Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time scoring record is one of the most captivating storylines in the NHL today. Now, with just 31 goals separating him from the legendary “Great One,” the question isn’t if he’ll break the record, but when. Former NHL powerhouse Eric Lindros recently weighed in on the matter, speculating that fans could witness history as early as late February.
A Remarkable Season for Ovechkin
The 38-year-old Ovechkin is in his 20th NHL season, and while some players might begin to slow down with age, the “Great Eight” is still on a scoring rampage. Currently sitting at 863 career goals, Ovechkin has netted 10 goals this season alone. With 31 goals to go, he’s closer than ever to Gretzky’s all-time record of 894 goals—a record once thought to be unbreakable.
“So it’s possible that it’s this year,” Lindros said. “I don’t know, he might do it in like, late February. I think he might hit it this year, right? Like, if you look at his pace here, he’s ripping them and he’s scoring them in bunches.”
This optimism isn’t without foundation; Ovechkin has been on a tear lately, scoring five goals in his last five games. If he continues at this rate, Ovechkin could potentially end the season with around 59-60 goals, which would not only solidify his status as the NHL’s top scorer but also make him the first player to break the elusive 900-goal barrier.
Wayne Gretzky’s Support for Ovechkin
Despite the looming threat to his record, Wayne Gretzky has been nothing but supportive of Ovechkin’s journey to the top. Gretzky’s graciousness in acknowledging Ovechkin’s talent speaks to his own legacy and sportsmanship. In a recent statement, he expressed full confidence in Ovechkin’s ability to reach the milestone, whether it happens this season or early next.
“Oh yeah, of course,” Gretzky said. “It’s just a matter of time, whether it’s late this year, early next year, whenever. I mean, he’s a great player. He’s a great goal scorer.”
This camaraderie between two legends has only added to the excitement surrounding Ovechkin’s chase, underscoring the mutual respect between the past and present greats of the game.
Ovechkin’s Gratitude for Gretzky’s Encouragement
The support from Gretzky means a lot to Ovechkin, who openly acknowledges the encouragement as a significant motivator in his journey to break the record. Reflecting on the magnitude of Gretzky’s support, Ovechkin shared his thoughts:
“If that kind of person is rooting for me, it’s pretty cool stuff,” Ovechkin stated. “He’s the best player out there, and he’s a great human. He supports me, and it’s a pretty cool thing.”
Ovechkin’s respectful response to Gretzky’s encouragement is a reminder of the humility and sportsmanship that underpin the rivalry and camaraderie in professional sports.
A Legacy Built in Washington
Drafted first overall by the Washington Capitals in 2004, Ovechkin has been a franchise cornerstone for nearly two decades. His journey is rare in today’s professional sports landscape, where players often switch teams in pursuit of titles or more lucrative contracts. Ovechkin’s loyalty to the Capitals has further endeared him to fans in Washington and beyond, making his potential achievement that much more meaningful.
The Capitals’ forward will next take to the ice against the Toronto Maple Leafs, a matchup that promises to be a showcase of his skill and tenacity. The anticipation is building, not just for Capitals fans, but for hockey lovers around the world who are eager to witness history in the making.
What’s Next for Ovechkin?
While Lindros’s February prediction remains speculative, Ovechkin’s consistent scoring ability makes it well within reach. Should he maintain his current pace, breaking Gretzky’s record this season is more than feasible. Fans across the NHL will be watching closely, with each goal inching Ovechkin closer to the pinnacle of hockey history.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Ovechkin, counting down to what could be the most historic moment in modern hockey.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.