There’s been a lot of talk lately about how Alex Ovechkin is likely the greatest goalscorer of all-time. After defying an age curve that most stars succumb too, Ovechkin’s play at 33 is making analysts believe it’s possible the Russian machine could challenge Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record of 894 — a once impossible thought.
Last summer, in his 13th year pro, Ovechkin won his first Stanley Cup. He’s the only player in NHL history with a Calder Trophy, a Hart Trophy, a Maurice Richard Trophy, a Ted Lindsay Award, an Art Ross Trophy, and a Conn Smythe Trophy. What more could he possibly accomplish?
Ovechkin, intentionally or not, answered that question today.
Ovechkin is wearing a sweatshirt that says “Well I’m not Michael Jordan” on the back. pic.twitter.com/fKfB2f8GMD
— JJ Regan (@JJReganNBCS) December 30, 2018
He’s not Michael Jordan.
Jordan won six NBA championships on the court. But beyond that, the longtime Chicago Bull captured the imagination of a nation with his high-flying game. He made the sport more popular because kids wanted to emulate him. There were Be Like Mike campaigns. Jordan starred in movies. He made great commercials for McDonald’s. Jordan became a business icon and later an NBA team owner.
While Ovechkin has accomplished more than almost any other player, there’s still more to do. That should make Caps fans, especially those who are hoping for a repeat, especially happy.
The Stanley Cup somehow seems to have made Ovechkin hungrier.
Headline photo: @JJReganNBCS
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