Alexander Ovechkin Goals: When Will He Break Wayne Gretzky’s All-Time Record?:
Records are meant to be broken, but I didn’t give a lot of thought to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record of 894 goals being in jeopardy when he retired in 1988-89. I didn’t believe Alexander Ovechkin would still be playing at age 39 and still be so darn productive. After a knee injury sidelined Ovechkin in mid-November, it seemed more than likely that Gretzky’s record was safe for the remainder of the season. But the “Great 8” obviously felt otherwise and sits nine goals shy of becoming the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring leader.
Ovechkin is on pace to break the record on April 6 when the Capitals visit the New York Islanders. But since the league returned from the 4 Nations tournament break, Ovechkin has scored seven goals in eight games, along with 42 shots on goal and 91 shots directed at the net. He’s averaging 10 shots directed at the net each game. He and his teammates are doing everything in their power to help him set the record. Based on his goal production rate since play has resumed following the 4 Nations, Ovechkin would need just 10 more games to surpass Gretzky’s record. That would put him on pace to set the mark on April Fool’s Day in Boston.
Beginning tonight, when the Capitals travel to Anaheim, Ovechkin and the Caps are likely to be the betting favorite in seven of their next 10 games, increasing the chances for empty-net opportunities for Ovechkin. Add to that, six of the next 10 teams that Ovechkin will face rank in the bottom third (20 or lower) in goals-against average.
The teams Ovechkin will face include the San Jose Sharks (March 15), whom Ovechkin has scored 16 goals in 28 games, and the Minnesota Wild (March 27), whom Ovechkin has tortured with 19 goals in 23 games. The Wild are the eighth game coming up on the schedule and at 22-1, it’s worth a bet. Next up on the schedule are the Buffalo Sabres (15-1). Ovechkin has 41 career goals in 65 games versus Buffalo. If Ovi hasn’t broken the record by this point, then I am looking to April 4, when the Capitals host the Chicago Blackhawks (8-1). Ovechkin has 15 goals in 23 games versus the Blackhawks and two goals in two games versus Hawks goalie Spencer Knight.
Predictions: (All plays 1 unit)
Ovechkin record-breaking goal vs. Minnesota (22-1)
Ovechkin record-breaking goal vs. Buffalo (15-1)
Ovechkin record-breaking goal vs. Chicago (8-1)
