Wayne Gretzky reveals plans of traveling to watch Alex Ovechkin as Capitals forward edges closer to HISTORIC goal scoring record
NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky has revealed that he will travel to watch Alex Ovechkin once he gets super close to his goal-scoring record.
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Wayne Gretzky and Alex Ovechkin (Image via Imago)
One of the biggest storylines of the 2024-25 season revolves around Alex Ovechkin and Wayne Gretzky. The Washington Capitals forward is edging closer to the historic goal-scoring record of Gretzky. “The Great One” has now revealed his plan of traveling to watch him as he gets near history.
Gretzky, who retired in 1999, holds the record for the most goals scored in NHL history with 894. For a long time, it seemed this record would not be broken. Despite his age, Ovechkin has not slowed down on the trail just yet.
The Capitals captain currently has 868 goals and is 26 goals away from matching the record. However, he is currently out of action after suffering a leg injury in a clash with Jake McBain in November.
Speaking on this milestone, Gretzky revealed that he and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman will be following him closely once the chase gets down to five goals. The Hall of Famer also joked that he hopes this happened in games which are played close to his location.
It’s a great record and good for him. You know, it’s exciting, and yeah, I want to be there and so, you know, the league will honor him the way they should. I’m excited for him. I hope I don’t have to travel too much. Hopefully, he plays a lot of games in Washington, the Island, Rangers, Philly. I’m right there, right? My luck will be out in Vegas and L.A. and Anaheim
Wayne Gretzky said on NHL on TNT
Wayne Gretzky will be going on the road to watch Ovi break his goals record in person ?? pic.twitter.com/DSyrNUjq6E
— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) December 11, 2024
While there is no timeline regarding his return, Ovechkin has started skating again. Last week, a video of him skating alone in an empty arena went viral. This comes just two weeks after he fractured his foot in the collision with McBain.
The Capitals have enjoyed a good start to this season. Despite losing their veteran captain, the team has continued their winning run. The team have currently won six of their last seven games and will look to make it seven out of eight when they face a 8-game winless Buffalo Sabres.
Wayne Gretzky claims Alex Ovechkin will get ‘nervous’ while coming closer to goal scoring record
In the past few years, Wayne Gretzky has several times supported Alex Ovechkin and backed him to break his record. However, The Great One also thinks that Ovechkin will get nervous when he comes close to overtaking him in the future.
Speaking with Chris Johnston of The Athletic on Monday, the former Edmonton Oilers star explained that Ovechkin is a human after all and thus he will get a bit nervous when he gets to the end of the chase.
He’s human. He’ll get a little bit nervous near the end. I talk to Alex periodically and I always wish him the best. He’s handled the pressure. He’s won the Stanley Cup. He’s been a huge part of the Washington Capitals and the NHL. He’s been nothing but positive for our sport.
Wayne Gretzky said as per Chris Johnston of The Athletic
Wayne Gretzky on Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of his all-time NHL goals record:
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 9, 2024
"He's human. He'll get nervous near the end."
The big question is when – when will Alex Ovechkin break the record of Wayne Gretzky? For now, fans will have to wait a little longer as he gears up to return from the leg injury.
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Vinay Dave
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