While Alex Ovechkin patiently waits to get back to the task of joining Wayne Gretzky in first place in NHL scoring history, “The Wonder” does not hesitate to submit the hypothesis that nervousness could end up complicating the life of the 39-year-old Russian.
“He’s human,” Gretzky said Monday.
When his luck [de battre mon record] approaches, he will become a little more nervous,” he predicted.
Ovechkin is currently recovering from a fractured fibula in his right leg, and could have returned to the Washington Capitals lineup as early as next week.
For now, Ovi finds himself 26 goals away from matching Gretzky’s mark of 894 goals.
If all goes well for the “Tsar”, he could have somewhere between 48 and 52 games ahead of him during this 2024-2025 calendar.
In the past, Gretzky has always been sympathetic to Ovechkin’s quest, much like Gordie Howe was to him when No. 99 surpassed him in both points and goals.
“I talk to Alex every now and then, and I always wish him the best,” Gretzky said.
“He handled pressure well during his career. He won the Stanley Cup. He was an important part of the success the NHL achieved. (…) In fact, he has always been a very positive part of our sport, and that is what matters most. And good for him! »
Gretzky has been at the top of the scoring charts since March 23, 1994, when he scored his 802nd goal. He then did it in the colors of the Los Angeles Kings.
He suggested that he would like to be able to shake Ovechkin’s hand on the famous evening when he scores his 895th goal.
Ovechkin began his 20th season in the Bettman circuit with great success, scoring 15 goals in his first 18 games, before being injured in an accidental collision in a game against Utah on November 24.
“All things considered, his game hasn’t changed that much over the years. I think the coaching staff in Washington does a really good job of using him the right way on the power play. He is a force of nature. His shot can rival that of anyone through the decades. »
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