NHL, Wayne Gretzky and Capitals gearing up for Ovechkin’s goal chase

Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin

Credit: Oct 31, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring a goal on Montreal Canadiens goaltender Cayden Primeau (30) in the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

MANALAPAN, Fla. — Wayne Gretzky and the entire NHL are gearing up to watch perhaps the game’s greatest record fall.

Even though Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of goal scoring immortality is on hold right now while he nurses a fractured fibula, his quest was a topic on the Board of Governors agenda as they opened their bi-annual meeting here on Monday.

The NHL has dubbed it “The Gr8 Chase,” and creative planning is well underway with sign-off from key stakeholders needed at this level.

Ovechkin has collected 868 career goals, putting him 26 away from tying Gretzky’s all-time mark of 894 and 27 away from shattering the once unthinkable record.

Now 39, Ovechkin was on a tear to start the season with 15 goals in 18 games. Ovechkin has already resumed skating, and he skated for a full 20 minutes on Monday. The Capitals said his timeline to return hasn’t changed, targeting somewhere in the early New Year, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Ovechkin was back as an early Christmas present to the first-place Capitals.

If he picks up where he left off in his scoring pace – which is a big if – the Great Eight would need just 32 more games to break the Great One’s record.

“Listen, it’s good for the sport, it’s great for the game, and hopefully I’m there to shake his hand the night he breaks the record,” Gretzky said on Monday, attending the B.O.G. meeting on behalf of broadcaster Turner Sports.

To that end, the current plan calls for commissioner Gary Bettman and Gretzky to travel to each and every Capitals game once Ovechkin gets within five goals of No. 895.

The thought process is that Ovechkin scores in bunches – he is sixth all-time in hat tricks and was on the verge of back-to-back hat tricks before he broke his lower leg in Utah on Nov. 18 – and the NHL doesn’t want to take any chances.

Additionally, the working plan would be for the game to stop – even if it is on the road – and have a full presentation made to Ovechkin by Gretzky and Bettman. Around the league, one of the items needing sign-off on Monday was how other markets and national broadcasts will manage cutting into games during The Gr8 Chase.

For fans of a certain generation, think back to baseball’s coverage as Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa traded bombs in an attempt to break Roger Maris’ home run mark. Gretzky is all for it.

“What he’s done is incredible, what he’s done is remarkable, what he’s done is great for the game,” Gretzky told reporters. “More importantly, what his team has done is really, really fun. Scoring goals is one thing, but when you’re winning, it makes it way more fun.”

No. 99 marveled at how little Ovechkin’s game has changed over his 1,444-game career.

“He’s a bull. His shot is as good as anybody who’s ever played the game,” Gretzky said. “I played with Jari Kurri and Brett Hull and one of the greatest complements I could give them is they never missed the net. Ovechkin doesn’t miss the net. All the more power to him. He’s been tremendous this year and I know how hard it is at that age. It gets tougher and tougher, but he’s hung in there.”

Gretzky said he has kept in touch with Ovechkin throughout The Gr8 Chase, where it will be ‘human nature’ to have some nerves toward the end. Particularly with everyone watching.

“He’ll be fine,” Gretzky said. “I talk to Alex periodically. I always wish him the best. You know, he’s handled the pressure, he’s won a Stanley Cup. He’s been a big part of the NHL and a huge part of the Washington Capitals. He’s human, he’ll get a little bit nervous near the end. Listen, he’s been nothing but positive for the sport, and good for him.”

_____

Article presented by Fountain Tire

At Fountain Tire, you don’t have to choose between a good deal or excellent service—they offer both. They treat your vehicle like their own, providing detailed inspections, photos, and updates on what’s fine, what needs attention, and what can wait. Offering top-quality tires and products from brands like Goodyear, safety is their top priority. Every visit ensures you’re as safe as possible on the road. If you need new tires, or your vehicle’s making a funny noise, stop by Fountain Tire. They’ll take care of it, or you can book an appointment online at www.fountaintire.com.

_____

NHL, Wayne Gretzky and Capitals gearing up for Ovechkin’s goal chase

Article presented by Fountain Tire

Recently by Frank Seravalli