The Washington Capitals great start to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> season has come across an unexpected bump in the road. The Capitals star Alex Ovechkin suffered a lower-body injury during the team’s matchup with the Utah Hockey Club and has been placed on IR. Tom Wilson sent a powerful message to his longtime teammate as his chase for the NHL goals record is put in halt.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/washington-capitals">Capitals</a> legend Aleksandr Ovechkin had been producing at a high level, leading the league in goals with 15 tallies. The 39-year-old defied all odds and turned back the clock, showing no signs of regression as he closed in on Wayne Gretzky’s goals record. 



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alex-ovechkin">Ovechkin</a> scored a hat-trick on Sunday against Vegas and had netted two more goals against Utah before an unfortunate knee-on-knee collision took him down. Ovi will miss the Capitals’ upcoming three games, at least. His status is week-to-week.



Nearing 40 years old and playing through his 20th NHL season, Ovechkin is still the best player in D.C. and his absence will be severely felt by the Caps. Tom Wilson has played for the Capitals since the 2013-14 season and has grown accustomed to Ovi’s impeccable availability. On that topic, he sent a straightforward message to his star teammate, and the rest of the roster.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241121_BUS_277568_Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C-1024x576_4f6d422e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals warms up prior to their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on March 16, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada." class="wp-image-258631" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals warms up prior to their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on March 16, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.</figcaption></figure>



“He’s chasing something bigger than hockey,” Wilson said via NHL.com. “I think everyone in the hockey world just feels that bit of letdown, that emotion that you’re just pulling for him and he’s putting everything he has into it. He feels all that pressure and the whole world of hockey is just rooting him on.”


 

 

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<h2>Next man up</h2>



Though Ovechkin’s absence is a big factor. Not just for the Capitals, but for opposing teams who don’t have to stress about the best pure goalscorer in league’s history. However, it’s hockey. These injuries occur, unfortunately, and teams got to adapt to them. Wilson knows that and made something clear to his team.



“To come in and see that he was hurt, it hurt a little bit as a teammate. But at the end of the day, that’s hockey. It’s part of the gig, stuff happens, and guys bounce back from injuries, and he’s going do the same.”

NHL News: Capitals star Tom Wilson sends straightforward message about Alex Ovechkin's injury

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NHL News: Capitals star Tom Wilson sends straightforward message about Alex Ovechkin's injury - Bolavip US

miniaturas

Ice hockey legend <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/wayne-gretzky">Wayne Gretzky</a> has expressed his admiration for Alex Ovechkin as the Washington Capitals captain moves closer to breaking his all-time NHL scoring record.



Ovechkin, whose rivalry with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby">Sidney Crosby</a> fueled the sport’s growth in the 2010s, has generated even more interest this season with his pursuit of Gretzky’s record. 



Gretzky, who surpassed Gordie Howe’s goal record in 1989 and has held the top spot for 35 years, now sees <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alex-ovechkin">Alex Ovechkin</a> just a few goals away from matching and surpassing this historic milestone. Despite Ovechkin’s recent injury, he is expected to return this season to continue his pursuit.



“Alex has been exceptional for our game,” Gretzky said on CNBC’s Squawk Box. “I hope I’m the first guy to shake his hand when he does break the record.” Gretzky also acknowledged the inevitability of records being broken, saying, “That’s progression in our sport.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241121_BUS_277460_Alex-Ovechkin-Capitals-1024x572_026075ec.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="" class="wp-image-277517" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Alex-Ovechkin-Capitals-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Alex-Ovechkin-Capitals-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Alex-Ovechkin-Capitals-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Alex-Ovechkin-Capitals-1536x858.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Alex-Ovechkin-Capitals-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Alex-Ovechkin-Capitals-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Alex-Ovechkin-Capitals.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals takes a shot against against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period of the game at Capital One Arena on October 15, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h3>The growth of Hockey and Gretzky’s legacy</h3>



Ice hockey has seen significant growth in recent years, with Gretzky playing a key role in its development. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman noted the rising value of NHL teams, which now average nearly $2 billion each.


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Gretzky reflected on the moment he broke Howe’s record, sharing how it felt to surpass his idol. He also emphasized the importance of youth development in hockey, recalling his own experience of having an ice rink in his backyard as a child.



