Alex Ovechkin has bypassed NHL legend Wayne Gretzky
Alex Ovechkin’s two objectives for the Washington Capitals in Tuesday’s 5-1 win towards the Vancouver Canucks was sufficient for the Russian star to surge previous the long-lasting Wayne Gretzky with probably the most highway objectives scored in NHL historical past.
The 37-year-old Moscow native tied Gretzky’s report of 402 objectives scored in away video games within the first interval after he latched on to the puck following an error by Quinn Hughes earlier than he claimed the report as his personal with a superb end from the top-left circle to make the rating 2-Zero.
His opening aim additionally tied the all-time report at 135 for probably the most game-opening objectives, an accolade he now shares with the retired Czech Jaromir Jagr, together with his second placing him at 793 strikes in his profession – simply eight objectives behind Gordie Howe for second place in NHL historical past.
Alex Ovechkin's (@ovi8) second of the sport is his 403rd aim on the highway — formally passing @WayneGretzky for first all time for many highway objectives! 🦅 pic.twitter.com/2Njdbx7uQ7
— NHL (@NHL) November 30, 2022
Nonetheless, Ovechkin’s 793 profession objectives nonetheless lags behind Gretzky within the all-time goalscoring stakes, with the consensus biggest ever hockey participant nonetheless within the lead with 894 objectives in his Corridor of Fame profession.
The Russian now additionally has 160 multi-goal video games in his NHL profession, second once more solely to Gretzky, who has 189.
“It is at all times good whenever you beat the Nice One,” Ovechkin stated afterwards of Gretzky.
“It doesn’t matter what sort of milestone it’s. It is historical past.
“It looks as if we at all times have enjoyable on the highway, spend time extra collectively, and I believe all people enjoys it.”
Ovechkin’s achievement was additionally famous by his teammate Dylan Strome, who added that anytime a participant places himself within the dialog with somebody concerning the stature of Wayne Gretzky, it deserves consideration.
“Anytime you go Wayne Gretzky in something, it deserves a standing ovation, which he bought,” stated Strome.