The Nice One has firm.
Alex Ovechkin tied Wayne Gretzky for essentially the most targets scored in NHL historical past, netting his 894th profession purpose within the third interval of the Washington Capitals‘ residence recreation in opposition to the Chicago Blackhawks Friday night time.
The record-tying purpose, which was Ovi’s second of the sport, gave the Caps a 4-3 lead with 13:47 left in regulation.
Ovechkin’s chase of the profession targets file has been dubbed “The GR8 Chase.”
Gretzky was within the constructing with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to witness the historic second by the 39-year-old Ovechkin.
Gretzky had held the scoring file since 1994 when he tallied his 802nd purpose to move Detroit Purple Wings legend Gordie Howe. Gretzky, who performed primarily for the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings, scored his 894th and remaining purpose got here on March 29, 1999 as a member of the New York Rangers. He retired three weeks later on the age of 38, concluding a historic 20-year NHL profession.
His scoring file had stood since — with Jaromir Jagr scoring 766 targets earlier than retiring in 2018 and Brett Hull netting 741 targets earlier than closing his 19-year profession in 2006.
Then got here Ovechkin, who after being chosen first total within the 2004 draft, scored 52 targets as a rookie, together with two in his debut on October 5, 2005.
That was almost 20 years and 892 targets in the past.
Ovechkin scored a profession greatest 65 targets throughout his third season in 2007-2008. He has recorded 9 50-plus purpose seasons, matching the file shared by Gretzky and New York Islanders legend Mike Bossy. He has scored 40 or extra targets in a season 14 occasions, which topped Gretzky’s file of 12.
Alongside the best way, Ovechkin gained 9 Rocket Richard Trophies for many targets scored in a season, three Hart Trophies as most dear participant, and the 2017 Stanley Cup, which was the primary in Capitals’ franchise historical past.
Ovechkin entered his twentieth NHL season in October needing 42 targets to high a file as soon as believed to be unbreakable. He missed 16 video games earlier this season with a fractured left fibula, pushing the file pursuit nearer to the tip of the season.
He now shares the league’s hallowed scoring file with the game’s most revered participant.
“Alex has been distinctive for our recreation,” Gretzky informed CNBC earlier this season. “I hope I am the primary man to shake his hand when he does break the file.”
Listed here are 5 issues to learn about Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin.
