In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, there is no statistic that better defines a player's ability to perform under pressure than the game-winning goal. When the score is tied and the clock is winding down, certain legends have consistently found a way to put the puck in the net and secure a victory for their team. But as the league evolves, fans and analysts alike are constantly asking: who exactly has the most game-winning goals in NHL history?
Alex Ovechkin: The New King of Clutch
For decades, the record for the most game-winning goals in NHL history was a mountain that few thought could be climbed. However, Alex Ovechkin has officially reached the summit. As of early 2026, the Washington Capitals captain has recorded 140 game-winning goals, cementing his status as the most prolific clutch scorer the game has ever seen. Ovechkin officially surpassed the previous record holder in April 2025 and has continued to build on that lead throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
Ovechkin’s ability to decide games is a testament to his longevity and his lethal accuracy from "the office"—his signature spot at the left faceoff circle. While his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record has dominated the headlines, his record for game-winners highlights a different facet of his greatness: the ability to deliver when it matters most. Since his debut in 2005, Ovechkin has been directly responsible for a significant percentage of all Capitals' victories.
Jaromir Jagr and the Legends of the Past
Before Ovechkin’s ascent, the record was held by the ageless wonder, Jaromir Jagr. Jagr finished his storied NHL career with 135 game-winning goals. His record was built over 24 seasons and across nine different franchises. Jagr’s combination of size, puck protection, and hockey IQ allowed him to remain a threat late in games well into his 40s. For a long time, his 135 winners were considered an untouchable mark of consistency.
The leaderboard for the most game-winning goals in NHL history is a "who's who" of hockey royalty:
- Gordie Howe: 121 game-winning goals
- Phil Esposito: 118 game-winning goals
- Brett Hull: 110 game-winning goals
- Teemu Selanne: 110 game-winning goals
- Brendan Shanahan: 109 game-winning goals
- Patrick Marleau: 109 game-winning goals
Notably, Wayne Gretzky, despite holding the majority of the league's offensive records, sits further down the list with 91 game-winning goals, illustrating that being the greatest overall scorer does not always equate to having the highest volume of game-deciding tallies.
The Active Elite: Sidney Crosby and Steven Stamkos
While Ovechkin sits alone at the top, other active legends are continuing to climb the ranks. Sidney Crosby remains a fixture in the top ten, currently sitting at 104 game-winning goals. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain has built his legacy on all-around excellence, but his ability to find the back of the net in critical moments remains one of his most underrated traits. Crosby has consistently averaged several game-winners per season, and as he approaches the age of 40, he remains one of the league's premier closers.
Joining the elite century club is Steven Stamkos. On February 2, 2026, Stamkos scored the deciding goal in a 6-5 Nashville Predators victory over the St. Louis Blues, marking the 100th game-winning goal of his career. Stamkos, who recently surpassed the 600-goal milestone, has transitioned seamlessly to Nashville, proving that his elite shooting ability remains a game-breaking asset. By reaching 100 game-winners, Stamkos has entered the top 11 all-time, passing legends like Bobby Hull and Guy Lafleur.
The Significance of the Game-Winning Goal
In the NHL, a game-winning goal (GWG) is defined as the goal that provides a team with one more goal than its opponent's final score. While some GWGs can occur early in a blowout, the statistic is largely dominated by players who spend significant time on the ice during high-leverage situations, such as power plays and the final minutes of a period. The players atop this list share a common thread: they are the individuals their coaches trust most when the game is on the line.
As the 2025-26 season continues, all eyes remain on Ovechkin as he extends his lead, while Crosby and Stamkos look to further cement their legacies among the greatest clutch performers in the history of the sport.
Sources & Original Reporting
