Alex Ovechkin’s chase for NHL history is nearing its climax as the Washington Capitals superstar is now just seven goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894 goals. With 888 career goals after scoring against the Philadelphia Flyers last night, the excitement is at an all-time high. Sportsbooks have rolled out a variety of unique betting options for hockey fans eager to wager on Ovechkin’s historic milestone. Here’s a breakdown of the top bets available, along with an analysis of Ovechkin’s current form and the Capitals’ remaining schedule.
Types of Bets on Ovechkin’s 895th Career Goal
Sportsbooks are offering multiple betting markets on when and how Ovechkin will surpass Gretzky. Bettors can wager on whether he will score his record-breaking goal this season, which team he will score against, the method of the goal, and even the exact period in which it will happen.
Will Ovechkin Break the Record This Season?
One of the most straightforward bets is whether Ovechkin will score his 895th career goal before the 2024-25 regular season ends. The odds currently favor Ovechkin to achieve the feat, with “Yes” at -178 and “No” at +136. Given his goal-scoring form this season, where he has netted 35 goals in 53 games, he remains on pace to break the record before season’s end.
Which Team Will Ovechkin Score His 895th Goal Against?
Sportsbooks are also offering odds on which opponent Ovechkin will score the record-breaking goal against. The Columbus Blue Jackets are favored at +360, followed by the New York Islanders at +480 and the Carolina Hurricanes at +700. The Pittsburgh Penguins are at +950, which would be quite the scene, getting the record against long-time rival and fellow NHL senior statesman Sidney Crosby. While long-shot bets include the Chicago Blackhawks at +1500 and the Boston Bruins at +4700. With two upcoming games against Columbus and two against Carolina, bettors may find value in these matchups.
Method of Ovechkin’s 895th Career Goal
Another intriguing market is how Ovechkin will score his record-breaking goal. The most likely scenario is an even-strength goal, listed at -215. A power-play goal is priced at +162 as Ovi has nine man-advantage goals this season and 321 over his storied career. A rare shorthanded goal carries long-shot odds of +6000. Considering Ovechkin’s prowess on the power play, that bet has significant value.
Will the Goal Be an Empty Netter?
Given Ovechkin’s tendency to score empty-net goals, sportsbooks are offering a prop on whether his 895th goal will come with the opposing net vacated. “Yes” is priced at +350, while “No” is the heavy favorite at -530. While chasing the record, empty net goals have become commonplace, with Ovechkin being deployed when opponents pull their goalie. Already with eight this year, Ovi is on pace to score the most he’s ever had in any NHL season. While an empty-net goal is less dramatic for breaking the all-time record, it remains a possibility.
Which Period Will Ovechkin Score the Record-Breaking Goal?
For bettors who like to predict the exact moment of Ovechkin’s milestone, there are odds on which period the goal will come in. The third period is favored at +110, given that Ovechkin has historically delivered clutch moments late in games. He has six game-winning goals this season and 135 over the course of his career. The second period follows at +230, while the first period is at +260. An overtime goal, which would be a fitting way to break the record in dramatic fashion, is priced at +2800.
Ovechkin’s Current Form and Season Performance
At age 39, Ovechkin continues to defy expectations. With 35 goals and 22 assists in 53 games this season, he remains one of the NHL’s most dangerous snipers. The Great Eight’s shooting percentage of 17.9% this season is a career-best, and he continues to be a force on the Capitals’ power play, with nine man-advantage markers so far this season. With 195 shots on goal, he remains a volume shooter capable of scoring in bunches.
Ovechkin’s Remaining Schedule and Potential Record-Breaking Game
The Capitals have a crucial stretch of games ahead, with Ovechkin needing seven more goals to surpass Gretzky. Here is a look at Washington’s remaining matchups:
- March 22 vs Florida Panthers
- March 25 vs Winnipeg Jets
- March 27 vs Minnesota Wild
- March 30 vs Buffalo Sabres
- April 1 vs Boston Bruins
- April 2 vs Carolina Hurricanes
- April 4 vs Chicago Blackhawks
- April 6 vs New York Islanders
- April 10 vs Carolina Hurricanes
- April 12 vs Columbus Blue Jackets
- April 14 vs Columbus Blue Jackets
- April 15 vs New York Islanders
- April 17 vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Based on this schedule, Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal could come against Columbus, Carolina, or the Islanders, as these teams appear multiple times in the Capitals’ remaining games.
March to Immortality
With Alex Ovechkin just seven goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s legendary all-time NHL goals record, sportsbooks are providing fans with various intriguing betting opportunities. From wagering on when and where he will score his historic goal to predicting the method and timing, there is no shortage of ways to get in on the action. Given Ovechkin’s consistent goal-scoring and the Capitals’ remaining schedule, all signs point to him making history before the season ends. Whether it’s an iconic one-timer slap shot from the left circle or a dramatic overtime winner, Ovechkin’s quest for 895 is set to be one of the biggest storylines in sports.
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