Alex Ovechkin pays tribute to “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky ahead of showdown against Oilers
Ahead of the showdown against Wayne Gretzky's former team Edmonton Oilers, Alex Ovechkin paid tribute to the NHL Hall of Famer.
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Alex Ovechkin and Wayne Gretzky (Image via Imago/X)
One of the biggest narratives in the ongoing 2024-25 NHL season revolves around Alex Ovechkin and Wayne Gretzky. The Russian forward is edging closer to the most goals scored record of “The Great One”. Ahead of the showdown between his side, the Washington Capitals and Gretzky’s former team, the Edmonton Oilers, “The Great Eight” paid tribute to him.
Ovechkin currently sits at 874 goals following his overtime winner against the Ottawa Senators a few days ago. This goal also saw him create another unique goal-scoring record in the NHL.
Ovechkin would beat goaltender Leevi Merilainen with a snap shot to win the game for his team. Merilainen would become the 179th different goaltender against whom Ovechkin had scored in his career, thus breaking the tie for the top spot and surpassing Jaromir Jagr.
On Tuesday night, Ovechkin and his team will take on the Oilers, a team with whom Gretzky achieved a lot of success. The NHL Hall of Famer won four Stanley Cups during his stay in Edmonton and established himself as one of the greatest to ever play this game.
Ahead of this giant clash, the Oilers allowed the Capitals’ captain on try on Gretzky’s used gloves and sticks which are stored at Edmonton Oilers Hall of Fame room at the Rogers Place. The 39-year-old veteran would also hold a No.99 jersey of Gretzky.
When in Edmonton on a historic chase, it’s #Gr8 to pay respects to The Great One
Washington Capitals on X
When in Edmonton on a historic chase, it's #Gr8 to pay respects to The Great One #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/NJdQTOeoVP
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 20, 2025
Ex-Oilers coach gives shocking take on Alex Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky’s most goals scored record
Following his overtime winner against the Ottawa Senators, Alex Ovechkin sits 20 goals behind Wayne Gretzky on the list for the most goals scored in NHL. He needs 21 more to create history. However, not everyone is keen to see history being unfold. A former Edmonton Oilers coach recently dropped a shocking claim regarding Ovechkin breaking the record of Gretzky.
While making an appearance at the 32 Thoughts podcast, Gretzky’s former coach Glen Sather claimed that he hopes Ovechkin does not break that record. Sather, who coached Gretzky to four Stanley Cup triumphs, does not want that record to go out of Canada.
I just hope his record isn’t broken by Ovechkin. For a lot of reasons. I mean, the game is different than it was then Wayne had to quit because his back was so bad, guys were cross checking him after he scored goals.
Glen Sather said on 32 Thoughts podcast
Sather went on to label Ovechkin as a “superhuman”. Despite that, he does not want the most goals scored record go to Russia.
Ovechkin is a superhuman man, he’s like 245 pounds and solid muscle. I just don’t want to see it go to Russia. A lot of guys probably won’t say that. I’m sure Wayne won’t say it but as far as I’m concerned, that one shouldn’t be broken.
Glen Sather
This moment from Glen Sather on 32 Thoughts Live was certainly… something. pic.twitter.com/5eOJ2V5aG6
— Goalie Ethan (@FullRightNation) January 17, 2025
Gretzky though has been supportive of Ovechkin as he draws near him. The Canadian international has backed him to break his record soon. The Hall of Famer also revealed plans of traveling down the road to watch Ovechkin as he comes extremely close of etching his name in history books.
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Vinay Dave
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