Alex Ovechkin and Wayne Gretzky. Who is the greatest NHL goal scorer?

Ovechkin vs. Gretzky: The Greatest Goal Scorer Debate We Can’t Ignore

When we talk about the greatest goal scorer in NHL history, it’s impossible not to mention Wayne Gretzky - after all, the man scored 894 goals and set a bar so high it seemed untouchable.

Enter Alexander Ovechkin.

A wrecking ball in red, a generational sniper, and now… the man chasing history. As Ovi barrels toward 894, it’s time we ask the question:

Is Ovechkin the greatest goal scorer of all time?

Let’s break it down—era vs. era.

Gretzky’s Era: The Wide-Open 80s

We’re not here to discredit The Great One. Gretzky is unquestionably the greatest offensive player the sport has ever seen. But let’s take a look at the environment he dominated in:

  • High-scoring games were the norm. The average goals per game in the 1980s hovered around 7 - 8 per game.

  • Goaltending was… let’s say, not what it is today. Many goalies played a stand-up style, with smaller pads and equipment that looked like they borrowed it from a rec league.

  • Defensive systems like the trap, shot-blocking techniques, and video analysis were primitive at best.

Gretzky took full advantage of that era - and rightfully so. But the game was different.

Ovechkin’s Era: Goals Are Earned

Now look at Ovi's world:

  • He’s scoring in an era where the average goals per game are significantly lower, often around 5.5 - 6 per game.

  • Goaltenders are bigger, faster, and better coached. Pads are massive. Techniques are refined. And yet… Ovi scores.

  • Defensive systems are airtight, with video breakdowns, custom schemes, and every player studying his one-timer from the left dot like it’s the final exam.

  • He’s doing this in the salary cap era, where talent is more evenly spread across teams and dynasties are harder to build.

Despite all this? He’s still lighting the lamp at a historic pace.

Durability & Longevity

Let’s give credit where it’s due: both Gretzky and Ovechkin have shown incredible consistency and durability. But Ovi’s ability to stay relevant and dominant into his late 30s, in a far more physically demanding era, is nothing short of incredible.

We’re talking about a guy who throws hits, takes hits, and still shows up ready to score 40+ goals a season.

The Bottom Line: Greatest Scorer ≠ Greatest Player

Here’s the kicker: Gretzky will likely always be considered the greatest “player” overall due to his assists, vision, and impact on the game.

But when we talk pure goal scoring—raw, unfiltered, top-shelf snipe show ability?
Alexander Ovechkin may already be the GOAT.

He’s done it longer, harder, and in an era where every goal is fought for with tooth and nail. He’s the kind of player goalies lose sleep over, the kind you know is shooting—and still can’t stop.

So, Who Wins?

  • Most goals? TBD. But Ovi’s knocking hard on the door.

  • Greatest scorer, pound for pound, era considered?
    We’re giving the nod to #8.

Gretzky set the record.
Ovechkin made it a race.

And that, in itself, is historic.

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