Rocket Richard Trophies for most goals scored in a season, three Hart Trophies as most valuable player, and the 2017 Stanley Cup, which was the first in Capitals’ franchise history.
Ovechkin entered his 20th NHL season in October needing 42 goals to top a record once believed to be unbreakable. He missed 16 games earlier this season with a fractured left fibula, pushing the record pursuit closer to the end of the season.
Ovechkin scored No. 893 less than four minutes into Friday’s game, setting the stage for the record-tying goal in front of the Washington fans.
He now shares the league’s hallowed scoring record with the sport’s most revered player.
“Alex has been exceptional for our game,” Gretzky told CNBC earlier this season. “I hope I’m the first guy to shake his hand when he does break the record.”
Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and guest co-host Steve Warne discussed in this episode:
0:46: We have a new top eight Cup contenders list to dive into this week, as Steve Warne fills in for Ryan Kennedy. Let's kick off with his list and his defense of his choices.
2:26: Michael defends his latest Cup contenders list.
4:08: Steve doesn't have the Toronto Maple Leafs on his Cup contenders list, but Michael does. Steve explains his reasoning behind the decision.
5:29: Is there a team that didn’t make the Cup contenders list but could have if it had an easier path in the playoffs?
9:22: Ottawa Senators coach Travis Green says captain Brady Tkachuk is out "day-to-day" with an upper body injury. He's missed two games so far, so how concerned should Senators fans be?
12:43: Maple Leafs center Scott Laughton has had just two points and a minus-5 rating, the worst on the team since trading for him. How has he played during this stretch? Is he a fit for the Leafs?
16:12: Which trade deadline acquisition has had the best impact with their new team?
19:15: The NHL and Rogers Communications agreed to a 12-year deal worth $7.7 billion. Thoughts on this massive deal?
24:09: Will the St. Louis Blues finish in the first wild-card spot in the West ahead of the Minnesota Wild? Is it over for the Calgary Flames?
28:48: Patrick Roy ripped Anthony Duclair following the New York Islanders’ sixth straight loss on Tuesday night. Was Roy out of line with his comments? Are the Isles' struggles more player problems or coaching problems?
32:47: Which building will be the toughest to win a playoff game in?
34:59: Jalen Chatfield pulled a UFC move to throw Connor McMichael to the ice during a fight. Chatfield received no discipline from the NHL's Department of Player Safety. Agree or disagree with the decision?
37:56: Cale Makar became the first D-man since Mike Green to score 30 goals. Who will be the next defenseman to achieve this lofty goal?
40:33: Ovechkin is three goals away from breaking Gretzky's all-time goals record. He has two games to break the record and tie Gretzky in the number of games needed. Can he do it?
Ovechkin needs two to tie and three to break Gretzky's record of 894 career goals.
Alex Ovechkin is a hat trick away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's goal record, and the Toronto Maple Leafs will be watching.
The 39-year-old and the Washington Capitals are hosting the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. Seven games remain for Ovechkin to reach a feat that was once thought to be unbreakable.
John Tavares, who's been on a hot streak since the 4 Nations Face-Off with 15 goals and 10 assists, says he'll be watching as Ovechkin looks to inch closer to the record against Chicago.
THREE. GOALS. LEFT. 😱
Alex Ovechkin is getting closer and closer to the all-time NHL goals record 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OwXxNK2F3o
"It's pretty remarkable that we're going to see something that's hard to fathom to be broken in Wayne's record and what Ovie's done in the league," Tavares said. "I wouldn't be surprised if many guys around the league tune in to see it and maybe see it live."
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, a veteran of over 1000 games in the league, has faced off against Ovechkin 24 times. He credits the goal scorer for how many times he's found the back of the net in what most people call his office.
"It's impressive. Obviously, it's a lot of goals. It's not easy to score in this league, so it's fun to watch," Ekman-Larsson said.
"Playing against him, too, you know how hard it is to go against him and that shot. Seems like everybody knows that he's going to be in that spot, but it's still hard to defend. But yeah, it's impressive."
William Nylander spent time around Ovechkin as a child since his father, Michael, was on the Capitals from 2007 to 2009. Nylander looked back on the time spent around Ovechkin with a smile, saying he'd play pranks on him and his brother, Alex.
"When we were on the ice after (practices), he took our sticks and put them above the penalty box area where the camera was," William smiled. "He just put them up there so we couldn't reach them."
