WASHINGTON — An electric atmosphere builds in the arena every time Alex Ovechkin gets the puck.
The Washington Capitals` captain has always captivated hockey fans, but now there`s an added intensity. It feels different because it is different. Very soon, we anticipate witnessing a new leader on the NHL`s all-time goal-scoring chart.
If Ovechkin notices the increased anticipation or the heightened excitement whenever he approaches the puck, positions himself near the net, or moves to his usual spot at the faceoff circle, he doesn`t show it.
“I feel the same,” he stated on Wednesday night after scoring his 892nd goal in a 5-1 defeat to the Hurricanes in Raleigh. The loss to a divisional opponent overshadowed any post-game enthusiasm about Ovechkin`s 39th goal of the season, which brought him within three goals of Wayne Gretzky`s record. However, Ovechkin`s nonchalant comments reveal his mindset during this historic period in hockey.
“It`s game by game, and we`ll see,” he remarked casually, wearing a red toque and hoodie, against a backdrop featuring the NHL`s Gr8 Chase logo—a backdrop now present after each of his goals.
A man of few words, but numerous goals, is approaching the game with his usual focus. However, the hockey world is experiencing something unprecedented. Not since Wayne Gretzky surpassed Gordie Howe with his 802nd goal in March 1994 has the title of top goal-scorer changed. When Gretzky retired five years and 92 goals after claiming the record, the notion of anyone surpassing him seemed impossible.
Now, we are on the verge of witnessing Ovechkin achieve just that, and he`s accelerating his pace towards goal number 895. After a consistent scoring pattern in mid to late March, Ovechkin followed up Sunday`s goal against the Sabres with another two nights later in Boston. Wednesday`s game in Raleigh, despite the Capitals` fatigue from back-to-back games, saw another signature Ovechkin goal – a powerful one-timer during a power play.
If he extends this goal streak to four on Friday night against the Blackhawks, fans will be on the edge of their seats. Two goals would tie Gretzky`s 894. A hat trick, and history is made.
A record standing for over three decades, pursued by Ovechkin for two, could be broken in a single remarkable night.
Nicklas Backstrom is among those unsurprised by Ovechkin`s pursuit.
“I always said if anyone could do it, it`s him,” Backstrom commented last month, when Ovechkin was seven goals away. Few understand Ovechkin`s scoring prowess better than Backstrom, his long-time playmaker.
“You might not see him score coast-to-coast goals like ten years ago,” Backstrom noted, “but he`s always had the ability to score in various ways—deflections, one-timers, he simply has that skill.”
“He`s going to do it. It`s just a matter of time. That’s the kind of goal scorer he is. Sometimes, it feels like the puck just finds him, you know? And he has that unique ability to put the puck in the net,” he concluded.
