Ovechkin's Incredible Pursuit: Chasing Gretzky's Record
As the 2024-25 NHL season unfolds, Alexander Ovechkin remains a central figure in the narrative of hockey history. At 39, the legendary Washington Capitals forward is in relentless pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time career goals record. With 894 career goals set by "The Great One," Ovechkin enters the season needing 33 more to tie, and he's making significant strides toward this landmark achievement.
A Veteran Defying Age
Ovechkin's performance this season is nothing short of remarkable. Despite the physical demands of a long NHL career, he continues to defy the aging process. Recently, Ovechkin scored four goals and added five assists over a span of four games. This run included consecutive three-point performances against the Montreal Canadiens and the Columbus Blue Jackets, making him only the fourth player in NHL history to achieve back-to-back three-point games at the age of 39 or older. Such achievements underscore his enduring skill and tenacity.
Additionally, Ovechkin has scored goals in five consecutive games, a streak that few have managed at his age. Notably, Jaromir Jagr was the last player to accomplish a similar feat in 2013. Ovechkin's streak continued with a game-winning goal against the Nashville Predators, marking his 130th career game-winning goal as he inches closer to Jagr's league-leading tally of 135.
Current Season Highlights
Ovechkin's exceptional form positions him on pace to potentially score 55 goals this season. Such a rate would not only bolster his bid to surpass Gretzky’s record but also serve as a testament to his unrivaled ability to remain a leading offensive force in the league. His influence on the Capitals is undeniable, as his leadership and performance continue to drive the team forward.
A Standout Amongst NHL Elite
Elsewhere in the league, players like Martin Necas of the Carolina Hurricanes and Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks are also making waves. Necas has been instrumental for the Hurricanes, leading his team in goals, points, assists, and power-play assists. Over just three games, Necas recorded three goals and six assists, including a clutch game-clinching goal against the Flyers with just 29.3 seconds remaining.
Quinn Hughes is another standout, contributing a goal and five assists in recent outings while ranking third in the league for points, trailing only Cale Makar and Josh Morrissey. Hughes' remarkable play-making abilities have been central to the Canucks' attack.
Unstoppable Jets Fueled by Hellebuyck
At the heart of the Winnipeg Jets' impressive 13-1-0 season start is goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The Jets are averaging an impressive 4.5 goals per game, with Hellebuyck backstopping the team to an NHL-best record of 10 wins. His 1.91 goals-against average and .932 save percentage, combined with a staggering .967 save percentage against unblocked shots, highlight his prowess between the pipes. Hellebuyck's standout performances include multiple shutouts and a notable 1-0 victory against the Colorado Avalanche, where he stopped 35 shots.
In an era where offense often takes center stage, Hellebuyck's contributions underscore the critical importance of elite goaltending. In three of his last four games, he conceded two goals or fewer, providing the Jets with a solid foundation for their early-season success.
The Road Ahead
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Ovechkin as he continues his quest to etch his name atop the NHL's all-time goal scorer list. Simultaneously, stars like Necas, Hughes, and Hellebuyck will look to maintain their exceptional performances to help propel their respective teams toward their ultimate goals. With each passing game, the 2024-25 NHL season promises to deliver historical milestones and thrilling hockey action.