Josh Morrissey, a Winnipeg Jets defenseman and avid hockey enthusiast, greatly appreciates the captivating narratives within the sport.
One such compelling story is Alex Ovechkin`s determined chase to surpass Wayne Gretzky`s all-time NHL goal record, now within single digits.
However, Morrissey is keen to prevent the Washington Capitals superstar from narrowing that gap on Tuesday when Winnipeg hosts Ovechkin and the Capitals in a highly anticipated matchup.
Both teams are fiercely competing for the top spot in the league standings. The Capitals lead the Presidents` Trophy race with 102 points, slightly ahead of the Jets with 100 points.
Adding to the intrigue, Winnipeg will feature a new top line due to injury, while Washington`s coach, Spencer Carbery, is a strong contender for the Jack Adams Award.
Yet, the primary focus remains on Ovechkin`s pursuit of history.
Ovechkin, at 39 years old, has scored 888 career goals, including 35 this season in just 54 games, despite missing 16 games due to injury.
Morrissey acknowledged the excitement surrounding Ovechkin`s chase, suggesting it energizes the Capitals.
Ovechkin`s pursuit of Gretzky`s record has been a source of energy for the Capitals for two decades.
A top pick in the 2004 draft, Ovechkin boasts nine 50-goal seasons, including a remarkable 65 goals in 2007-08, and has reached the 40-goal mark an impressive 13 times.
Jets forward Nino Niederreiter expressed fascination with witnessing Ovechkin`s era and his record chase.
After a season with 33 goals in 2016-17, Ovechkin rebounded with 148 goals in the following three seasons, placing him within striking distance of Gretzky`s once-unthinkable record.
Morrissey emphasized Ovechkin`s consistent scoring ability over many years as the reason he is poised to break the record, noting the league`s widespread admiration.
Jets coach Scott Arniel has been impressed by how the Capitals have handled the attention surrounding Ovechkin`s chase.
Arniel, who previously coached with Washington, sees similarities between the current Capitals team and their Stanley Cup-winning team from 2018.
He highlighted Ovechkin`s role in shaping the team`s playing style, emphasizing their depth and contributions from across the roster.
The Jets will be without Gabriel Vilardi due to injury, with Alex Iafallo taking his place on the top line.
Arniel expressed disappointment at Vilardi`s injury, calling it an unfortunate situation.
In a previous game in February, Ovechkin tied the score against Winnipeg with his 877th goal, before Morrissey secured the win for the Jets.
Morrissey anticipates a tighter matchup this time, given both teams` defensive strengths, but acknowledges that top teams can win in different ways.
Morrissey`s NHL debut was against Ovechkin in a 2013 pre-season game. He recalled being star-struck by Ovechkin`s size and presence on the ice.
Reflecting on his childhood, Morrissey remembered collecting hockey cards during Ovechkin`s rookie season in 2005 and feeling intimidated facing him as a young player.
The Jets aim to make Tuesday`s game unremarkable in Ovechkin`s journey to potentially break the goal record.
