Will Alexander Ovechkin Score a Goal Tonight? Experts Update Predictions as He Chases Gretzky's Record

We just may be calling them "The Great Ones" soon enough.

As of Friday, March 7, 2025, Alexander Ovechkin is just 10 goals away from passing Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record of 894 goals. An unparalleled career has seen Gretzky sit atop the goals and assists lists since the day he retired, with both marks seemingly out of reach.

Now, in his 20th season, Ovechkin is just 10 goals away, and could even do it in fewer games, as is 1,472 games played are 15 behind Gretzky's 1,487. And when, not if, Ovechkin passes Gretzky, it may be a record that will never be broken.

Year 20 in the NHL has looked a lot like his other seasons - absolutely dominant.

He's got 32 goals through 46 games played, meaning he's been more likely to score a goal than not on any given night - how many NHL players can claim that status, let alone ones heading towards age 40?

Ovechkin even broke his leg in mid-November, missed five weeks, and came back like he never left. It's an inevitability that he will break the record at this point - the only question is when it might happen.

Will Ovechkin Score a Goal Tonight? Experts Update Projections

In the wake of Ovechkin's rapid ascent up the NHL goals all-time leaderboard, our data experts have updated their latest predictions for the future goals leader and the Capitals.

Tonight, the Capitals will face the Detroit Red Wings as significant -220 home favorites on bet365 sportsbook. The Dimers model projects the Capitals with a 63% win probability and  a 41% chance to cover the -1.5 puck line.

Based on Dimers' Washington Capitals vs. Detroit Red Wings prediction, Ovechkin draws a 37.4% probability to score an anytime goal on Friday night, the highest out of any player in this game. with odds of +105 available on bet365 sportsbook. Not a bad pick to unlock your choice of new-user welcome bonus at bet365, as revealed by Dimers this morning.

Detroit has allowed the 11th-most goals to opposing teams this season with Ovechkin picking up one himself in their last meeting, putting him in a good spot to pick up career #886.

Additionally, Ovechkin gets a 7.5% probability to score the first goal of the game, which you can bet at +750 odds on bet365.

Bet365 Bonus Code DIMERS secures a huge bonus in 11 legal US sports betting states.

Bet365 Release Latest Capitals Odds, Ovechkin Props

With Ovechkin lined up to score goal number #886 tonight, bet365 sportsbook has released updated odds to reflect his surge up the leaderboard. Below are the latest lines across multiple markets including NHL Props and Stanley Cup Futures odds:

Ovechkin props:

• Anytime Goalscorer (+105)
• First Goalscorer (+750)
• Shots on Goal: O/U 3.5 (-145/+115)

Capitals-Red Wings Odds

• Capitals ML (-220)
• Capitals -1.5 Puck Line (+115)
• Over/Under 6 goals (-125/+105)

Boosted Same Game Parlay #1

• Ovechkin 2+ Points
• Ovechkin 3+ Shots on Goal
• Ovechkin Anytime Goal
• Boosted Odds: +325 (from +280)

Boosted Same Game Parlay #2

• Ovechkin 3+ Shots on Goal
• Larkin 3+ Shots on Goal
• Kane 3+ Shots on Goal
• Boosted Odds: +400 (from +350)

Stanley Cup Futures Odds:

• Washington Capitals (+900)

Capitals-Red Wings Game-Day Updates and Essential Details

Friday's game between the Capitals and Red Wings at Capital One Arena is scheduled to start at 7:00PM ET.

• Teams: Red Wings vs. Capitals
• Date: Friday, March 7, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM ET
• Venue: Capital One Arena
• Current Betting Odds:
  • Spread: Capitals favored at -1.5
  • Total (Over/Under): 6
  • Moneyline Odds: Red Wings +180, Capitals -220

Pre-Game Probabilities

Last Updated: 12:15AM, Mar 8

Moneyline

Over / Under

Puck Line

Red Wings

Win %

36%

64%

+195

-225

Get the best bets with Dimers Pro

See Matchup

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Capitals

Red Wings DET

+195

Win %

36%

64%

See Matchup

Capitals WSH

-225

Get the best bets with Dimers Pro

Get Dimers Pro

Smart bettors can take advantage of the latest expert predictions for Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals to capitalize on this exciting storyline as it unfolds, as well as the latest bet365 bonus code DIMERS, that unlocks a choice of two sign-up offers.

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