MAY ON OVECHKIN’S PURSUIT OF GRETZKY

By: Stephen Lylyk, RP Show Intern

It was back in 2013 when, then NBC Hockey analyst Pierre McGuire was asked, whether he thought Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin was capable of scoring 50 goals in a season moving forward. 

In response Mcguire answered “No I do not.” 

Fast forward to 2022, and five 50-goal seasons later, Ovechkin added another chapter to his legendary career Tuesday evening. 

With his two goals in a Capitals victory over the Vancouver Canucks, the 37 year old overtook Wayne Gretzky as the all time NHL leader in away goals scored .  

As Capitals TV analyst Alan May explained on the Rod Pedersen Show, Ovechkin has developed an appreciation for the history he continues to make.  

“He has learned to cherish these moments,” explains May. “Last night the quote from him was ‘any time you can achieve a record held by Wayne Gretzky it’s an amazing day.’”

Even at his age, the Capitals legend continues to provide moments that hockey fans will remember forever. 

“Ovi continues to provide these incredible memories,” says May. “There’s this Ovi magic, every few nights. It seems like every night he’s passing someone in one of the offensive categories on the NHL all time leaderboard.”  

As Ovechkin continues to score goals, May emphasizes that what we are seeing is unprecedented in hockey history.  

“He keeps defying the odds,” says May. “37 years old and he’s pumping in goals left and right. Last year he became the oldest player to score 50 goals in a season. He’s not supposed to be doing this.”  

Currently sitting on 793 career goals, Ovechkin is only seven away from becoming the the 3rd player ever to reach goal number 800.  

“800’s a huge number,” said May, “I remember where he was when he scored 400, 500, 600, and 700, all of those milestones.”  

Ovechkin looks to inch closer to 800 career goals Thursday as the Washington Capitals travel to Seattle to take on the Kraken.