The head coach of the Torpedo club, Igor Larionov, who has won the Stanley Cup three times, weighed in on Alexander Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals captain, and his push to catch Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL scoring record. His perspective, shared through TASS, adds a veteran voice to the ongoing conversation about a modern chase that blends skill, longevity, and pace.
Larionov indicated that he would be pleased to see Ovechkin surpass Gretzky. While he admitted he does not monitor every move of the chase, he noted that the league keeps accelerating, with younger players entering the scene at a rapid clip. The core message, he stressed, is that Ovechkin must hold himself to high standards as the gap to Gretzky narrows. Progress will be measured not just by goals but by consistency and leadership on the ice. The closer the two players get, the tougher the challenge becomes. He offered encouragement while acknowledging the pressure that accompanies such a historic pursuit. (Source: TASS)
Ovechkin remains behind Gretzky in the NHL’s all-time scoring list. Gretzky finished his career with an astounding 894 goals, while Ovechkin has tallied 840, a 54-goal gap that has defined this chapter of hockey history. The duel between the two legends continues to captivate fans and analysts alike, as every milestone prompts renewed discussion about what makes a season or a career truly legendary. (Source: TASS)
In the current season, Ovechkin has appeared in 62 games, recording 18 goals and 31 assists. With 64 games played, the Capitals hover around tenth place in the Eastern Conference, accumulating 71 points. On a recent March night, Washington defeated the Seattle Kraken 2-1, but Ovechkin did not register any scoring plays in that game, highlighting how even a star can have an off night while the team pushes toward its overall objectives. (Source: TASS)
Looking ahead, Washington is scheduled to travel to face the Vancouver Canucks in an away game on March 17. The puck is set to drop at 5:00 p.m. Moscow time, and the matchup is expected to draw attention from fans across North America who follow the Capitals’ bid to climb in the standings and build momentum toward Ovechkin’s historic chase. (Source: TASS)
Ovechkin’s personal life has occasionally intersected with the public narrative around his hockey career. In recent years, discussions have surfaced about connections within the sport, including personal relationships that have drawn media attention. The focus, though, remains on his on-ice achievements and his ongoing role as a leader for the Capitals. (Source: TASS)