Wayne Gretzky Reflects as Alexander Ovechkin Nears Historic Goal Record
Wayne Gretzky wasn’t sure this moment would ever arrive. For years, he’s held tightly to the many records he set during his legendary NHL career, proudly knowing each by heart.
He earned nine Hart Trophies as league MVP—four more than NBA icon Michael Jordan. Gretzky also claimed the NHL scoring title 11 times, surpassing Jordan’s 10 NBA scoring crowns. Though Jordan won more championships—six to Gretzky’s four—the Great One never had the chance to finish his career with his original team, as he was traded to Los Angeles to help grow the game in the U.S.
Now, one of Gretzky’s most iconic records is on the verge of being broken. Alexander Ovechkin is just one goal away from surpassing Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring mark—something Gretzky has known was coming for a while.
Still, there are two records Gretzky believes are untouchable. The first: scoring 50 goals in 39 games to start a season with Edmonton. “I just don’t see anyone getting 50 in 38 games,” said the 64-year-old.
The second is his all-time points record: 2,857. Ovechkin currently has 1,618, while Sidney Crosby is the closest active player at 1,682. For someone like Connor McDavid to even challenge it, he would need to average around 119 points a season for the next 15 years—or nearly 150 a year for 12 seasons. Neither seems likely.
Records are made to be broken, as the saying goes. But some of Gretzky’s will likely stand forever.
Nikita Kucherov Deserves Hart Trophy Consideration
Tampa Bay Lightning winger Nikita Kucherov continues to fly under the radar despite his consistent brilliance. Currently slotted between Nathan MacKinnon and Leon Draisaitl in league scoring, he should be a top Hart Trophy candidate alongside them.
Kucherov recently notched his fifth 100-point season, tying him with Jaromir Jagr and putting him ahead of Ovechkin and Brett Hull. Only Mike Bossy, Jari Kurri, and Guy Lafleur have more as wingers. Over the last three seasons, Kucherov trails only Connor McDavid in total points—and leads in points per game and power-play points. He’s also third in even-strength scoring.
Despite this, he doesn’t seem to garner the same MVP buzz. In the playoffs, he’s managed 93 points over Tampa Bay’s past three deep runs, a feat neither MacKinnon nor Draisaitl have matched. Choosing between the three on a Hart ballot is no easy task—it’s as close as it gets.
Respect for the Record: Ovechkin’s Integrity on Display
One moment that stood out during Ovechkin’s chase of Gretzky’s record came when he refused to play with an empty net late in a game. He didn’t want to break the all-time record with an empty-net goal—showing his deep respect for the game and Gretzky’s legacy.
Awards and Playoff Notes
The Hart Trophy race may be tight, but the Norris (top defenseman) and Calder (rookie of the year) races seem more defined now. Cale Makar has become the front-runner for the Norris following Quinn Hughes’ injury, while Lane Hutson’s impressive play during Montreal’s playoff push has boosted his Calder chances over strong competition from Macklin Celebrini, Dustin Wolf, and Matvei Michkov.
And while many fans may take it for granted, Toronto has now made the playoffs for nine consecutive years—more than any other team. The last time the Leafs did that? They won four Cups in the 1960s. Back then, Boston made the postseason just twice, the Rangers four times, and Detroit six—all without winning a Cup that decade.
Dream Hockey Broadcast Team
With renewed chatter around hockey coverage following Rogers’ 12-year extension, here’s a dream broadcast crew for a single marquee game:
Host: James Duthie
Play-by-play: Chris Cuthbert or Gord Miller
Analysts: Mike Johnson (booth), Ray Ferraro (ice level)
Panelists: Duthie, Jeff O’Neill, Kevin Bieksa, Paul Bissonnette, Cheryl Pounder
Stats guru: Mike Kelly
Insider: Elliotte Friedman
In-game reporters: Scott Oake and Emily Kaplan
Draft expert: Bob McKenzie
Producer: Sherali Najak, former Hockey Night icon
Ovechkin’s Coachable Side and Accuracy
One early coaching challenge for Ovechkin involved his long shifts. Then-coach Glen Hanlon addressed it directly, unsure how the star would respond. But Ovechkin took the advice in stride, apologized, and promised change. That response surprised many, revealing a level of humility and coachability often overlooked.
As George McPhee once said, what sets Ovechkin apart is his precision: “Great players love to shoot, but don’t always hit the net. I don’t remember Alex ever shooting wide or high. That’s a special skill.”
And as legendary scout Rick Dudley once said before Ovechkin played an NHL game: “He’s the best player I’ve ever scouted.”
