ALEXANDER OVECHKIN NEARS GRETZKY'S NHL GOAL RECORD WITH HAT-TRICK
On February 24, 2024, Alexander Ovechkin, the captain of the Washington Capitals, made headlines by clinching his 882nd career goal during a thrilling match against the Edmonton Oilers. With this achievement, Ovechkin not only celebrated securing a hat-trick but also brought himself ever closer to Wayne Gretzky's legendary record of 894 goals, reducing his deficit to just 12 goals.
The match unfolded at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., where the Capitals triumphed with a final score of 7-3. Of his three goals, the last one was scored when the Oilers had vacated their net during desperate attempts to get back in the game. This performance has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike, as Ovechkin's pursuit of the all-time scoring record continues to garner attention.
Ovechkin, now 39 years old, reflected on his achievement during the post-match interview aired on TNT. 'I think it's great to score against one of the best teams in the league,' he remarked, highlighting the importance of the victory. Not only does he have illustrious scoring records to chase, but he also emphasizes the joy of participating and succeeding alongside his teammates.
Throughout his long career – which began when he debuted with the Capitals back in 2005 – Ovechkin has played over 1,452 games, racking up 711 assists alongside his impressive goal tally. This totals to 1,591 points accomplished during regular season play, cementing his place among hockey's finest. Fans are especially eager to see if he can continue this form as the season progresses.
The game against Edmonton was also special for Ovechkin as he shared the moment with family, who attended the match to cheer him on. 'It’s very meaningful to me to share this success with my family. They were here tonight which makes it even more special,' he shared, expressing gratitude for their support.
His performance not only invigorates the Capitals' standing – they currently lead the Eastern Conference with 84 points after 57 matches – but also revitalizes his personal goal of breaking Gretzky's hallowed record. Ovechkin has become the first player to net at least 200 goals across three different decades, adding to his list of historical accomplishments.
Looking forward, Ovechkin’s next challenges involve the remaining 25 matches left for the Capitals' regular season. The team’s upcoming game against the Calgary Flames is slated for February 26 at 03:00 MSK. Fans are hopeful to witness more milestones as they celebrate their captain's enduring talent.
The anticipation surrounding Ovechkin's push for the record intensifies not only among Capitals fans but throughout the NHL community. With every game, he closes the gap, and it remains to be seen how soon he can surpass the legendary Gretzky and etch his name even more prominently within hockey history.