Ovechkin on Gretzky’s Record, Points Milestones, and a Rough Night for the Capitals
The Capitals’ captain, Alexander Ovechkin, spoke in an interview with Sports Express about Wayne Gretzky’s career goal record. He expressed a relaxed view on surpassing the legendary mark and emphasized that his focus remains on playing well and contributing to his team.
When asked about reaching 1,500 career points in the NHL, Ovechkin admitted that such an achievement would feel satisfying, but he downplayed any drama around it, noting that it was bound to happen someday. He suggested that the moment would be a natural milestone rather than a dramatic personal victory.
Ovechkin further explained that he does not obsess over records. His priority is simply to perform, stay healthy, and help his team win games. He recalled meeting Gretzky at the All-Star Game earlier in the year and said they exchanged a quick, cordial handshake as both were focused on their respective duties for the event.
In a recent road game, Washington faced the Los Angeles Kings on November 30. Ovechkin did not register a point, marking the fourth straight game in which the 38-year-old winger went without scoring. Over 19 games this season, he has 5 goals and 7 assists, underscoring the ups and downs that every veteran player experiences in a long NHL campaign.
As the season progresses, the gap between Ovechkin’s total goal tally and Gretzky’s all-time record remains substantial. Gretzky’s 894 goals in regular-season play still tower above, while Gordie Howe sits in third place with 801 career NHL goals.
Historically, three Russian players had already reached significant milestones by recording points in NHL games, underscoring the ongoing impact of Russian talents in the league and the broader American hockey landscape. Ovechkin’s ongoing chase of Gretzky’s mark continues to be a major talking point among fans and analysts alike, reflecting both personal persistence and the evolving dynamics of the NHL’s all-time scoring leaderboard.