As Alex Ovechkin closes in on Wayne Gretzky’s legendary 894-goal record, the NHL is preparing for one of the most significant milestones in hockey history. On April 1, Ovechkin scored his 891st goal against the Boston Bruins, bringing him just three goals away from eclipsing Gretzky’s record. This moment will undoubtedly mark a new era in the sport, and the league has already mapped out a detailed plan to honor the Washington Capitals’ captain when he accomplishes this monumental feat.
A Ceremony Fit for a Legend
NHL insiders have revealed that once Ovechkin scores his 892nd goal, a special traveling group will begin to follow the Capitals’ games. This entourage will include some of the most influential figures in hockey: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Wayne Gretzky himself, and Ovechkin’s family. Former teammates, including Nicklas Bäckstrom, T.J. Oshie, and Braden Holtby, may also join the group to witness the historic moment firsthand.
As ESPN’s Emily Kaplan shared during a recent SportsCenter broadcast, “Once Ovechkin scores his next goal, that’s when the traveling party begins. Wayne Gretzky, Gary Bettman, and Ovechkin’s family will all start following the team, along with some of his old teammates.” She also added that Oshie and Holtby are considered possibilities for joining the special group, highlighting the tight-knit camaraderie among the Capitals’ star players.
The NHL’s move to assemble such a high-profile group reflects the significance of Ovechkin’s achievement. The moment he surpasses Gretzky’s record, the game will stop for a brief yet impactful ceremony.
The Moment the Game Will Stop
When Ovechkin finally breaks the record, the NHL will honor him with a ceremonial pause during the game. Much like when Gretzky surpassed Gordie Howe’s career goals back in 1994, Ovechkin’s milestone will be celebrated with speeches and video tributes. Kaplan noted, “Once he actually breaks the record, they’re going to stop the game for a ceremony on the ice. It’ll be about seven to eight minutes long, with speeches and a video tribute.”
This tradition of honoring the game’s greatest players is not new to the NHL. When Gretzky broke Howe’s record, Bettman spoke on behalf of the league, while Gretzky’s family joined him on the ice for a heartfelt tribute. The league is expected to follow a similar blueprint for Ovechkin’s record-breaking moment, with a spotlight on both the player and his monumental contribution to the sport.
Ovechkin’s Calm Under Pressure
With the world watching his every move, it’s hard to imagine how Ovechkin can keep his composure, but according to his teammates, he remains as unbothered as ever. In an interview with Kaplan, Tom Wilson, one of Ovechkin’s closest friends and fellow Capitals player, revealed that Ovechkin doesn’t let the mounting pressure affect him. “You would have no idea by just watching Alex that he still doesn’t care about going out in public or who recognizes him,” Wilson said, emphasizing how Ovechkin continues to be unaffected by the spotlight that has grown ever brighter as the milestone approaches.
This calm demeanor is something that sets Ovechkin apart from other athletes. Despite being on the verge of securing one of the greatest records in sports history, Ovechkin maintains a steady focus on the game rather than the fame. His ability to stay grounded while achieving such extraordinary feats speaks volumes about his character and dedication to the sport.
A Team Effort to Support Ovechkin
While Ovechkin is undoubtedly the focus of attention, his teammates and coaches are also playing a significant role in ensuring that he stays on track. Kaplan also shared insights into how the Capitals’ coaching staff has been handling Ovechkin’s workload. Coach Spencer Carbery has reportedly reduced Ovechkin’s ice time to focus on quality shifts, helping him conserve energy for the games ahead while still making a major impact on the ice.
Additionally, Ovechkin’s interactions with younger players, such as prospect Ryan Leonard, reflect his leadership beyond scoring goals. Leonard, who recently made his debut after signing a three-year, $2.85 million contract, has been spending time with Ovechkin, learning from the best in the business. These small moments highlight Ovechkin’s commitment to the team and the next generation of players who will follow in his footsteps.
Ovechkin’s next opportunity to score his 892nd goal comes on Wednesday against the Carolina Hurricanes. With the NHL’s plans ready to roll, all eyes will be on Ovechkin as he inches closer to making history. As the league prepares to honor him, fans, players, and coaches alike are all eagerly awaiting the day Ovechkin surpasses Gretzky’s record and secures his place as one of the greatest hockey players to ever play the game.
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