Alex Ovechkin’s scored some huge goals in high-pressure situations, but as he nears the end of his march toward Wayne Gretzky’s goals record, that will be another level altogether.
Ovechkin, who has 868 career goals, is just 26 tallies shy of tying Gretzky. While Ovechkin’s had no problems lighting the lamp this season, notching 15 goals in 18 games, Gretzky believes the goal-scoring machine will feel the pressure when he gets close to 894, and all eyes in the hockey world are on him.
“He’s human,” Gretzky told NHL.com’s Dan Rosen at the NHL Board of Governors meeting in Florida. “He’ll get a little bit nervous near the end, but he’s been nothing but positive for our sport and that’s most important, and he’s been great for the Washington Capitals.”
Ovechkin, who was scoring at the highest rate in his storied career, was on track to easily capture the once-believed-would-never-be-broken record this season until he fractured his fibula against the Utah Hockey Club on November 18.
“He’s a bull,” Gretzky said. “His shot is as good as anybody who ever played the game. I got to play with Jari Kurri and Brett Hull, and one of the greatest compliments I can give both of them, they never missed the net. If you miss the net you can’t score, and Ovechkin doesn’t miss the net. All the more power to him. He’s been tremendous this year. I know how hard it is at that age, it gets tougher and tougher, and he’s a trooper. Good for him.”
One common theme in Gretzky’s comments this season is his acknowledgment that Ovechkin was scoring while the Capitals were also winning games. Washington currently sits first in the NHL, totaling 40 standings points after a 19-6-2 start to the season.
“Listen, what he’s done is incredible, what he’s done is remarkable, what he’s done is great for the game,” Gretzky said. “More importantly his team is playing really well this year and that makes it more fun. Scoring goals is one thing, but when you’re winning it makes it way more fun. They’re winning and playing well. The coach [Spencer Carbery] has done a great job. It’s good for the sport. It’s great for the game. Hopefully I’m there to shake his hand the night he breaks the record.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman recently revealed his and Gretzky’s plans to follow the Capitals once Ovechkin gets closer to the record. Gretzky had previously stated his desire to do so going back to 2022 and has been gracious about Ovechkin eventually taking down his record on many occasions.
“I’m almost 64,” Gretzky said. “The stress and the pressure of it is tougher than people think, but it’s all worth it. It’s a wonderful sport and the people that are in it make it that much more fun. But I had my time and now I’m a fan and I love watching. I just cheer for everyone. I love watching hockey every night.”
Ovechkin, who skated before Capitals practice on Monday, is due back near the end of December if he has no setbacks in his recovery. Despite missing the past nine games, Ovechkin is tied with Connor McMichael for the Capitals’ team lead in goals with 15.
