Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of making NHL history, which seems impossible given Wayne Gretzky’s dominance of the sport. On Tuesday, he succeeded once more.
After scoring a hat trick, Ovechkin became just the third player in NHL history to achieve 800 goals. His first goal came only 24 seconds into the game, and he added two more in the first period and one more in the third to seal the deal.
After beating the Blackhawks 7-3, Ovechkin commented, “It’s a big number.” “I got into hockey in the first place so I could join Gordie at 800, and now I’m only the third guy in history to do so. No one outside the team, the company, the fans, or my family would have helped me get to that point.”
The crowd cheered, “Ovie! Ovie!” as he was shown on the television board receiving praise
The Capitals’ bench was cleared after Ovechkin’s goal, and hats were thrown onto the ice at the United Center. The crowd cheered, “Ovie! Ovie!” as he was shown on the television board receiving praise. Even diehard Chicago Cubs fans have to admit it was a special occasion.
Ovechkin thought it was awesome that the fans were yelling his name and throwing caps at him. “Even in warmup, I could sense that electricity from the spectators watching me for that historic moment to happen,” the player said.
Ovechkin now has 802 career goals, putting him one goal behind Gordie Howe for second place all-time and 94 goals behind Wayne Gretzky for first. It’s inconceivable that he’s still more than ten minutes away.
“It’s unbelievable,” Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews exclaimed. “Many of Wayne Gretzky’s records, such as his goals-in-a-season mark, seem unbreakable. It’s mind-boggling to think that he’s already scored 800 goals.
“Since I’ve been in the league, Ovi has consistently ranked among the league’s top goal scorers, alongside other greats like Kaner, Sid, and others. It’s rare to find someone of his quality which can string together even a few years of similar production, let alone 15 or more years, let alone routinely score 30, 40, or 50 goals every season. This is a sight to behold, indeed.”
On October 5, 2005, Ovechkin made his NHL debut in front of a crowd that included Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson. When Ovechkin debuted in the NHL, he was a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson called it “impressive”
Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson called it “impressive.” “I was a part of his very first game. Even though he was shooting at two different targets, I was only interested in one. During the other, I had to take a seat on the bench. I’ll never forget the night he ran over a defenseman and scored two goals as part of a 3-2 victory; he’s been a game-changer from the start and hasn’t slowed down since. That’s fantastic, and he plays just like that.
“To say the least, it’s a remarkable feat. He’s quite ambitious. When their team won, and he scored, I recall how ecstatic he was; when someone takes him away, and the power play is astute enough to capitalize on the situation, I see him celebrating even today in the film. He’s a terrific leader and teammate, and he just scored the winning goal.”
It’s becoming increasingly likely that Ovechkin will eventually overtake Gretzky. To think he’s only ten or so points behind him is just as unbelievable. “I remember him scoring that goal.” He said.
“I want to say it was against Vancouver when he was bouncing around on his skates, and the whole world just couldn’t believe Wayne Gretzky passed Gordie Howe,” Toews remarked, recalling his childhood obsession with Gretzky. “Alex is about to follow suit. “It’s incredible to imagine that he’s reached that level, but it’s interesting to think back on that memories.”
source: nbcsports.com
