The Washington Capitals fell to the Carolina Hurricanes 5-1 on Wednesday night as Alex Ovechkin scored the lone goal in the contest. It brought him to 39 on the season and 892 on his career. He's now two away from tying and three away from passing Wayne Gretzky's mark for the most NHL goals of all time.
How it happened and more
Ovechkin's goal came on the power play in the second period in the McNugget Minute assisted by Jakob Chychrun and Dylan Strome. It came none other than from the office for his 39th goal of the season. Another reminder that he's 39 years old.
Ovechkin emphasized after the game that "it feels the same" but others beg to differ. When he takes the ice at Capital One Arena on Friday it'll be the most electric atmosphere inside that building since the 2018 Cup run and all the stars will be out. If you're coming to the game, you'll take home a comemorative Caps 50th anniversary book.
The stars in attendance include Nicklas Backstrom, Braden Holtby, Brooks Orpik, T.J. Oshie, and Devante Smith-Pelly as the team is celebrating the ALL CAPS and Stanley Cup Era as part of their fifth and final era night for their 50th anniversary season. But that's not all.
Wayne Gretzky himself is expected to be at COA as Ovechkin can tie him with two goals and pass him with a hat trick against the Chicago Blackhawks. You can catch the game on Friday night on Monumental Sports Network and NHL Network at 7 p.m.
Trevor van Riemsdyk said after the game via Tom Gulitti of NHL.com:
"It's going to be pretty crazy. It feels like it's right there and he feels like he's still scoring every night. So, it's been huge for us and, obviously, awesome for him to see that he's still doing it at this torrid pace. "Trevor van Riemsdyk
Gretzky will join NHL commissioner Gary Bettman who was in attendance in Raleigh Wednesday night. Capitals owner Ted Leonsis is poised for this moment and is marked present as well. As is Ovechkin's wife Nastya who was also in attendance the night before in the win over the Boston Bruins. That game saw Ovi get number 891.
Gretzky predicted Ovi will reach the number back at the 2020 NHL All Star Game in St. Louis saying he has "a legitimate chance" and elaborated in October saying, "It's just a matter of time, whether it's late this year, early next year, whenever."
Ovechkin said this on his relationship with Gretzky:
"He's great. He's great for hockey. We have a relationship. He told me he support (me) and I'm pretty sure he's going to join team and he's going to follow us. "Alex Ovechkin
Gretzky scored his 802nd goal to surpass Gordie Howe's 801 while he played for the Los Angeles Kings against the Vancouver Canucks back on March 23, 1994.
Gretzky would go on to score his 894th and final NHL goal with the New York Rangers against the New York Islanders on March 29, 1999. At that time, most thought the record would be untouchable. Until now.
"The great thing about sports is amazing things can be accomplished and to see Alex Ovechkin have an amazing career and now be on the verge of breaking a record that nobody ever thought was possible. It's historic and it's a testament to both Wayne and Alex. "Gary Bettman