An empty net in hockey is when a team removes its goaltender from the ice, leaving its goal unattended. It's a calculated risk. By removing the goalie, a team gains an extra skater, increasing its offensive firepower. But the move also leaves a squad vulnerable on the defensive end.
No player in NHL history has taken advantage of that vulnerability more than Alex Ovechkin. The Washington Capitals left wing scored the 57th empty-net goal of his career on Feb. 10, 2024, breaking a tie with Wayne Gretzky for the most all time. The record-shattering goal came at the 19:33 mark in the third period of a 3-0 win against the Boston Bruins.
Gretzky scored his 56 career empty-netters in 1,487 games, while Ovechkin needed 1,394 games to break the mark. Here's a look at the players with the most empty-net goals in NHL history:
Alex Ovechkin, 64
Wayne Gretzky, 56
Marian Hossa, 40
Brad Marchand, 38
Sidney Crosby, 36
Eric Staal, 33
Mario Lemieux, 33
Jarome Iginla, 32
Sebastian Aho, 31
Blake Wheeler, 31
Check out the ESPN NHL hub page for the latest news, features, stats, schedules and more.