"He took our sticks and hid them."
William Nylander remember Alex Ovechkin playing pranks on the kids while Michael Nylander was his teammate. pic.twitter.com/KGUM8Y1R04
Nylander is a goal scorer himself, with 259 goals in 678 career NHL games. But even he didn't think Gretzky's goal record would be broken.
"I mean, just incredible. I don't think anybody thought that that would happen. And now he's there, and it's probably going to happen very soon here. So, I mean, it's just incredible to be able to see it happen."
If Ovechkin doesn't break the record tonight, he'll have six more games to reach — and potentially — break the feat. The Capitals play the New York Islanders on Sunday before having a couple of days off until they face the Carolina Hurricanes next Thursday.
It might feel like a long week for fans around the NHL, but it'll certainly be worth the wait if, and when, he breaks the record.
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Two hockey dignitaries were in attendance Friday night to witness the Great 8 pursue NHL history.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky were in the building together for the Washington Capitals’ game against the Chicago Blackhawks as left winger Alex Ovechkin tied Gretzky’s all-time regular season career goals record of 894 with goals in the first and third periods of a 5-3 victory. The longtime Capitals captain is now one away from breaking the 31-year-old record after recording No. 892 in a 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., earlier this week.
Gretzky joined Bettman, who was in attendance with Capitals owner Ted Leonsis on Wednesday night. Both Gretzky and Bettman had already been planning to go from game to game to watch Ovechkin’s pursuit in person but at first couldn’t quite decide on when.
“Wayne Gretzky and I were having the debate,” Bettman said speaking at a Sportradar event on Tuesday. “I said with five to go we should start. He said, ‘No, we’ll do it at 4’. … We have a traveling road show.”
Fans can expect to see the commissioner and The Great One in attendance moving forward until Ovechkin breaks the record. They’re expected to be joined by a host of NHL officials and other league stakeholders during each of his stops, with the playoff-bound Capitals having six regular-season games left after Friday night’s win. Once the record is broken, the league is planning to briefly pause the game as the commissioner joins the Russian hockey star for an on-ice celebration that highlights the feat in real time.
NHL media partner ESPN is planning to provide more coverage tonight on NHL Power Play. The network also recently launched OviCast, a special alternate presentation. The alt-cast, which made its debut last week and features an isolated camera on Ovechkin in one box, will be available again when the Caps host the Hurricanes on next Thursday. That same night Prime Video in Canada will feature the Caps on NHL Coast to Coast as part of its whiparound coverage. The same will happen on April 17 when the Caps travel to face the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Ovechkin, the No. 1 pick in the 2004 NHL Draft, has recorded his 14th season with at least 40 goals, extending his NHL record. The 39-year-old has scored 41 goals through 60 games despite missing five weeks earlier this season with a fractured fibula.
Ovechkin’s record chase has set off a memorabilia collection frenzy, from his personal stash to auction houses. The historical sports moment has also provided the Capitals with unique business opportunities while fulfilling their captain’s philanthropic efforts. The team announced on Wednesday that it is partnering with Union Market District to open a temporary skating rink, where a portion of proceeds from ticket sales will go to his pediatric cancer research initiative called The GR8 Chase for Victory Over Cancer.
(This story, originally published Friday afternoon, has been updated throughout to reflect the happenings of Friday night’s game.)
The excitement level is high. You can almost taste those fantasy winnings.* But it's still important to check everything. Because things sometimes require attention so you're not relying on the hope it'll automatically go the way you planned.
(*I think this goes without saying, but please DO NOT actually try to taste the winnings.)
Take charge. Get it done. And check the recommendations below to see if any of them can help push you over the line.
(Rostered rates as of Apr. 4)
Forwards
Logan Cooley, UTA (Yahoo: 44%)
Other than a couple of minor drop-offs and a lower-body injury, Cooley's second season has been superb. The 56 points — including 17 on the power play — and 144 shots represent decent totals, with nine and 22 of each coming in the last 10 games. Cooley also upped his hit count during that stretch by dishing out 13 while logging big minutes and operating as Utah's top center in all attacking situations. His fantasy profile has recently been boosted by improving on faceoffs, though you're really adding him for his offense.
