Alex Ovechkin is chasing down Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record and took time to pay homage to the legend during the Washington Capitals' recent visit to Edmonton. On Monday, after practice at Rogers Place, Ovechkin had the unique opportunity to try on Gretzky's gloves and hold one of his game-used sticks and jerseys, acts reminiscent of the sport's rich history.
The event unfolded right before the Capitals' matchup against the Oilers, marking the capstone of Ovechkin’s continuing quest for greatness. The Capitals celebrated Ovechkin’s visit with excitement, stating on social media, “The #Gr8 stopped by the Edmonton Oilers Hall of Fame Room at Rogers Place after practice today to pay respects to The Great One.”
Currently sitting at 874 goals, Ovechkin is just 21 goals away from breaking Gretzky’s longstanding record of 894 goals. With this pinnacle within his reach, Ovechkin achieved his latest score against the Ottawa Senators, netting his 874th goal during an overtime thriller on January 16—a game-winning shot against Leevi Merilainen. This remarkable feat not only brought him closer to Gretzky's mark but also made him the player to have scored against 179 different goaltenders, surpassing Jaromir Jagr's previous record of 178.
Throughout his career, Ovechkin has maintained utmost respect for Gretzky, which is why this moment at Rogers Place was highly significant. Back during the 2018 Stanley Cup victory, Gretzky gifted Ovechkin the stick he utilized to score his 807th career goal, establishing their friendship. Their bond strengthened through shared respect was highlighted by Gretzky's expressed willingness to attend games once Ovechkin narrows down his quest to just five goals from Gretzky's record, signifying the great one's continued support.
“He’s been nothing but positive for our sport and that's most important, and he’s been great for the Washington Capitals,” Gretzky remarked, conveying his encouragement as Ovechkin strives for the historic milestone.
This encounter serves as more than just memorabilia; it symbolizes the passing of greatness from one generation of elite hockey players to another. Ovechkin, who has 21 goals already this season, is carving out his legacy as one of the best scorers of all time, aiming to become the only NHL player to reach 900 career goals, projected for April if he maintains his scoring pace.
Despite admiration from many fans, there exists reservation among others, particularly those loyal to Gretzky. Some Oilers fans appear reluctant to see the record leave Gretzky—a Canadian icon. Glen Sather, the legendary Oilers coach and executive, expressed dismay at the notion of Gretzky's record transferring to another player, illustrating the tension between respect and rivalry.
Nevertheless, the overarching theme remains one of appreciation for the sport and mutual respect between Ovechkin and Gretzky. Ovechkin himself has expressed gratitude for Gretzky’s support through the years and shared insights on Gretzky’s encouragement via text messages during his goal chase, stating, "Even when I have a slump, he will sometimes text me and say, ‘Don't worry about it. It will come.’ He’s on my side. If the kind of person is rooting for me, it’s pretty cool stuff.”
With plenty of hockey yet to play this season, observers are eager to see Ovechkin’s quest reach its climax and the possibilities of history being made on the ice soon. Whether Ovechkin will match or surpass Gretzky's record is yet to be determined, but his tribute to Gretzky is an undeniable highlight. The respect between these two athletes is not just ceremonial; it reflects how the past influences the present and continues to inspire the future of hockey.