The world of hockey is witnessing a historic moment as Alex Ovechkin, the star of the Washington Capitals, inches closer to surpassing one of the sport’s most iconic records: Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal mark. As Ovechkin continues his “Great Hunt,” Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews watches with a mix of admiration and respect.
Matthews shared his thoughts on Ovechkin’s pursuit ahead of Wednesday’s game, acknowledging the magnitude of the achievement and the legend who is poised to rewrite hockey history.
“It’s pretty cool, witnessing history and a record like that,” Matthews said. “There aren’t too many records where you see guys passing Wayne Gretzky. The all-time goal record is a pretty big one.”
Matthews, who grew up admiring Ovechkin, also acknowledged the challenge the Russian forward presents to opposing teams. “(Ovechkin) has been one of my favorite players since I was growing up. Fortunately, we don’t have to face him anymore this year. He’s usually good for at least one against us.”
Following Matthews’ comments, Ovechkin scored his 892nd career goal against the Carolina Hurricanes, bringing him within just three goals of Gretzky’s record of 894.
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Ovechkin’s consistency and longevity
Ovechkin’s ability to stay healthy and consistently find the back of the net has been crucial in his pursuit of history. Matthews highlighted the Russian’s remarkable durability and goal-scoring prowess.
“The consistency is really impressive, just finding a way to score,” Matthews said. “It’s pretty crazy to think about the consistency over the years. Him being able to stay healthy… and all the stuff that goes into having an opportunity to put yourself in that position.”
Matthews and the shadow of the record: Can he reach it?
While it may seem like a distant possibility, Matthews’ career trajectory suggests he could make a run at Ovechkin’s goal-scoring pace. With 397 goals in 622 games, Matthews has actually outpaced Ovechkin’s numbers at the same stage of their careers. However, injuries have slowed his production and could jeopardize his long-term goal-scoring totals.
Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals reacts after scoring a goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period of the game at Capital One Arena on October 31, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
This season, Matthews has played only 60 games, scoring 29 goals. If Matthews hopes to challenge Ovechkin’s mark in the future, his ability to stay healthy and maintain consistency will be critical.
The comparison between the two players, while premature, adds another layer of intrigue to the conversation. Matthews represents the next generation of elite goal scorers looking to carve out their own place in hockey history.
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Ovechkin’s legacy: Beyond the numbers
Alex Ovechkin’s legacy transcends statistics. His impact on the game extends to his passionate style of play, his leadership in the locker room, and his ability to inspire a new generation of players. Ovechkin’s “Great Hunt” is not just about setting a new record—it’s a celebration of the competitive spirit and dedication that define the sport.