Mason Marchment, DAL (Yahoo: 33%)
Some probably forgot about Marchment while he was out for a month after taking a puck to the face and undergoing surgery. It may have taken him some time to get back into form, but he's been on a heater since the start of March by racking up six goals — three of those PPGs — nine assists, 32 shots and 24 hits. Based on a top-six spot with Matt Duchene and Mikael Granlund while joining forces with them on the Stars' strong backup PP unit, Marchment is primed to keep the stats flowing.
Ryan McLeod, BUF (Yahoo: 9%)
McLeod pulled off a hat-trick and another three-point performance back in January, and the fantasy world didn't think much of it. Fast-forward through the next 25 contests where he reeled off 24 points, 36 shots and 217 FW on an 18:56 average that also involved two PPAs and three shorthanded goals. And all that … has barely increased McLeod's coverage numbers. He's enjoying a career year, and barely anyone is paying attention even though he's in the upper-half of the Sabres' depth chart while participating on both special-teams groups.
Trevor Zegras, ANH (Yahoo: 7%)
The fact that we've reached April for Zegras' season debut in this column speaks to how far he's fallen as a fantasy commodity since recording back-to-back 60-plus point efforts (either that or he's been really, really good). Multiple ailments destroyed his production last year and carried over to the current campaign, where inconsistency eventually turned into another significant absence.
Zegras' fortunes — other than a three-game suspension — have turned around in the form of six goals, 12 assists and 46 shots at 17:20 per outing with a 13.0 shooting percentage that's not much higher than his normal averages. He's also found the scoresheet in nine of the last 13 matchups. Zegras has started to prove he's getting back to his better days, so you may want to grab a share of this upswing.
Sean Couturier, PHI (Yahoo: 5%)
It only took the Flyers firing John Tortorella for the offense to explode, though maybe part of that has something to do with them facing three weaker defensive sides in Montreal, Buffalo and Nashville. And even before Torts was let go, Couturier had been hot by way of 12 points from 12 games in addition to 37 shots with three and 10 of each since the personnel change. He's not the only one benefiting, as linemates Matvei Michkov (48%) and Travis Konecny (92%) have been equally unstoppable of late. Yet Couturier somehow remains available in 95% of Yahoo leagues. Go figure.
Jackson Blake, CAR (Yahoo: 5%)
It was a month and a half ago when Blake was first mentioned here on the heels of a multipoint appearance and a move up to the Canes' lead even-strength trio. He's also received time on the first power play, where he tallied four PPPs from the last five — including a pair of PPGs on Wednesday. Blake seems to be growing into his game and reaping the benefits. Maybe adding him can do the same for you.
Joel Eriksson Ek has been out since Feb. 25, though could be back soon. In the meantime, Gaudreau has inherited a larger role with better attacking wingers while recently jumping on Minnesota's first man-advantage and delivering an assist there last Thursday. Add on adequate amounts of shots and blocks to a hefty dose of faceoff wins and major minutes, and you've got a pretty good fill-in forward.
Andre Burakovsky, SEA (Yahoo: 1%)
It's been a different type of year for Burakovsky in that he's been overlooked due to underperformance rather than a series of injuries. He's made a surge the last two weeks, notching three goals and six assists — two of the PPA variety — while skating at a modest sub-14 clip. Burakovsky plays with a few serviceable linemates at both five-on-five and while up a man, so let's see if he can keep this going the rest of the way.
Defensemen
Brandt Clarke, LA (Yahoo: 23%)
Clarke's 31 points represent a decent haul for a rookie season, yet he's struggled to retain elevated ice times while enduring a few healthy scratches. The latter hasn't come up recently as the Kings have regularly used seven defensemen, though there's always a chance. Clarke still lines up on the second power play and has posted eight PPPs, with the last one coming on Sunday. That may come in handy, as LA's remaining matchups are against opponents ranked no higher than 15th in penalty-kill percentage. Even as Drew Doughty debuted in late January, he may not be pushed too hard, as the team is fairly safe to make the playoffs. Either way, there's an opportunity for Clarke to accumulate some scoring.
Ryan McDonagh, TB (Yahoo: 16%)
Congrats to McDonagh for reaching the 1,000-game mark, and this section will focus on the last 14. During that stretch, he's produced 10 points, 15 shots, 26 blocks and a plus-6 on a 20:18 average. One of the scoring plays came on the man-advantage, yet that's not a normal occurrence for McDonagh, as he's better known for his shorthanded skills. As the Bolts are in the hunt for the Atlantic Division crown, he should be provided with enough opportunities to maintain current form.
