Alex Ovechkin gets another crack at passing Gordie Howe for second place all time in goals scored in NHL history tonight when the Washington Capitals take on the Ottawa Senators.
The Great Eight sat down with Tarik El Bashir of TNT and The Athletic and the son of Gordie Howe, Mark Howe in an exclusive interview that aired on TNT’s Wednesday Night Hockey.
“It’s always a special moment when you tie or pass Gordie Howe or Wayne Gretzky or some (other) big names,” Ovechkin said. “Just history and your names going to be in history forever.”
“I’m lucky enough to be able to play such a long career with great players. Obviously without them I’ll never be able to reach that milestone. Being connected with those great players is pretty special.”
Ovechkin met Gordie early in his career in Montreal. He passed away in 2016. When the Capitals were in Detroit earlier this season, Gordie’s son Mark met Alex for the first time. The two of them shook hands and the son wished Ovi luck in his chase towards greatness.
When Wayne Gretzky broke Gordie Howe’s record for points and goals, Gordie made sure to be around as the Great One chased his milestones. Now Mark looks to return the favor with the Great Eight knowing his father would’ve done the same if he was still around.
“It’s about Alex. It’s about the game of hockey. It’s about the history of hockey. It’s a very important thing to do,” said Mark.
El Bashir noted that there were similarities between Ovechkin and Howe in their games. Both fierce competitors on the ice and nice people off the ice.
“Well, he’s Mr. Hockey… He’s the best. Obviously I’m a very lucky guy to have a chance to meet him, to shake his hand,” said Ovechkin.
In 25 of Howe’s 26 years, he played for one team: the Detroit Red Wings. What makes this chase even more special is that the Capitals are the only team Alex has gotten to know in his NHL career.
The Great 8 is trying to pass Gordie Howe on the NHL's all-time scoring list. The Caps superstar sat down with @TarikElBashir and Gordie's son, Mark, for an exclusive #NHLonTNT interview ⬇️🍿 pic.twitter.com/hxlhqHCKCb
— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) December 22, 2022
Ovechkin has the most goals scored with one team. He tied the record in Detroit. He passed the record on Nov. 5 against the Arizona Coyotes.
Mark and his brother Marty were in attendance during the Capitals home game against the Red Wings on Monday night. Mark hopes to be there when Ovechkin breaks his dad’s milestone and when he does there will only be one player left to chase.