Ovechkin Closes In on Gretzky's Record
Alexander Ovechkin, at the age of 39, is demonstrating that age is merely a number as he continues his relentless pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record. Ovechkin is currently 34 goals shy of Gretzky’s legendary 894 career goals. Entering the 2024-25 NHL season, he needed 33 goals to tie the record, and his recent performances have only added fuel to the belief that he might surpass the Great One sooner rather than later.
Playing for the Washington Capitals, Ovechkin has been in scintillating form. The Russian forward has found the back of the net with remarkable consistency, scoring in five consecutive games. This streak of goal-scoring prowess was last accomplished by another legend, Jaromir Jagr, back in 2013 for players aged 39 and older. Ovechkin's recent run included a standout game-winning goal against the Nashville Predators, marking his 130th career game-winning goal, edging him ever closer to Jagr’s league-leading 135 game-winning goals.
Impressive Performances
Over a recent four-game stretch, Ovechkin racked up four goals and five assists, delivering consecutive three-point performances against the Montreal Canadiens and the Columbus Blue Jackets. In doing so, he became only the fourth player in NHL history to have back-to-back three-point games at the age of 39 or older—an impressive testament to his enduring skills and competitive spirit.
Currently, Ovechkin’s scoring rate puts him on pace to potentially total 55 goals by the end of this season. Such a feat would not only bring him tantalizingly close to Gretzky’s record but would also further cement his status as one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history.
Across the League
While Ovechkin continues to make headlines, other players are also capturing attention with stellar performances. Martin Necas of the Carolina Hurricanes, for instance, has been a standout for his team, leading in goals, points, assists, and power-play assists. Necas tallied three goals and six assists over his last three games, including a clutch, game-clinching goal against the Philadelphia Flyers with just 29.3 seconds remaining.
In Vancouver, Quinn Hughes has also been noteworthy, recently recording a goal and five assists and securing a third-place position in league standings for total points, trailing only Cale Makar and Josh Morrissey.
The Dominance of the Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets have been setting a blistering pace this season, starting with a remarkable 13-1-0 run. With an average of 4.5 goals per game, they are proving to be a formidable force. A significant factor in their strong start has been the exceptional form of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. With ten wins under his belt, Hellebuyck currently holds the best record in the NHL.
His performances have been nothing short of spectacular, boasting a 1.91 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage. Notably, his save percentage against unblocked shots stands at a dazzling .967. During a recent match against the Colorado Avalanche, Hellebuyck stopped 35 shots, securing a 1-0 victory and demonstrating his capacity to influence the game significantly. Furthermore, he has conceded two goals or less in three of his last four games and has recorded multiple shutouts this season, fortifying his reputation as one of the league's premier goaltenders.
Conclusion
As the NHL season unfolds, the race for individual and team achievements promises to be captivating. With Ovechkin marching ever closer to making history, players like Martin Necas, Quinn Hughes, and teams like the Winnipeg Jets contribute to a season brimming with potential narratives. Each night offers the opportunity for extraordinary feats that continue to define the enduring allure of hockey. Fans can only watch with bated breath as records are chased, challenged, and sometimes rewritten in this sport of legends.