Alex Ovechkin is on the brink of history. With 887 career goals, the Washington Capitals captain is just seven away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894 as the "GR8 Chase" keeps going.
In an interview with Tarik El-Bashir on "NHL on TNT," Ovechkin admitted he tries not to give the chase much thought but can’t escape the constant reminders.
“I try to not think about it, to be honest with you, but as soon as I'm talking to you guys, it reminds me of that,” Ovechkin said. “Every game you play against the best defensemen, best goalie, it's hard to score.
“It's hard. It’s hard, man.”
Gretzky has been in contact with Ovechkin throughout the chase and is reportedly planning to attend games as the record nears, per Sportsnet.
Ovechkin's latest goal, his 887th , came against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, bringing him within eight of breaking Gretzky’s record.
As he inches closer, he continues to receive encouragement from “The Great One” himself.
“He’s looking forward, and it’s very important for me to have that kind of support,” Ovechkin said.
With 14 games left in the season, Ovechkin knows he’ll need to maintain his scoring pace of 0.65 goals per game to make history before the playoffs and he's banking on his teammates to get there.
“The chemistry in the locker room has been tremendous,” Ovechkin said. “Passion, love of the game, and I think, you know, the people love it.
"They like that excitement, the fans, my teammates love that, so yeah.”
Set to turn 40 in September, Ovechkin is having a bounceback season leading the Capitals in goals scored (34) as well as carrying the team to the top of the Metropolitan Division with a 45-15-8 record and 98 points.
