Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin believes Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews has the potential to surpass him in goals scored during the NHL regular season. Ovechkin spoke in a postgame press session, laying out his expectations for Matthews as a premier goal scorer.
Matthews sits with 300 career NHL goals and is coming off a season where he produced several scoring bursts. This season, he has tallied six goals in five games, signaling early momentum for a sustained offensive run.
“Yes, of course. At this moment he is the best sniper. He creates chances and has an incredible shot. My answer is yes,” Ovechkin remarked, recognizing Matthews’s elite finishing ability and consistent threat when he has the puck.
In the current NHL campaign, Ovechkin has appeared in four games with the Capitals and added two assists, contributing to the team’s overall scoring depth as he continues to chase more milestones and add to his long list of achievements.
The focus remains on the chase for Wayne Gretzky’s all time goal record, a milestone long considered the pinnacle of scoring in the league. Gretzky retired with 894 goals, while Ovechkin sits at a sizable total that continues to climb as he remains an active force on the ice. Last season, the veteran recorded 42 goals and 33 assists across 73 appearances, underscoring his enduring scoring touch and playmaking ability.
Looking ahead, Washington is set to face the Toronto Maple Leafs in an upcoming matchup. The game is scheduled for late October, with puck drop expected in the early afternoon in North American time zones, signaling a high-stakes clash between two top offensive teams that value elite finishing and strategic playmaking.
Earlier in the season, Evgeny Kuznetsov addressed Ovechkin’s preparation for the new NHL campaign, emphasizing the captain’s continued commitment and readiness to contribute at the highest level as the league advances through another competitive year.