Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin have been intertwined in hockey debates ever since entering the NHL during the 2005-06 season. Since then, neither has been mentioned in many conversations without the other, and their teams, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals, have shared countless historic showdowns. As Ovechkin closes in on Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record, Crosby issued an honest admission.
Such is the greatness of Ovechkin’s pursuit that the fact the Washington Capitals are tied for first place in the league has almost been overlooked. The Russian goal machine and his incredible storyline during the 2024-25 season have dominated the headlines, and even Crosby is excited about it.
Ovechkin missed considerable time this season after suffering a severe leg injury. Many believed the 39-year-old’s health would hinder his chances of breaking Gretzky‘s historic record. However, the injury only seemed to strengthen Ovi. After scoring in the Caps’ 4-2 win over the Seattle Kraken, Ovechkin is now just nine goals away from breaking the record.
The Capitals’ captain has caught fire lately, and it seems inevitable he’ll break the record this season. It’s a matter of when, rather than if. After Pittsburgh’s 3-1 win over the Minnesota Wild, where Crosby scored two goals, the Penguins‘ captain spoke about Ovechkin’s incredible run, offering an honest statement about the feat.
Wayne Gretzky #99 of the Edmonton Oilers smiles during the Molson Canadien Heritage Classic against the Montreal Canadiens on November 22, 2003 at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Canada. The Oilers defeated the Canadiens 2-0.
“I mean, it’s amazing what he’s doing, at his age. Just, nonetheless, to score that much, no matter how old you are, but especially at his age.” Crosby said postgame, via NHL on TNT. “The excitement around it, throughout the league and fans, everyone’s got a close eye on it. It will be amazing when it happens. I think we have them last game of the season, but I’m sure at the clip he’s going he’ll probably end up getting it before that.”
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The GR8 Chase
NHL fans are witnessing history unfold before their eyes, night after night. Ovechkin is on a tear, now at an astounding 886 goals. Just eight more would match a record once thought untouchable, while nine would etch his name forever in the history books.
Lost in the hype surrounding “The GR8 Chase“, as the NHL dubbed this iconic series of events, are several other amazing accolades. With his goal against Seattle, Ovechkin reached the 1,600 points-mark.
Capitals left wing Alexander Alex Ovechkin (8) skates during warm ups before the Los Angeles Kings vs. Washington Capitals NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA game on February 4, 2020.
Ovechkin will get another shot at the record, aiming to close in on the 895-goal milestone, when the Capitals face off against the Anaheim Ducks on March 11.
