In a remarkable moment of sports history, the NHL now recognizes Alexander Ovechkin as the new goal-scoring leader, surpassing Wayne Gretzky by netting his 895th goal. Former NHL player Mike Knuble, who had the rare opportunity to play alongside both Ovechkin and Gretzky, finds the statistic about Gretzky’s assists extraordinary, noting that even without his goals, Gretzky would still lead in total points. Knuble highlighted how Gretzky’s dominance was rooted in his ability to set up plays and assist others, a sharp contrast to Ovechkin’s straightforward, goal-scoring style.
Ovechkin’s rise to surpass Gretzky’s goal record is impressive, considering his career began in an era when the league underwent significant changes that supported offensive play. Coaches like Paul Maurice acknowledged the different styles of Gretzky and Ovechkin, pointing out that Gretzky’s approach through the 1980s and ’90s transformed the game into a strategic play, leveraging the area behind the net. Meanwhile, Ovechkin, starting in 2005, thrived in an NHL that had adapted to rule changes favoring speed and scoring opportunities.
Jim Montgomery, coach of the St. Louis Blues, reflected on how defenses evolved to combat Gretzky while Ovechkin benefitted from an open style that leveraged power plays and creativity, allowing him to set a record with 325 goals on the power play. Gretzky, however, was known for his even-strength goals and set a formidable benchmark with those figures.
The progression in the NHL could be seen as the league adapted rules to maintain fairness, such as changing the penalties leading to 4-on-4 play, an adjustment directly influenced by Gretzky’s prowess. Innovations in goalie equipment and improvements in player conditioning presented new challenges for scorers, yet Ovechkin consistently met them.
Wayne Gretzky himself acknowledged the difficulty in scoring across all eras, praising Ovechkin for his achievements. Acknowledging the difference in eras, Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne noted that while Gretzky might not be regarded primarily as a goal scorer, his points and assists records remain unmatched. Ovechkin’s success, meanwhile, is linked to his physical, straightforward style, exemplified by his powerful slap shots and aggressive presence on the ice.
Mike Grier, current general manager of the San Jose Sharks, and others who’ve faced both Ovechkin and Gretzky, recognized the adaptation needed for containing each player. Gretzky required mental acuity to track, while Ovechkin engaged in physical confrontations, creating space and opportunities to score. Rick Tocchet, experienced both as a player against Gretzky and a coach against Ovechkin, remarked on how Ovechkin’s physicality has played a significant role in his scoring success.
The debate over whether scoring was easier in Gretzky’s era or Ovechkin’s remains unresolved. However, many, including Knuble and Selanne, appreciate the distinct brilliance that each player brought to hockey. The achievement of nearing 900 goals by Ovechkin, they feel, stands as a testament to his incredible talent and dedication to the sport.