With 866 career goals, Ovechkin only needs 29 goals to pass Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 goals and cement himself as the greatest goal-scorer of all time. Ovi would have passed Gretzky years ago if not for two lockouts and two COVID-shortened seasons.

I'm singing a different tune than a year ago when Ovechkin looked cooked with eight goals through 43 games, I assume Ovechkin saw my video and took it personally because he scored in six straight games. He ended the year with 31 goals, meaning Gretzky's record was no longer safe (nor was my face from humble pies). 

The question is no longer if Ovechkin will pass Gretzky's record but when​?

When Will Ovechkin Break Gretzky's Record

Remember, when the 24-25 seasons began Ovechkin needed 42 goals to pass Gretzky this season, getting around 30 was the likely outcome with books torn between 29.5 goals at -110 odds on either side. So the likelihood of Ovechkin getting the record this year wasn't as guaranteed as it is now.

Odds as of August 16

But with 13 goals in 17 games, it's looking like Ovechkin will break the record this season. If Ovechkin holds his season average of 3.5 shots per game and continues to score a goal on 21% of his shots, the math says he'll score a goal in three of every four games and set the record at home against Utah on February 9th. However how satisfying would it be if he broke the record in Washington's next game when they play in Pittsburgh against the Penguins?

Of course, that's assuming the Russian Machine holds his season average or doesn't go off and score in six straight games because some schmuck published a video saying he was cooked. But with a goal in three of every four games blindly betting on Ovehckin's anytime goal odds through the rest of the year is a smart idea.

If you're looking for multi-goal games for dates against the Blues and Wild, Ovi's multi-goal game ratio is the highest against these Central Division sides at 22%. If you're hunting for hat-tricks, of which Ovi has 32 in his career, look for games against the Habs, Sens, and Panthers where The Great 8 has three career hatties against each.

Alex Ovechkin Shot Prop Profits

Want another way to profit from Ovi's hunt for the NHL's goal-scoring record, may I suggest his shot props? It takes a lot of shots on goal to get as many goals as Ovechkin. In his career, Ovi has averaged a ridiculous 4.64 shots on goal per game.

Typically his shot prop on game night this year is 2.5 or 3.5 shots, recently Ovi has made a habit of throwing a ton of pucks on the net with an average of 4.1 shots per game and going OVER 3.5 shots seven times in eight games.

With Gretzky's record within reach this year, Ovi will be as motivated as ever and firing pucks from anywhere on the ice. Bet the OVER on his shot props this year.