<h2>The future of Hockey and the legacy of Gretzky and Ovechkin</h2>



Gretzky believes hockey is in a strong position and its future is bright. The league has successfully attracted new fans and expanded its global reach. “I never played and thought about the records themselves. I was lucky enough to play on some great teams and in some great cities. I always tell people it was an honor and a privilege to play in the National Hockey League,” Gretzky said.



Ovechkin, for his part, is leaving an indelible legacy in hockey. His skill, dedication, and passion for the game have solidified his place as one of the greatest players of all time. Surpassing Gretzky’s record will mark a historic moment in the sport.



As Ovechkin closes in on this milestone, the hockey world watches with anticipation. The rivalry between legends and the pursuit of greatness in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> continue to propel the growth and popularity of the sport.

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NHL News: Wayne Gretzky sends a powerful message about Alex Ovechkin's record chase - Bolavip US

News of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/washington-capitals">Washington Capitals</a> captain Alex Ovechkin’s injury, the NHL leading scorer, has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, including among stars like Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alex-ovechkin">Alex Ovechkin</a> suffered a lower-leg injury during a game against the Utah Hockey Club and is expected to miss several weeks of action. His absence is a significant loss for the Capitals and for hockey fans worldwide. With his charisma and relentless pursuit of record-breaking achievements, Ovechkin remains one of the league’s most beloved and admired players.



The injury has sparked a wave of solidarity across the NHL. Players from various teams, including Nathan MacKinnon, have expressed their admiration for the Capitals’ captain while lamenting his absence.



“When I was growing up, I was a big fan of him and Sid [Crosby], obviously, with the big rivalry,” said Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon, via NHL.com. “So, I definitely still feel like I’m a fan of him in a lot of ways and watching him dominate. He’s not just limping into this record; he was dominating, and he was going for a Rocket [Richard Trophy]. So, it [stinks] he’s out for a few weeks, but hopefully, he can get back quicker than they say and keep on chasing it. But it [stinks] we’re not playing him tomorrow night, for sure.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241121_BUS_277318_Alex-Ovechkin-1024x572_ed872668.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="" class="wp-image-277439" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Alex-Ovechkin-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Alex-Ovechkin-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Alex-Ovechkin-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Alex-Ovechkin-1536x858.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Alex-Ovechkin-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Alex-Ovechkin-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Alex-Ovechkin.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at Capital One Arena on November 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The Capitals look to keep pace without their Star</h2>



Despite the absence of their leader, the Washington Capitals face the challenge of maintaining their momentum and staying competitive in the race for the top spots in the Eastern Conference. The team boasts a talented and experienced roster, but Ovechkin’s absence will undoubtedly impact their offensive capabilities.


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<h2>What’s next for the Capitals?</h2>



The Capitals’ next game is against the Colorado Avalanche, a matchup that had been highly anticipated for the showdown between Ovechkin and MacKinnon, two of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>’s biggest stars. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait for another opportunity to see these two legends face off.

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NHL News: Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon shares honest thoughts on Alex Ovechkin's injury - Bolavip US

The Washington Capitals had a huge scare as star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alex-ovechkin">Alex Ovechkin</a> collided with Utah forward Jack McBain and the 39-year-old had to be assisted to reach the bench. Ovechkin is listed as week-to-week and will miss at least the Caps next three games as he was placed on IR. Ahead of the matchup with Washington, Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar offered an honest admission on Ovi’s absence.



The Avalanche haven’t had the start to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> season they expected and are among the jam-packed mid-table region on the Central Division standings. However, Colorado has won four of its last five games. The loss came at the hands of no other than Washington.



As the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/washington-capitals">Capitals</a> are set to take on the Avalanche on the road, and without their best player in franchise history, Colorado has a chance to avenge their loss. However, coach Bednar was sincere on his approach to facing the franchise from the Capital City without the legendary Ovechkin.



“I never like to see it,” Bednar told reporters. “You never want to see players go down. The competitor in me wants to play the other team’s lineup. I want our team to have our lineup.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241120_BUS_276727_Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C-1024x576_e4e3babb.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals warms up prior to their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on March 16, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada." class="wp-image-258631" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-warms-up-prior-to-their-NHL-game-against-the-Vancouver-C.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals warms up prior to their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on March 16, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.</figcaption></figure>



“Obviously that’s not always the case in an 82-game season. But then you put in a situation like Ovi where he is chasing greatness, and you want to see him healthy and be able to pursue that. Hopefully it’s not long and he’s able to get back…and continue to pursue that goal.”


