An old clip featuring Capitals announcers mocking the idea of Alex Ovechkin passing Wayne Gretzky's goal record one day surfaced, dating from his rookie season.
Nineteen years ago, Alex Ovechkin scored one of the most memorable goals in NHL history, deemed 'The Goal.' It occurred on Jan. 16, 2006, against the Phoenix Coyotes during his rookie season with the Washington Capitals.
The stunning game, in which Ovechkin spun and turned as he fell, remains iconic. But another clip from the same night resurfaced lately.
During the second intermission, Capitals play-by-play man Joe Beninati made a flippant remark about how many more goals the then-20-year-old Ovi would need to score to break Wayne Gretzky's 894. It was a lighthearted, fanciful musing at the time.
Wayne Gretzky was ironically the coach of the Coyotes when Ovi scored 'The Goal'
Gretzky, then the Coyotes coach, had his numbers displayed on screen as Beninati uttered what has gone viral today.
'894 goals, so that means Alex is only 860 behind,' Beninati quipped to Craig Laughlin. 'Good luck, Mr. Ovechkin. Good luck.'
Ovechkin already had his 31st career goal that night and added 'The Goal' in the third period, putting him 862 behind Gretzky's number.
Fast-forward 19 years, and Comcast Sportsnet no longer exists, but Beninati and Craig Laughlin are still broadcasting Caps games. And Ovechkin? He's now the all-time leader ahead of Gretzky.
On the anniversary of his famous goal, Ovi scored number 874 in overtime against the Ottawa Senators. That goal made him the NHL's all-time leader in most different goalies scored on (179).
Later this season, he did the unthinkable, scoring career goal 895 to make him the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, officially overtaking Wayne Gretzky.
From what appeared to be an unreachable dream to hockey immortality, Ovechkin has left his mark atop the record books.
