Ovechkin’s Relentless Pursuit: Can He Overtake Gretzky This Season?
The hockey world holds its breath as Alexander Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals’ indomitable captain, continues his chase of the seemingly unbreakable NHL career goal record held by Wayne Gretzky. The Great One’s mark of 894 goals has stood as a testament to his unparalleled skill since 1999, but now, with Ovechkin relentlessly closing in, the possibility of a new king of goals is very real.
At 39 years old, Ovechkin began this season with a daunting but attainable goal: score 42 times to surpass Gretzky. As the season progresses toward its conclusion, the anticipation grows. Ovechkin currently sits at 887 career goals, a mere eight goals shy of rewriting hockey history. With 14 games remaining on the Capitals’ schedule, the question isn’t just if he will break the record, but when.
Ovechkin’s journey this season has been one of both triumph and adversity. He started with an explosive pace, netting 15 goals in his first 18 games, a testament to his enduring offensive prowess. However, a fractured left fibula suffered on November 18 against the Utah Hockey Club threatened to derail his pursuit. The injury sidelined him for a significant period, casting doubt on his ability to reach the 42-goal target this season.
Despite the setback, Ovechkin demonstrated his resilience and determination upon his return to the ice on December 28. Since then, he has tallied 19 goals in 33 games, proving that his scoring touch remains as potent as ever. This remarkable comeback has reignited the hope that he can indeed eclipse Gretzky’s record before the season’s end.
This season has been more than just a quest for the ultimate goal record. Ovechkin has also achieved numerous other milestones. He extended his streak to an astounding 20 consecutive 20-goal seasons, solidifying his place among the NHL’s elite. He also set a new record for the number of different goalies he has scored against in his illustrious career, showcasing his adaptability and relentless pursuit of the net. Further cementing his legacy, Ovechkin tied records for game-winning goals and the most franchises against which he has recorded a hat trick. He became the first player in NHL history to score 200 goals in three different decades, a feat that speaks volumes about his longevity and sustained excellence.
Should Ovechkin fall short of breaking the record this season, he has one more year remaining on his contract, providing another opportunity to etch his name atop the NHL’s goal-scoring pantheon. However, the urgency and excitement surrounding his current chase make these remaining games must-watch events for hockey fans worldwide.
Ovechkin’s overall statistics this season are impressive. He has recorded 34 goals and 22 assists in 52 games. Factoring in the 16 games he missed due to injury, his current pace translates to a projected 43 goals for the season. This gives him a very strong chance to achieve the 42 goals he needs to claim the record this season.
Comparing Ovechkin’s career trajectory to Gretzky’s reveals fascinating insights. As of Tuesday, Ovechkin has played in nine fewer career games than Gretzky. This difference in games played adds another layer of intrigue to the comparison.
In their most recent game, a 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings, Ovechkin did not score but contributed with a primary assist. The Washington Capitals’ next game is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, at home against the Philadelphia Flyers. Ovechkin has a remarkable scoring record against the Flyers, with 51 goals in 77 career games. This upcoming game presents a prime opportunity for him to add to his tally and inch closer to the coveted record.
A closer examination of their career statistics highlights the areas where Ovechkin excels and where Gretzky remains the benchmark:
- Games: Gretzky 1,487 | Ovechkin 1,478
- Goals: Gretzky 894 | Ovechkin 887
- Assists: Gretzky 1,963 | Ovechkin 719
- Points: Gretzky 2,857 | Ovechkin 1,606
While Gretzky’s assist and point totals remain far ahead, Ovechkin has carved his own niche by becoming a premier goal scorer.
Delving deeper into their scoring styles, the following provides an interesting comparison:
- Even strength goals: Gretzky 561 | Ovechkin 561
- Power play goals: Gretzky 204 | Ovechkin 321 (a record)
- Short-handed goals: Gretzky 5 | Ovechkin 5
- Empty net goals: Gretzky 56 | Ovechkin 65 (a record)
- Game-winning goals: Gretzky 135 (tied with Jaromir Jagr) | Ovechkin 135 (tied with Jaromir Jagr)
- Overtime goals: Gretzky 15 | Ovechkin 27 (a record)
- Multi-goal games: Gretzky 149 | Ovechkin 178
- Goalies scored against: Gretzky 156 | Ovechkin 182 (a record)
- Hat tricks: Gretzky 50 | Ovechkin 32 (tied for fifth overall)
Ovechkin’s dominance on the power play and his knack for scoring empty-net goals are particularly noteworthy.
Ovechkin’s consistency and longevity are further illustrated by his impressive streak of 20-goal seasons, a feat matched by only a few others. His 19 seasons with 30 or more goals are an NHL record, and his 13 seasons with 40 or more goals also top the charts.
Ovechkin has surpassed Gretzky in empty net goals last season, with 65, while Gretzky has 56.
Looking at the list of the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorers provides a sense of the exclusive company Ovechkin keeps:
- Wayne Gretzky, 894 goals in 1,487 games
- Alex Ovechkin, 887 goals in 1,478 games
- Gordie Howe, 801 goals in 1,767 games
- Jaromir Jagr, 766 goals in 1,733 games
- Brett Hull, 741 goals in 1,269 games
- Marcel Dionne, 731 in 1,348 games
- Phil Esposito, 717 goals in 1,282 games
- Mike Gartner, 708 goals in 1,432 games
- Mark Messier, 694 goals in 1,756 games
- Steve Yzerman, 692 goals in 1,514 games
- Mario Lemieux, 690 goals in 915 games
- Teemu Selanne, 684 goals in 1,451 games
- Luc Robitaille, 668 goals in 1,431 games
- Brendan Shanahan, 656 goals in 1,524 games
- Dave Andreychuk, 640 goals in 1,639 games
- Jarome Iginla, 625 goals in 1,554 games
- Joe Sakic, 625 goals in 1,378 games
- Sidney Crosby, 616 goals in 1,340 games
- Bobby Hull, 610 goals in 1,063 games
- Dino Ciccarelli, 608 goals in 1,232 games
- Jari Kurri, 601 goals in 1,251 games
All of the players listed above, with the exception of Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, and Jaromir Jagr, are enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame. This highlights the remarkable achievements of Ovechkin and his imminent Hall of Fame induction upon his retirement.
The final stretch of the season promises to be filled with excitement and anticipation as Ovechkin continues his historic pursuit of Gretzky’s record. Whether he breaks the record this season or next, Ovechkin’s legacy as one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history is already firmly established. The hockey world will be watching closely as he writes the next chapter of his remarkable career.
