“Just a matter of time,” Wayne Gretzky backs Alex Ovechkin on breaking NHL goal scoring record

With his goal against the New Jersey Devils, Alex Ovechkin is now 41 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record.

“Just a matter of time,” Wayne Gretzky backs Alex Ovechkin on breaking NHL goal scoring record

Wayne Gretzky (L) and Alex Ovechkin (R) [Image via Imago]

As the Washington Capitals gear up to face the Philadelphia Flyers, the spotlight has once again fallen on Alex Ovechkin. The veteran forward has once again been backed by NHL legend Wayne Gretzky on breaking his goal-scoring record.

Now in his 20th season in the NHL, Ovechkin is eyeing the goal-scoring record of Gretzky. “The Great One” currently holds the record with 894 goals. Following his goal against the New Jersey Devils, the Capitals captain reached up to 854 goals for his career.

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Despite a slow start last season, “The Great Eight” was able to score 31 goals. Coincidentally, this was the lowest output he has ever had in an 82-game season. Last month, Gretzky backed this ability of Ovechkin and claimed it was “just a matter of time” before the Russian forward overtook him.

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Oh yeah, of course. It’s just a matter of time, whether it’s late this year, early next year, whenever. I mean, he’s a great player. He’s a great goal-scorer.

Wayne Gretzky said (as per NHL.com)

Several NHL stars, including Connor Bedard, have also backed Ovechkin in breaking the goal-scoring record. Ovechkin, however, claimed that age might not be on his side as he is “getting older” and further stated that his main aim was to win another cup.

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Alex Ovechkin grateful for Wayne Gretzky’s support

Whether Alex Ovechkin breaks Wayne Gretzky‘s record or not is something many fans are concerned about. Despite the huge spotlight on him, the 39-year-old forward is grateful for Gretzky’s support as he inches closer to surpassing him.

Alex Ovechkin and Wayne Gretzky
Alex Ovechkin (L) and Wayne Gretzky (R) [Image via Imago]

While speaking with NHL.com last week, Ovechkin revealed how the former Edmonton Oilers star supports and encourages him.

It’s great. Even when I have a slump, he will sometimes text me and say, ‘Don’t worry about it. It will come.’ He’s on my side.

Alex Ovechkin said
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In December 2022, Ovechkin overtook Gordie Howe with his 802nd goal to become the second-highest goal scorer in the NHL. Since then he has been repeatedly reminded that he is closer to writing another glorious chapter in his career.

Obviously, it’s still 42 goals. I’m not getting younger, I’m getting older, but the most important thing is to stay healthy and do my job. I try to score goals, try to create, play physical and the most important thing is win another Cup. It’s not about the record.

Alex Ovechkin said before the start of the season (as per NHL.com)

Apart from one goal this season, Ovechkin has also picked up three assists in four games. His performances from the front have seen the Capitals start the season with a 3-1-0 record. After being knocked out 4-0 in the first round of the Eastern Conference last time around, the Caps and Ovechkin will be hoping for a better showing this season.