Alex Ovechkin is now just 20 goals away from breaking one of hockey’s most untouchable records.
The Washington Capitals star moved closer to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time mark of 894 goals Thursday night, scoring into an empty net to seal a 3-0 win over Seattle. It was Ovechkin’s 22nd goal this season and the 875th of his incredible career.
The chase is getting real now.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Gretzky himself are planning to follow Ovechkin around once he gets within striking distance of the record.
“I think when we get down to five, certainly no less than four, I’ve got to start following him around, and The Great One is going to be doing that as well,” Bettman told Monumental Sports Network last month.
What makes this even more exciting? Ovechkin tends to catch fire when he’s closing in on big milestones. He’s got a knack for rising to these moments.
The 38-year-old Russian superstar has been the game’s most lethal goal scorer since entering the NHL in 2005. Breaking Gretzky’s record – one that most people thought would stand forever – would cement his legacy as one of hockey’s all-time greats.
At his current pace, Ovechkin could pass Gretzky before this season ends. Hockey fans won’t want to miss a single game as “The Gr8 Chase” enters its final stretch.
