Playing in his 20th NHL campaign at age 39, Alex Ovechkin is on pace for his tenth 50-goal season. That level of production and durability is nearly unheard of in NHL history outside of Jaromir Jagr and Gordie Howe, who played into their 50s.
Ahead of the Capitals’ game against the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night, Altitude Sports’ Mark Rycroft asked Ovechkin how he has stayed so good for so long, wondering what his secrets were. Rycroft, a former player, played four seasons in the NHL.
“Diet, rest, and all different stuff I’m not going to tell you,” Ovechkin said, smiling.
Rycroft also inquired what Ovechkin’s favorite part of chasing down Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goals record. Ovechkin currently has 863 goals, 31 behind The Great One.
“Well, the favorite thing is playing hockey,” Ovechkin replied. “Enjoy the moment. I’m always say if I get it, it would be nice, but I’m lucky enough to play 20 years in NHL – all those numbers, all those memories, it’s gonna be forever.”
