Over 30 years ago, Wayne Gretzky was on a mission to overtake Gordie Howe’s NHL career goals record – and now it’s Alex Ovechkin eyeing up Gretzky’s own record.
When Gretzky caught up to Howe in 1994, his dad Walter advised him to be there for those who chase his records, offering support and pride. Gretzky, honoring his father’s words, attended a game to see Ovechkin tie his record with goals number 893 and 894.
But Gretzky’s help didn’t begin on that Friday. Back in December 2022, Ovechkin was just shy of surpassing Howe for second place all-time but went without scoring in four games. That’s when Gretzky stepped in with a call.
“I called him and I said, ‘Hey, you’ve got to relax out there,'” Gretzky recalled. “And he’s like, ‘You know, I’m pressing.’ And I said, ‘For most people, that’s 20 games without a goal.'”
With a motivational boost from Gretzky, Ovechkin is now poised to notch goal number 895, potentially against the New York Islanders on Sunday, embracing the chance to claim one of hockey’s most cherished records. And as expected, Gretzky will be in attendance, an unwavering presence Ovechkin appreciates.
Gratefully turning to Gretzky, Ovechkin expressed: “Thank you, Wayne, for your support, for your kindness. It’s great. I’m very happy to be in this spot. I’m always gonna be grateful for it and thanks to Wayne, how he supports me, how he always gives me advice to be patient, don’t put yourself in a stress position. I’m happy right now.”
(Image: AP)
The joy was palpable throughout Friday, starting with a pregame ceremony honoring Ovechkin’s 2018 Stanley Cup-winning teammates, continuing through his two goals, and culminating in a video montage of his journey to 894.
Post-game, Ovechkin and Gretzky had a heartfelt exchange in the Capitals locker room, sharing a hug and words before snapping photos to commemorate the milestone.
“You could tell he was genuinely happy for ‘O,'” longtime teammate Tom Wilson said. “To see those two guys standing together and embracing, giving each other a hug and a congratulations, I don’t think 10-year-old Tom would have thought he would ever be in that room to see that happen. Just an incredible moment between the two best goal scorers of all time.”
Ovechkin is on the cusp of surpassing Gretzky’s record, which could happen as soon as Sunday, Thursday at home against Carolina, or next weekend in one of the back-to-back games against Columbus. When asked what he might say to Ovechkin upon breaking the record, Gretzky joked: “Why’d you do it?”
But truly, Gretzky is expected to greet the achievement with a smile, much like Howe did on March 31, 1994, understanding the significance of this pursuit for hockey. Gretzky stated: “It’s really been a wonderful journey for everyone. It’s great for hockey. I’m so happy for the league. I’m so proud of Alex… Great for the people in Washington and hockey fans all over the world.”
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
