Anticipation Builds as Ovechkin Closes in on Historic NHL Record
In Washington, the excitement is palpable at Capital One Arena, where the number 895 is more than just a figure—it’s a symbol of a potential historic milestone in the NHL. The arena is ready with a stack of 895 pucks and a goal horn, waiting to celebrate Alex Ovechkin’s achievement.
Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is on the cusp of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing NHL record of 894 career goals, a feat once thought to be unbreakable. Ovechkin, with 888 goals to his name, needs just six more to tie Gretzky’s record and seven to surpass it.
Wayne Gretzky, an NHL legend, retired in 1999 with 894 goals, setting a benchmark in the league that was considered insurmountable. Yet, Ovechkin’s relentless pursuit of this record has dominated the spotlight, with every Capitals game becoming a focal point for the hockey world.
“Russian machine never breaks”
Hockey historian Andrew Podnieks emphasizes the significance of the career goals record, stating, “As the game progresses, and [with] the quality and the skill and the coaching and the styles of play, fewer and fewer records — those big records — are going to be broken.”
Ovechkin’s career has been defined not only by his prolific scoring but also by his resilience. Known for his ability to recover quickly from injuries, he famously declared, “Russian machine never breaks,” after a quick recovery early in his career.
At 39, Ovechkin may not have the same speed, but his scoring prowess remains. Despite a broken fibula sidelining him for over a month, he has already scored 35 goals this season, tying for fourth-most in the league.
“Ovi’s office”
Ovechkin’s trademark move, a one-timer slapshot from the left side, especially during power plays, has been a constant throughout his career. This spot on the ice, known as “Ovi’s office,” continues to be a challenge for opponents, even when they anticipate it.
Capitals forward Anthony Beauvillier, who joined the team this spring, noted, “It’s so hard to score goals in this league the way he’s been doing it over and over and over again, with guys knowing exactly where he’s going to stand in the power play, and still being able to get it off and score a goal from there.”
Ovechkin’s career and NHL’s evolution
Ovechkin entered the NHL during a challenging period following the 2004–’05 lockout. Alongside Sidney Crosby, he was instrumental in reigniting interest in the league. The rivalry between Crosby and Ovechkin was billed as one for the ages, helping to draw fans back to the sport.
Now, decades later, Ovechkin has exceeded expectations, leading the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup in 2018 and revitalizing a franchise that had long struggled. As his current contract nears its end, breaking Gretzky’s record appears inevitable.
The Capitals have a dozen games left this season, and the NHL is preparing for the historic moment by planning to have Gretzky and Commissioner Gary Bettman present at each game. Ovechkin remains unfazed by the timeline, stating, “It’s life. You can’t change it, so it is what it is.”
As teammate Tom Wilson reflects, “It’s been an amazing journey watching him do what he can do.” The anticipation and excitement continue to build as Ovechkin closes in on this remarkable milestone.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