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<h2>Ovi closes in on Gretzky’s goals record</h2>



Ovechkin continues to defy Chronos and is having a stellar season in his 20th year in the NHL. The Capitals winger leads the league in goals with 15 tallies through 18 games.



The Russian had been on a tear lately, though his medical absence could put his chase for history on hold. After scoring a hat trick against Vegas on Sunday, Ovechkin found the back of the net twice against Utah before leaving the ice with a lower-body injury. As it stands, Ovechkin is 27 goals behind Gretzky’s record.



<h2>Key injuries in Colorado</h2>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/colorado-avalanche">Avalanche</a> are not immune to injuries to their star players. Ross Colton, Gabriel Landeskog, and Alexander Georgiev are the main names placed on IR in Denver. Though the goaltender has a chance of coming back this week, the team’s captain remains without a clear timetable.

NHL News: Avalanche HC Jared Bednar makes sincere admission on Capitals star Alex Ovechkin's injury

NHL News: Avalanche HC Jared Bednar makes sincere admission on Capitals star Alex Ovechkin's injury - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> legend Wayne Gretzky boasts almost every record in league history. Since his retirement in 1999, not many players have even come close to sniffing his accolades. However, there is one that actually did and is closing in on “The Great One”. On that note, Gretzky has made something clear to Alex Ovechkin on the NHL goals record.



The Washington Capitals star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alex-ovechkin">Ovechkin</a> is currently 33 goals away from Gretzky’s 894 tallies, record in NHL history. The Russian winger has had a strong start to the 2024/25 season and the feat seems closer as each day flies by.



Although <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/wayne-gretzky">Gretzky</a> has dozens of other records to boast about and feel proud on, letting go the league’s record for most goals is definitely a tough pill to swallow. However, Wayne has made something clear to Ovechkin on the record, showing his grace for another legend’s accomplishment.



“It’s not a question of if he is going to break the record,” Gretzky stated, via TNT. “It’s a question of when is he going to break the record.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241107_BUS_268070_Wayne-Gretzky-addresses-fans-prior-to-the-2020-NHL-All-Star-Skills-Competition-at-Enterprise-Center-1024x576_af68aa63.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-268168" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Wayne-Gretzky-addresses-fans-prior-to-the-2020-NHL-All-Star-Skills-Competition-at-Enterprise-Center-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Wayne-Gretzky-addresses-fans-prior-to-the-2020-NHL-All-Star-Skills-Competition-at-Enterprise-Center-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Wayne-Gretzky-addresses-fans-prior-to-the-2020-NHL-All-Star-Skills-Competition-at-Enterprise-Center-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Wayne-Gretzky-addresses-fans-prior-to-the-2020-NHL-All-Star-Skills-Competition-at-Enterprise-Center-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Wayne-Gretzky-addresses-fans-prior-to-the-2020-NHL-All-Star-Skills-Competition-at-Enterprise-Center-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Wayne-Gretzky-addresses-fans-prior-to-the-2020-NHL-All-Star-Skills-Competition-at-Enterprise-Center-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Wayne-Gretzky-addresses-fans-prior-to-the-2020-NHL-All-Star-Skills-Competition-at-Enterprise-Center-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Wayne-Gretzky-addresses-fans-prior-to-the-2020-NHL-All-Star-Skills-Competition-at-Enterprise-Center.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Wayne Gretzky addresses fans prior to the 2020 NHL All-Star Skills Competition at Enterprise Center on January 24, 2020 in St Louis, Missouri.</figcaption></figure>



The Great One has as much confidence in Ovechkin as anybody in the Russian’s circle. Gretzky has shown his support for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/washington-capitals">Capitals</a> star in many occassions, often highlighting his desire for Ovi to break his goal tally.


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<h2>Ovechkin recognizes Gretzky’s support</h2>



The 39-year old is a man on a mission. He is after that accolade. Though widely considered as the best goalscorer in the history of the game, breaking Gretzky’s record would cement the claim for Ovechkin. As he inches closer to the history-making figure, Ovi has admitted Gretzky has often times sent him messages in support for his charge at the record.



