Ovechkin Closes in on Gretzky's Record with Impressive Start to the Season
Alexander Ovechkin, the superstar forward for the Washington Capitals, is inching ever closer to a milestone that many believed was unassailable. With just 34 goals needed to surpass Wayne Gretzky's all-time record of 894 career goals, Ovechkin's pursuit is fast becoming one of the most compelling storylines in sports.
At 39 years old, Ovechkin is defying the odds with his performance on the ice. He commenced the 2024-25 NHL season with the daunting task of netting 33 goals to tie Gretzky's legendary mark. Already, he has demonstrated that he remains as lethal as ever, notching up multiple standout performances just weeks into the campaign.
A Remarkable Run of Form
Ovechkin has recently showcased a run of form that belies his veteran status. Over four games, he accumulated four goals and five assists, fuelled in part by consecutive three-point performances against the Montreal Canadiens and the Columbus Blue Jackets. This remarkable feat places him in rare company, as he becomes only the fourth player in NHL history to record back-to-back three-point games at the age of 39 or older.
Continuing this streak, Ovechkin has scored goals in five consecutive games. This achievement parallels a record last seen by Jaromir Jagr in 2013 for players 39 years and older. Not only has he been consistently finding the back of the net, but his efforts have translated into pivotal contributions for the Capitals. His game-winning goal against the Nashville Predators marked his 130th career game-winner, placing him within striking distance of Jagr's league-leading 135 game-winning goals.
Other Standouts of the Season
While much of the spotlight is on Ovechkin, other players have also made significant impacts early in the season. Martin Necas of the Carolina Hurricanes has emerged as a key player for his team, leading in goals, points, assists, and power-play assists. Necas has been instrumental in recent games, logging three goals and six assists over three matches, including a dramatic game-clinching goal against the Philadelphia Flyers with just 29.3 seconds remaining.
Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks also merits attention. Hughes has been exceptional, recording a goal and five assists over recent games. His contributions have made him the third-highest point-scorer in the league, trailing only behind Cale Makar and Josh Morrissey.
Winnipeg Jets: A Flying Start
The Winnipeg Jets have electrified their fan base with a scintillating 13-1-0 start to the season. Averaging 4.5 goals per game, the Jets are off to their best start in recent memory, largely thanks to the prowess of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Hellebuyck has been a fortress between the pipes, securing an NHL-best 10 wins, alongside a remarkable 1.91 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage.
Hellebuyck's defense has been borderline impenetrable, as evidenced by a .967 save percentage against unblocked shots. It's a performance characterized by multiple shutouts, including a standout 1-0 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, where he stopped 35 shots. His form has been crucial, with him allowing two goals or less in three of his last four games.
The Road Ahead
Ovechkin's current form suggests that he's on pace to potentially score 55 goals this season, a tally that could see him not only break Gretzky's record but further cement his status as one of the game's all-time greats. As the season unfolds, Ovechkin's pursuit of history will continue to captivate the sporting world, as he stands on the cusp of achieving something truly extraordinary. With every goal he scores, the excitement and anticipation build, setting the stage for what promises to be a historic season in the NHL.