Wayne Gretzky Makes a Pledge As Alex Ovechkin Quickly Approaches His NHL Goal Record
Photo credit: Talk Hockey
Wayne Gretzky revealed that he wants to be present and in attendance when Alex Ovechkin beats his record, a pledge from The Great One to The Great Eight.
As Alex Ovechkin inches towards Wayne Gretzky's all-time record for most goals, the hockey world is paying attention, none more so than Gretzky himself.
According to Sportsnet, Gretzky will be attending game after game as Ovechkin approaches the record.
Ovechkin now needs seven to tie and eight goals to surpass Gretzky
With his 887th career goal having been scored against the San Jose Sharks last weekend, Ovechkin now needs just eight more in the final 14 games of the season to surpass Gretzky.
There is no guarantee of that, of course, but the Capitals star has a history of catching fire at the right time. As Ovechkin ascends the leaderboard, "The Great One" is making sure he's there to witness history firsthand.
Gretzky and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, as well as the league's chief communications officer Jon Weinstein all say they will be keeping a close eye on Ovechkin's games as the record comes within reach.
"Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of the NHL's all-time goal-scoring record is a major milestone not just for hockey, but across the entire sports world," Jon Weinstein, the league's chief communications officer, said in a statement. "We're looking forward to marking this historic chase in multiple ways that reflect the magnitude of this incredible moment."
If Ovechkin is going to break the record this season, he'll need to pick up the pace, especially after being held scoreless in Washington's 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday night.
Yet all it would take is one explosive game to put him in place. With 32 career hat tricks to his name, a 33rd would move him a lot closer to hockey immortality.
Ovechkin's chase continues Thursday night when the Capitals take on the Philadelphia Flyers at home.
| POLL | ||
MARS 19 | 312 ANSWERS Wayne Gretzky Makes a Pledge As Alex Ovechkin Quickly Approaches His NHL Goal Record Will Alex Ovechkin beat Wayne Gretzky's goal record this season? | ||
| Yes | 232 | 74.4 % |
| No | 80 | 25.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
