Alex Ovechkin is closing in on Wayne Gretzky‘s NHL scoring record and says the ice hockey legend backs him to surpass his scoring record soon.
Wayne Gretzky currently holds the record for most goals scored in the history of NHLbut Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is closing in on the record of 894 goals.
Ovechkin remains just 44 goals short of the record entering this season and it seems like it will only be a matter of time before the Russian takes over from Gretzky as the league’s top scorer.
Although Ovechkin has come close to achieving a remarkable record, he said Gretzky often offers him advice on his game and helps him during times of crisis.
“If that kind of person is rooting for me, that’s a really cool thing,” Ovechkin said. “He’s the best player around and he’s a great human being. He supports me and that’s a really cool thing.
“I hope that when he is close he will give me some advice. But not yet.”
A goal is a goal. 🤷♂️
N. 855 per Alex Ovechkin! 👏 pic.twitter.com/NS3nGuiqf5
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 24, 2024
While one might assume that Gretzky wants to keep his scoring record forever, the NHL legend confessed that he isn’t bothered and understands that Ovechkin will break his record soon.
“Oh yeah, sure,” Gretzky said last month. “It’s just a matter of time, whether it will be the end of this year, the beginning of next year, at what point. I mean, he’s a great player. He’s a great scorer.”
The only thing that could stop Ovechkin from breaking the scoring record might be his age, but the 39-year-old is now closer than ever to his 20th year in the league.
“Well, this is my 20th year,” he said. “You think I’m going to put the weight on my shoulders and you guys are going to think about how I’m playing? No. I just have to go out there and have fun and we’ll see what happens.
With two goals in the first six games of this season, Ovechkin has had a slow start, but there is still plenty of time left in the season and the Russian has his sights set on the record.
