In ice hockey, an empty net situation occurs when a team pulls its goalie off the ice, leaving the goal undefended. This is a tactical gamble to enhance offensive pressure by adding an extra skater. However, it also makes the team more vulnerable defensively.
Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals stands out as the player who has best exploited this vulnerability. On February 10, 2024, he scored his 57th empty-net goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky to become the all-time leader. This record-breaking goal was scored at 19:33 of the third period in a 3-0 victory over the Boston Bruins.
Gretzky achieved his 56 empty-net goals over 1,487 games, while Ovechkin reached the record in 1,394 games. Here are the NHL players who have scored the most empty-net goals in their careers:
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Alex Ovechkin, 65
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Wayne Gretzky, 56
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Marian Hossa, 40
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Brad Marchand, 38
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Sidney Crosby, 37
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Eric Staal, 33
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Mario Lemieux, 33
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Jarome Iginla, 32
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Sebastian Aho, 31
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Blake Wheeler, 31
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