Matt Grzelcyk, PIT (Yahoo: 5%)
Grzelcyk has eclipsed his career-high with 36 points thanks to 13 PPAs and a prominent workload that usually sees him sharing the ice with Kris Letang. He had his four-game assist streak snapped on Saturday, but has averaged 22-plus minutes the last few weeks while supplying some blocks and a couple shots/hits. Grzelcyk may not be flashy, though he's reliable — and that's what you're ultimately looking for in a fantasy player.
Dante Fabbro, CLS (Yahoo: 5%)
Fabbro had a nice run going when he was originally discussed during November soon after being acquired on waivers from Nashville. The offensive output hasn't been consistent since and there was a brief injury, yet he's mainly dependable when it comes to the physical categories. And if we look at Fabbro's last four outings, he's registered 2 goals, 5 assists, 8 shots, 4 hits, 2 blocks and a plus-6 at 20:32 per night. With an even-strength partnership alongside Zach Werenski and a secondary PP role on a team that's recently been finding the back of the net like the 1980s Oilers (or pretty much any team from that decade), Fabbro needs to be on more rosters.
Goaltenders
Cam Talbot, DET (Yahoo: 37%)
Talbot has reclaimed the No. 1 job in Detroit after Petr Mrazek initially excelled and then got hurt while Alex Lyon has been erratic all season. Despite a 1-1-1 record last week, he only allowed a total of four goals and made 76 saves. The Red Wings still have a fighting chance for a Wild Card and will probably provide Talbot with all the action he can handle until they clinch a berth or are out of contention.
James Reimer, BUF (Yahoo: 4%)
Not many could've predicted Reimer would hold fantasy relevance in 2025, though the 37-year-old has recently reappeared on the radar by notching five straight wins and starting six of the last eight. Meanwhile, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has struggled since Feb. 27, going 3-7 with a 4.26 GAA and .845 save percentage — including the last outing on Saturday, where he gave up seven goals at Philly. He may be given another chance with the Sabres long out of the playoff race, though it's tough to go away from the hot hand. And as the Buffalo offense has been surging of late, Reimer is a solid streaming option.
RALEIGH, NC - APRIL 2: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals stops in front of the net during a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on April 2, 2025 in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by John McCreary/NHLI via Getty Images)
John McCreary/NHLI via Getty Images
Wayne Gretzky is expected to be in attendance Friday night in Washington with Alex Ovechkin two goals from tying and three from breaking the Canadian great’s NHL record.
The Capitals’ game against Chicago marks the start of Gretzky joining the chase in person.
“It’s great,” Ovechkin said after his team’s morning skate. “He’s been supportive all the time to me. It’s a fun time right now. We’ll see what’s going to happen, but right now it’s all attention to a hockey game. It’s a pretty cool moment.”
Commissioner Gary Bettman, Ovechkin’s wife, Nastya, and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis were in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Wednesday night. Ovechkin scored his 892nd goal in that game, putting him a hat trick on home ice away from passing Gretzky’s mark of 894 that long seemed unapproachable.
“It’s going to be fun,” said winger Tom Wilson, who like Gretzky is from Ontario. “It’s bigger than the game right now. It’s bigger than hockey. It’s the ‘Great One.’ I mean, no one would have ever thought that would happen. The energy around this thing the whole year, it’s been second to none, and it’s been something no one’s ever gone through.”
Not at least in 31 years, since Gretzky passed “Mr. Hockey” Gordie Howe’s all-time mark of 801 career goals. Gretzky is accompanying Ovechkin on the approach to 895 like Howe did for him on the way to 802 in 1994.
“The greatest player of all time is coming to follow us for however long it takes, so it’s exciting,” Capitals center Dylan Strome said. “I think Ovi and Gretzky have a pretty good relationship. And obviously the ambassador that he’s been for the game for as many years as he has, he does a ton for hockey and a ton for Canada, so it’s cool.”
The anticipation is building around hockey for what’s being billed the “GR8 chase,” and Gretzky being in the building is the latest piece of that.
“It just shows you how close the players are in the game and how much respect there is between both of them,” said retired defenseman Jason Demers, an NHL Network analyst who will also be at the game with “NHL Live” moving on site for the occasion. “Having Wayne be there and support Ovechkin, who’s going to basically break his record and take him out of the record books, I know he’s got 20 or 30 more of them, but it’s just wild to think about the support that guys have for one another, and that’s what makes our sport so great.”
