In Alexandria, Virginia, the atmosphere at Bugsy’s Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar was electric as the Washington Capitals played. Every time the Capitals score, the familiar goal horn echoes, and on this occasion, bar manager Armenia Marconi rushed to see the action. As expected, it was Alex Ovechkin, scoring his 891st goal as he closes in on Wayne Gretzky’s legendary NHL record. Marconi adjusted the goal counter above the bar, and the patrons inside the beloved neighborhood sports hub celebrated once more.
James Mazzara, a local firefighter, shared in the excitement from his home. At his fire station near the Capitals’ arena, they have their own goal counter displayed outside. He promptly informed a colleague on duty to keep the counter updated. “We stay on top of it as much as we can,” Mazzara remarked.
Ovechkin’s bid to surpass Gretzky’s goal record is the talk of the town throughout Washington, D.C., and the surrounding areas, with over a dozen “GR8 Chase” goal counters set up at locations like Ben’s Chili Bowl and the Georgetown Waterfront. As Ovechkin nears this significant milestone, even his hometown of Moscow has lit-up counters with supportive messages.
Standing at 892, Ovechkin was just short of tying Gretzky; he needed three goals to claim the record for himself as the Capitals faced Chicago at home. Florida Panthers’ seasoned coach Paul Maurice believes it’s inevitable. “He’s going to break the record,” reflected Maurice. “It is an incredible record. This is beyond generational.”
As the chase intensifies, Capitals fans eagerly await the moment Ovechkin will surpass Gretzky’s iconic milestone of 894 goals. The Capitals organization has launched a website dedicated to tracking the quest and offers fans ways to engage, including digital updates and physical lawn signs. Amanda Tischler, Capitals senior vice president of marketing, shared that it was important for people to celebrate this journey collectively, both digitally and in more traditional ways.
Goal counters have been distributed throughout Maryland and Northern Virginia’s youth hockey arenas, national NHL broadcasters, and notable local venues. Institutions with ties to the Capitals, like Ben’s Chili Bowl, are thrilled to participate in the celebration. “We’re honored to have one of the goal trackers at Ben’s,” said Vida Ali, who helps manage the iconic restaurant.
When the Capitals claimed the Stanley Cup in 2018, their celebratory parade included stops at places like Mazzara’s firehouse and Bugsy’s, which hold dear memories for fans and players alike. Bryan Watson, who founded Bugsy’s, remains a beloved figure, and the bar still holds his stories and legacy close.
The goal counter at Bugsy’s is surrounded by hockey memorabilia, including legendary players’ sticks and jerseys, all highlighting the rich history of the sport. Recent years have seen Ovechkin surpass numerous hockey greats, and the local community is united in the excitement of his potential record-breaking achievement.
In Washington, the mood around this pursuit is one of pride and festivity. Shops and eateries like Ben’s have become part of the spectacle with their goal counters, drawing interest from locals and tourists alike. Ali noted, “People from out of town or even from abroad are curious,” adding that locals feel a deep sense of pride.
In Moscow, pride in Ovechkin is equally palpable, as billboards and arena signs rally support for the hockey star. Ovechkin, who began his career with Dynamo Moscow and participated in various international competitions for Russia, has become a beacon of national pride. Many Russians like Yulia Anisimova and Sergei express admiration for Ovechkin as he represents their country on a global stage.
With one season left in his contract, Ovechkin has only played for Washington in the NHL. He has been central to making hockey accessible and beloved in the region, bringing home a championship and edging closer to rewriting hockey history.
Ali summed up the sentiment by saying, “We’re blessed to have him in D.C. and with the Caps… It’s his time, and we couldn’t be prouder.”