Hockey icon Wayne Gretzky is expected to be present at Friday night`s game in Washington as Alex Ovechkin is within striking distance of his NHL record. Ovechkin needs just two goals to tie and three to surpass Gretzky`s all-time mark.
The Washington Capitals` game against the Chicago Blackhawks will be broadcast on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. This game marks the beginning of Gretzky`s personal involvement in Ovechkin`s pursuit of the record.
“It’s great,” Ovechkin commented after his team`s morning practice. “He has consistently shown me support. This is an exciting time. We will see what unfolds, but currently, my focus is solely on the hockey game. It`s a very special moment.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Ovechkin’s wife Nastya, and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis were in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Wednesday night. Ovechkin scored his 892nd goal in that game, leaving him just a hat trick away from breaking Gretzky`s record of 894 on home ice.
Capitals winger Tom Wilson, who shares Ontario roots with Gretzky, remarked, “It’s going to be fun. This is bigger than just the game; it’s bigger than hockey. It’s ‘The Great One.’ Nobody ever anticipated this happening. The atmosphere surrounding this chase has been incredible all year, truly unique.”
It has been 31 years since Gretzky surpassed Gordie Howe’s record of 801 career goals. Now, Gretzky is accompanying Ovechkin in his approach to 895 goals, mirroring Howe`s support for Gretzky in 1994.
Capitals center Dylan Strome stated, “The greatest player ever is joining us for however long it takes, which is thrilling. Ovechkin and Gretzky have a strong relationship. Gretzky has been a tremendous ambassador for hockey and for Canada for many years, so this is really cool.”
Anticipation is growing in the hockey world for what is being called the “GR8 chase,” and Gretzky`s presence at the arena is a significant development.
Retired defenseman and NHL Network analyst Jason Demers, who will be at the game with “NHL Live,” observed, “It highlights the close-knit nature of players in the game and the mutual respect they have. For Wayne to be there supporting Ovechkin as he is about to break his record is remarkable. It shows the incredible support within our sport.”
