Who is Alex Ovechkin's family? Capitals star approaches Gretzky's NHL record
Alex Ovechkin is so close to the NHL career goal-scoring record that the Washington Capitals star may top the mark set by Wayne Gretzky before the 2024-25 regular season ends.
Ovechkin has overcome a broken fibula suffered in November to score 39 goals this season, tied for the fourth-highest total in the NHL this season, despite playing only 59 games. That production in Ovechkin's 20th season has put him within range of history.
A husband and father, the Capitals captain has frequently been seen celebrating goals and wins with his young sons (aged six and four years, respectively). As one of the biggest stars in hockey closes in on one of the sport's most revered records, those special moments are going to garner more attention than ever.
Here's what to know about Alex Ovechkin's family as the Capitals forward pursues the NHL goal-scoring record:
Alex Ovechkin: Who is Washington Capitals star's family?
Alex Ovechkin, who is on the verge of breaking the NHL all-time goal record, has two sons with his wife Nastasiya "Nastya" Shubskaya. The couple became parents in 2018 when son Sergei was born, and their second son Ilya followed in 2020.
Nastya, Sergei and Ilya are seen fairly frequently during Capitals broadcasts, either after matches or as part of Ovechkin's celebrations. Lately, a recurring theme in Ovechkin's goal celebrations has been to swoop by and fist-bump Sergei through the glass at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Sergei was on the ice at the 2023 All-Star Game skills competition, scoring a goal on the breakaway challenge with the help of his dad and Sidney Crosby.
How many goals for Ovechkin to break NHL record?
Heading into Friday's game, Alex Ovechkin has scored 892 career regular-season goals, all with the Capitals.
That means that should the Russian winger score three more goals, he will break Gretzky's all-time NHL record of 894 goals. Gretzky retired after the 1998-99 season as the holder of a long list of league benchmarks, including goals, assists and total points.
Ovechkin has seven more games to get the job done this season. If he doesn't, he has another year left on his contract.
Ovechkin chases NHL record: How to watch Washington Capitals games
Alex Ovechkin's goal-scoring pace has put him close enough that the Capitals star could break the NHL record held by Gretzky sometime before the 2024-25 regular season ends.
Most Capitals games can be seen on ESPN+. Their game on Sunday, April 6 against the New York Islanders is on TNT and can be streamed on Sling. Their game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, April 10 will be on ABC. ESPN will show the final two regular season games: Tuesday, April 15 at the Islanders, and Thursday, April 17, at the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Fans wanting to make sure they don't miss Ovechkin's pursuit of the goal record can stream games on Fubo, which is offering a free trial for new subscribers.
Watch Ovechkin chase the NHL goal record on Fubo
Washington Capitals remaining schedule: Ovechkin chases Gretzky record
All times Eastern
- Friday, April 4: vs. Chicago Blackhawks | 7 p.m.
- Sunday, April 6: at New York Islanders | 12:30 p.m.
- Thursday, April 10: vs. Carolina Hurricanes | 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, April 12: at Columbus Blue Jackets | 12:30 p.m.
- Sunday, April 13: vs. Columbus Blue Jackets | 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 15: at New York Islanders | 8 p.m.
- Thursday, April 17: at Pittsburgh Penguins | 7 p.m.