NHL Records That Are Likely Here to Stay

April 6th, 2025, was a monumental day for the National Hockey League and hockey fans alike. It marked the moment when Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin became the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing the legendary Wayne Gretzky by scoring his 895th career goal against the New York Islanders. Gretzky’s long-standing record of 894 goals had endured for over three decades, further cementing Ovechkin’s legacy as one of the greatest goal-scorers in hockey history. The milestone sparked a wave of celebrations and tributes from fans and teams across the league. Even Gretzky himself praised the achievement, saying, “I was really happy for him, it felt like I scored the goal.” Moments like this showcase the camaraderie and respect that define the game of hockey.

While Ovechkin now holds the all-time goals record, several other NHL records seem virtually untouchable. Chief among them is Wayne Gretzky’s career points total—an incredible benchmark that might never be broken. These legendary records highlight just how unique the achievements of past generations were and offer a glimpse into how the game has evolved. Ovechkin’s journey to the top has been historic, as shown with many more interesting statistics behind his chase of Gretzky’s record.

Ovechkin’s 895 Career Goals

Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record stood unchallenged for 31 years. Remarkably, both Gretzky and Ovechkin reached their record-breaking milestones in exactly 1,487 games. As the 2024–25 season winds down, Ovechkin is projected to surpass 900 career goals, setting an even higher bar for future generations. If it took Ovechkin this long to catch Gretzky, it would take even longer for another player to catch him. Sidney Crosby, the next closest active player, has 622 career goals—a remarkable total, but one that likely won’t threaten Ovechkin’s record. This speaks to just how difficult it is to maintain elite scoring over such a lengthy career.

Gretzky’s 2,857 Career Points

Wayne Gretzky’s career total of 2,857 points—comprising 894 goals and 1,963 assists in 1,487 games—is one of the most astounding records in sports history. It stands as a testament to his extraordinary vision, creativity, and skill. The NHL of today features far more defensive structure than the offensively explosive era of the 1980s, in which Gretzky thrived. Modern teams emphasize systems, shot suppression, and goaltending, making it much harder for individual players to pile up points. To put the feat into perspective, the second-highest career points total belongs to Jaromir Jagr, who is nearly 1,000 points behind Gretzky.

Darryl Sittler’s 10-Point Game

On February 7th, 1976, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Darryl Sittler had a performance for the ages, scoring six goals and adding four assists in an 11–4 rout of the Boston Bruins. His 10-point night shattered the previous record of eight points in a game. While a few players have tied the eight-point mark—most recently Sam Gagner in 2012—no one has matched or surpassed Sittler's total in nearly 50 years. As defensive systems grow more sophisticated and scoring chances become more limited, this record seems destined to stand the test of time. Only a handful of players in NHL history have even approached that level of single-game dominance.

Glenn Hall’s 502 Consecutive Games as a Goaltender

Glenn Hall earned the nickname “Mr. Goalie” for good reason. Between 1955 and 1962, Hall played in 502 consecutive games as a goaltender—a feat that remains unmatched in NHL history. What makes this record even more incredible is the era in which he played, when goalies wore minimal protective equipment and received far less rest. Hall’s toughness, endurance, and consistency set a standard that modern goaltenders, with today’s increased focus on load management and rotation, are unlikely to match. He is also credited with pioneering the butterfly style of goaltending, a technique that remains foundational in the modern game.

Dave Schultz’s 472 Penalty Minutes in a Single Season

Not all records are glamorous, but they still tell stories of the league’s past. During the 1974–75 season, Philadelphia Flyers enforcer Dave Schultz racked up 472 penalty minutes—a record that reflects the gritty, physical style of the era. Nicknamed “The Hammer,” Schultz was one of hockey’s most feared fighters, and his role as an enforcer was emblematic of 1970s hockey culture. However, with today’s emphasis on skill, speed, and player safety, the role of the enforcer has nearly vanished. Schultz’s penalty minute total is a relic of another era—one that is unlikely to be repeated in the modern NHL.

As the NHL evolves, records like Ovechkin’s goal milestone and Gretzky’s career points serve as powerful reminders of the league’s storied past. While some achievements may eventually be surpassed, others are likely to stand for decades. These moments celebrate individual excellence and highlight the sport’s enduring legacy. They deepen our appreciation for hockey, both in its history and future.