In ice hockey, an empty net situation arises when a team substitutes their goalie for an extra skater. This is a strategic gamble to boost offensive pressure, albeit at the cost of leaving their goal undefended.
Historically, no NHL player has capitalized on this vulnerability more effectively than Alex Ovechkin. On February 10, 2024, the Washington Capitals` left wing achieved his 57th empty-net goal, overtaking Wayne Gretzky to claim the all-time record. This milestone goal was scored at the 19:33 mark of the third period, securing a 3-0 victory against the Boston Bruins.
Gretzky accumulated his 56 empty-net goals over 1,487 games, whereas Ovechkin surpassed this record in 1,394 games. Below is a list of the NHL players who have scored the most empty-net goals throughout history:
- Alex Ovechkin, 65
- Wayne Gretzky, 56
- Marian Hossa, 40
- Brad Marchand, 38
- Sidney Crosby, 37
- Eric Staal, 33
- Mario Lemieux, 33
- Jarome Iginla, 32
- Sebastian Aho, 31
- Blake Wheeler, 31
