The hockey world is on the edge of its seat as Alex Ovechkin inches closer to breaking one of the most legendary records in sports: Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring mark. For decades, Gretzky’s 894 goals seemed untouchable—until Ovechkin came along, redefining what’s possible in the modern NHL.
With each goal, the anticipation builds. Fans, analysts, and even former players are speculating about when and where Ovechkin will officially pass The Great One. But one question looms just as large: How much will it cost to witness history firsthand?
As the countdown continues, ticket prices for Capitals games are already surging, especially for matchups where Ovechkin is most likely to make history. If you’re hoping to be in the building when he scores the goal that cements his legacy, now is the time to start planning.
How Close Is Alex Ovechkin to Breaking the Record?
At the time of writing, Alex Ovechkin stands with 887 career NHL goals, placing him just eight goals shy of surpassing Wayne Gretzky's all-time record of 894 goals.
Predicting When Ovechkin Will Break the Record
So far this season, Alex Ovechkin has scored 34 goals in 52 games played. At that pace, we can expect the 42nd goal to come somewhere around his 64th game played - that game would be on April 13 for a Metropolitan Division showdown against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Washington Capitals Upcoming Schedule
Now, this doesn't mean he is guaranteed to break the record on April 13, as he is certainly capable of putting a few multi-goal games together to get it done sooner, and ticket price trends tend to agree. Let's take a look at the Washington Capitals' schedule around that time to see what other teams may be on the scoresheet against for the record.
April 6 - Capitals vs Islanders - UBS Arena
April 10 - Hurricanes vs Capitals - Capital One Arena
April 12 - Capitals vs Blue Jackets - Nationwide Arena
April 13 - Blue Jackets vs Capitals - Capital One Arena
April 15 - Capitals vs Islanders - UBS Arena
April 17 - Capitals vs Penguins - PPG Paints Arena
The Cost of Witnessing History: Ticket Prices & Demand
As Ovechkin nears one of the greatest milestones in sports, ticket prices for Capitals games have exploded. What were once routine regular-season matchups have now become some of the most in-demand games of the year.
Here are the low price costs for tickets since the beginning of the season up until now:
April 6 vs. Islanders – ⬆ 58% (From $67 → $106)
April 10 vs. Hurricanes – ⬆ 500% (From $39 → $234)
April 12 vs. Blue Jackets – ⬆ 138% (From $40 → $95)
April 13 vs. Blue Jackets – ⬆ 337% (From $49 → $214)
April 15 vs. Islanders – ⬆ 59% (From $59 → $94)
April 17 vs. Penguins – ⬆ 113% (From $61 → $130)
Where the Best Seats Are for Ovechkin’s Big Moment
If you’re looking to be in the perfect spot when Alex Ovechkin scores the goal that cements his place in history, attacking zones are your best bet. These seats offer maximum viewing time, giving you twice as many opportunities to witness history. Plus, sitting in the lower bowl puts you just a few rows from the ice, where you can see Ovechkin wind up his legendary one-timer up close.
Since the Capitals will be the away team for some of these highlighted games, you'll want to find seats in the opposite end of the home team's double attack. For Capitals home games, the best double attack seats at Capital One Arena are in Section 109, as this is where Ovechkin is known to take his patented one-timer. However, any seats in Sections 101-110 will get you near their double attack zone.
If you’re wondering which other seats offer the best views for key hockey moments, check out our guide on Where to Sit For a Hockey Game to get expert insights before securing your tickets.
Capitals vs Penguins: A Perfect Hockey History Moment
If the script played out perfectly for the hockey world, Ovechkin would break the most iconic record in hockey history against his greatest rival—Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Capitals vs. Penguins rivalry has defined an era, with Ovechkin and Crosby’s battles shaping the modern NHL. Adding to the moment, Crosby himself is chasing history, trying to break Gretzky’s record for the most consecutive seasons averaging over a point per game.
If this were to happen, April 17, 2025, could become one of the most unforgettable nights in NHL history—two of the greatest players of their generation, both passing The Great One in their own way, in another regular-season showdown. If you want to witness hockey history, there may never be a better game to attend.
