The Great Chase: Ovechkin’s Pursuit of Gretzky’s Goal-Scoring Throne
Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals’ captain and perennial scoring threat, is on the verge of achieving a feat once deemed impossible: surpassing Wayne Gretzky as the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. With the countdown dwindling to a mere seven goals, the hockey world is abuzz, watching intently as "The Great Eight" inches closer to dethroning "The Great One."
Gretzky’s record of 894 goals stood as a seemingly insurmountable benchmark, a testament to his unparalleled skill and dominance. He earned the moniker "The Great One" for a reason, rewriting the record books and setting a standard that many believed would never be challenged. Yet, here we are, witnessing Ovechkin’s relentless pursuit, a chase that began this season with the Russian superstar trailing by 41 goals. He tallied his 35th of the year Thursday night.
But numbers alone fail to fully capture the magnitude of what both players have accomplished. Both Gretzky and Ovechkin have separated themselves from their contemporaries, creating a substantial gulf that solidifies their status as two of the league’s all-time greats. They have redefined what’s possible on the ice, inspiring generations of players and captivating fans with their incredible talent.
The journey to legendary status requires a combination of consistent all-star performance, exceptional health, and remarkable longevity. Gretzky, despite losing a significant portion of the 1992-93 season to a back injury, maintained an extraordinary level of play throughout his career. Ovechkin, too, has demonstrated remarkable durability, with a recent broken leg sidelining him for 16 games being a relatively rare occurrence. For the most part, both players have remained on the ice during their prime years, maximizing their opportunities to score and contribute to their teams.
Remarkably, both Ovechkin and Gretzky have averaged approximately 49 goals per season, showcasing their consistency and dedication to their craft. However, some argue that Ovechkin is still in the prime of his career, given the relatively stable trajectory of his scoring. He continues to defy age and expectations, proving that he remains a force to be reckoned with.
The inevitable debate arises: Who is the better player, Gretzky or Ovechkin? It’s a question that sparks passionate discussions and divides fans, much like similar debates in other sports, such as Jordan versus LeBron or Brady versus Mahomes. Comparing players across different eras is inherently challenging, as the game evolves, equipment changes, and strategies shift.
Consider the differences in hockey equipment between Gretzky’s and Ovechkin’s early years. Goalies’ pads and mitts have undergone significant transformations, providing greater protection and hindering scoring opportunities. To be fair, goalies wore more modern-day uniforms in Gretzky’s final seasons, and two years before Ovechkin entered the NHL, the length of goalie pads was limited to 38 inches.
Some argue that Ovechkin’s goal-scoring achievements are even more impressive considering the increased difficulty of scoring in today’s NHL. Gretzky’s early years coincided with a period when the league averaged the highest points per game, leading to more offensive opportunities. Of the 25 players who have scored 65 or more goals in a season, 19 achieved this feat during Gretzky’s era. Ovechkin, on the other hand, has only reached the 65-goal mark once.
Gretzky himself has acknowledged the inevitability of losing his scoring title to Ovechkin. "It’s just a matter of time, whether it’s late this year, early next year, whenever," Gretzky said. "I mean, he’s a great player. He’s a great goal scorer."
However, Gretzky also emphasizes that the measure of a great hockey player extends beyond goals alone. He argues that overall contributions to the team, including assists and playmaking abilities, are equally important. While Ovechkin is undoubtedly a prolific goal scorer, Gretzky’s unparalleled playmaking skills led to a career points record that may never be broken.
In his 20 years in the NHL, Gretzky led the league in goals five times and assists 16 times. Sidney Crosby, who entered the NHL alongside Ovechkin in the 2005-06 season, has assisted on nearly 50% more goals than Ovechkin, placing him ahead in career points.
As Ovechkin closes in on Gretzky’s goal-scoring record, he also has other milestones within reach. He recently surpassed Phil Esposito’s career points total, currently sitting in 11th place with 1,600 points. Joe Sakic, who holds the 10th spot with 1,641 points, could be within reach next season. Ovechkin also leads the league in the number of goalies scored on, having found the back of the net against 181 different netminders.
Ovechkin’s proficiency in scoring empty-net goals is another notable aspect of his game. He has capitalized on these opportunities more than any other player in league history, surpassing Gretzky’s previous record of 56. Empty-net goals are often a perk of playing for a successful team, and Ovechkin has consistently taken advantage of these chances throughout his career. Rounding out the top five empty-net goal scorers are Marian Hossa, Brad Marchand and Sidney Crosby.
As Ovechkin continues his pursuit of Gretzky’s record, the hockey world eagerly awaits the moment when "The Great Eight" ascends to the throne, cementing his place as one of the greatest goal scorers of all time. It’s a chase that has captivated fans, sparked debates, and reminded us of the enduring legacy of both Gretzky and Ovechkin.