“It’s great. Even when I have a slump, he will sometimes text me and say, ‘Don’t worry about it. It will come.’ He’s on my side,” Ovechkin said, earlier on the seaon. “If that kind of person is rooting for me, it’s pretty cool stuff. He’s the best player out there and he’s a great human. He supports me and it’s a pretty cool thing. I hope when it’s going to be close, he’ll give me some advice. But not yet.”



<h2>Gretzky’s Points Record is safe and sound</h2>



Though his goals milestone is within reach from Ovechkin, “The Great One” possesses plenty other feats that are well out of the grasp of any walking NHL player on the Earth’s surface. Primarily Gretzky’s Points total. 



Gretzky’s 2,857 points in the National Hockey League put him in a pedestal. The second player on that list is Jaromir Jagr, who is 936 points away. That’s a whole career’s worth of points production. The closest active player to Gretzky’s mark is Sidney Crosby, however, the 37-year old center is 1,246 points behind. It is safe to say we may never witness that record slipping away Gretzky’s hands.

Wayne Gretzky makes something clear to Capitals star Alex Ovechkin on NHL goals record

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Wayne Gretzky makes something clear to Capitals star Alex Ovechkin on NHL goals record - Bolavip US

Five games into the 2024-25 season, Alex Ovechkin stands just 40 goals away from Wayne Gretzky’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> scoring record. As the Washington Capitals star approaches this historic milestone, he has made a surprising revelation about his relationship with “The Great One.”



The 39-year-old Ovechkin has his sights set on a clear objective as he enters his 20th season. Following the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/washington-capitals">Capitals</a>’ 2018 Stanley Cup victory, there wasn’t much left for Ovi to achieve. However, the what’s on his mind could forever alter NHL history. 



The Russian winger is closer to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/wayne-gretzky">Gretzky</a>‘s astounding feat than anyone has ever been. That said, Ovechkin’s yearly production has declined in recent years, and it might take him another full season to surpass the Edmonton Oilers legend.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alex-ovechkin">Ovechkin</a> opened his scoring account for the season with his 854th goal, putting him just 40 goals shy of Gretzky’s record of 894. While no player relishes the thought of their individual accolades being overshadowed, Ovechkin made a stunning confession about how Gretzky closely monitors his pursuit of the record. In fact, Wayne even texts Alex with encouraging messages.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241023_BUS_258586_Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-looks-on-against-the-Dallas-Stars-during-the-first-perio-1024x576_d0270e43.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-258637" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-looks-on-against-the-Dallas-Stars-during-the-first-perio-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-looks-on-against-the-Dallas-Stars-during-the-first-perio-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-looks-on-against-the-Dallas-Stars-during-the-first-perio-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-looks-on-against-the-Dallas-Stars-during-the-first-perio-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-looks-on-against-the-Dallas-Stars-during-the-first-perio-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-looks-on-against-the-Dallas-Stars-during-the-first-perio-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-looks-on-against-the-Dallas-Stars-during-the-first-perio-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Alex-Ovechkin-8-of-the-Washington-Capitals-looks-on-against-the-Dallas-Stars-during-the-first-perio.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals looks on against the Dallas Stars during the first period at Capital One Arena on October 17, 2024 in Washington, DC.</figcaption></figure>



“It’s great. Even when I have a slump, he will sometimes text me and say, ‘Don’t worry about it. It will come.’ He’s on my side. If that kind of person is rooting for me, it’s pretty cool stuff. He’s the best player out there and he’s a great human. He supports me and it’s a pretty cool thing. I hope when it’s going to be close, he’ll give me some advice. But not yet.”


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<h2>Can Ovechkin reclaim his elite form?</h2>



Last season, Ovechkin scored a career-low 31 goals in 79 games with the Capitals. However, he had a great second-half to the season, scoring 23 times in his final 36 appearances. Judging by the recent-years pace, Ovechkin would get his shot at the record during the 2025/26 season. 



That is, unless we witness a vintage Ovi capable of scoring 40 times in a season. Not long ago, he tallied 42 goals during the 22/23 season. Whether last season was a fluke or a sign of what’s to come, remains to be seen.



<h3>Power Play: Ovi’s best friend</h3>



Ovechkin will continue to operate from his office, positioned over the left faceoff dot, where he has made a living with his lethal one-timer. The Capitals have bolstered their roster with defenseman Jacob Chychrun, who poses a significant threat from the blue line and can create additional space for Ovechkin, a player who has proven he doesn’t need much open ice to find the back of the net.

Alex Ovechkin

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