Alex Ovechkin Very Much Within Reach of Wayne Gretzky's NHL Goal Record

The NHL goal-scoring record has stood since 1999 when Wayne Gretzky retired with his 894 goals throughout his 20 year NHL career.

As of today, the unthinkable may actually be possible in our lifetime, with his goal scoring record somewhat in reach for one of the NHL best all-time goal scorers.

Alex Ovechkin, longtime captain of the Washington Capitals and Russian sniper, could hit the mark if he continues his current goal scoring pace.

Ovi would need to not only keep up the goal scoring pace that he has kept throughout his career, but also needs to play long enough to reach the mark at his current pace. If he falls off a bit from his goal scoring, he would need to add another season onto his career to try to reach the goal mark.

Ovechkin needs 236 more goals to tie Gretzky's all time record, and coincidentally, has scored exactly 236 goals in his last five seasons. At the age of 33, he would need to average 47.2 goals per season over the next five seasons to hit the mark by the age of 38.

If Ovechkin is able to reach the record in five seasons, he will not only cement his spot as the greatest goal scorer in NHL history, which many think he already has, but he will reach the 894 goal mark in one less season than Gretzky did.

The Great One recorded his goal record over the course of a 20-year NHL career, Ovechkin would be in his 19th season in the NHL if he can repeat his goal scoring from the previous five seasons.

Regardless, when you're watching The Great 8 for the next few seasons, cherish it and remember that you could be watching history in the making, and possibly the greatest goal scorer the NHL has ever seen.