In the world of hockey, Alex Ovechkin is a living legend. With 19 electrifying NHL seasons under his belt, the Washington Capitals winger has dazzled fans with his acrobatic goals and deadly accurate one-timers. His unique style and tenacity have set him apart from his peers, and as he gears up for the 2024-25 season, he stands on the cusp of history.
The record in Ovechkin’s sights? Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal scoring record of 894. A mark once thought untouchable, but now within Ovechkin’s reach. Even longtime rival Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins is in awe of what Ovechkin has accomplished, noting, “It’s pretty cool. Incredible what he’s doing.”
With just 41 goals to go to surpass Gretzky, Ovechkin’s impressive resume speaks for itself. He has notched nine separate 50-goal seasons, including a staggering 65 goals in the 2007-08 campaign. Additionally, he has hit the 40-goal mark an astounding 13 times. Despite facing challenges such as the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season and two pandemic-stunted seasons, Ovechkin’s goal-scoring prowess has never wavered.
Even his teammate, John Carlson, admitted that the thought of Ovechkin breaking Gretzky’s record once seemed far-fetched. “Never seemed like he would ever get that close,” Carlson reflected at the recent NHL/NHLPA player media tour in Las Vegas. “Just incredible that we’re even here. Certainly a monumental player.”
As Ovechkin embarks on another season filled with promise and potential, hockey fans around the world wait with bated breath to see if he can etch his name even deeper into the annals of NHL history. With each goal he scores, he brings himself one step closer to immortality, solidifying his status as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
