Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of making history as he closes in on Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal record. In a standout performance against the Montreal Canadiens, Ovechkin netted his 858th career goal, leaving him just 37 goals shy of breaking Gretzky’s longstanding mark.
This season, Ovechkin is scoring at an impressive pace, having already tallied five goals in just nine games. He entered the season needing 42 goals to surpass Gretzky, a feat that once seemed nearly impossible.
Ovechkin’s contributions were crucial in the Capitals’ 6-3 victory over the Canadiens, where he also assisted on a goal by linemate Aliaksei Protas. The dynamic between Ovechkin and his teammates is palpable, with Protas noting the excitement Ovechkin brings to the game, celebrating each goal with the enthusiasm of a rookie.
At 39 years old, Ovechkin continues to defy expectations, scoring at a rate that is unprecedented for a player of his age. His recent goal marked the 176th different goaltender he has scored against, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s most formidable scorers.
After his productive game, Ovechkin credited his teammates, particularly Protas and center Dylan Strome, for their roles in his scoring success. He emphasized the importance of teamwork in creating goal-scoring opportunities.
The Capitals have started the season strong, winning seven of their first nine games, their best start since the 2015-16 season. Ovechkin expressed optimism about the team’s chemistry and atmosphere, highlighting the collective support among players and coaches. He acknowledged that while the season will have its challenges, maintaining unity will be essential for their continued success.
