Alex Ovechkin has rewritten the NHL history books by establishing himself as the leading goal scorer of all time, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s record through a rare combination of a formidable shot, relentless consistency, and exceptional resilience throughout his two-decade-long career. Ovechkin reached this milestone by scoring his 895th career goal against the New York Islanders, a testament to his dramatic flair and longstanding skill in his 20th NHL season.
Revisiting the journey of how Ovechkin achieved what many deemed impossible when Gretzky retired reveals the unique qualities of his game. While Gretzky was known for his mesmerizing and clever maneuvers that baffled defenses and goalkeepers, Ovechkin’s approach has been marked by immense power and precision. His infamous “heavy” shot has struck fear into the hearts of goaltenders and defenders, defeating a record 183 goalies, with Marc-Andre Fleury seeing 28 of those firsthand. Fleury once joked about the numerous times Ovechkin scored against him, noting the fierce competition and memories it provided.
Gretzky’s forte lay in his dynamic skating, mastering plays from behind the net, also known as his “office,” where he accumulated a staggering 1,963 assists, a record unlikely to be surpassed. Ovechkin, however, established his reputation with his formidable performance in the left faceoff circle, particularly on power-plays. His one-timer shot from that position has led to a league record of 325 power-play goals, imprinted in the minds of fans and players alike.
Ovechkin’s success also hinges on consistency and remarkable endurance. At 39, his ability to adapt and introduce new scoring techniques has allowed him to achieve a 40-goal season for the 14th time, setting another record. His career longevity is a testament to enduring through injuries and strategically avoiding long-term health issues. Even after a setback with a broken left fibula, which kept him off the ice for 16 games, Ovechkin managed to secure this new record in the current season. His offseason routines transformed over the years, with adjustments from rigorous weight training to targeted sprints, all while maintaining a liberal diet. Teammate Nicklas Backstrom, responsible for assisting nearly 300 of Ovechkin’s goals, praised Ovechkin’s resilience and ability to push through pain, a constant in the sport’s demanding culture.
Though many once believed Gretzky’s stature in goal-scoring was untouchable since surpassing Gordie Howe with his 802nd goal back in 1994, Ovechkin has demonstrated otherwise. While he may not chase all of Gretzky’s records, like the incredible 2,857 total points, Ovechkin still has time on his side, with another year remaining on his contract with the Capitals. This provides ample opportunities to extend his already impressive scoring record, adding yet more illustrious chapters to his extraordinary career.