Quote:
Originally Posted by getbak
The NHL was much higher-scoring in Gretzky's time.
Since Ovechkin entered the league, the Capitals have scored an average of 3.08 goals/game. During Gretzky's time with the Oilers, they averaged 4.83 goals/game.
In fact, the lowest scoring team during Gretzky's time with the Oilers was New Jersey/Colorado, who averaged 3.26 goals/game. The highest scoring team since Ovechkin entered the league is Vegas, who average 3.22 goals/game.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Samonadreau
Because game scores were regularly 8-5 in the 80's.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay Random
Also, that was when Gretzky scored most of his goals. Ovechkin's scoring has been a lot steadier throughout his career – never more than 65 in a season, but eight other 50-goal seasons and another five 40-goal seasons. Gretzky started his NHL career with eight consecutive seasons ranging from 51 to 92 goals, but after his first three years in L.A., he never again topped 40. When you score that many goals in the earlier part of your career, you're bound to get a lot of hat tricks.
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I remember the 80's, having lived through most of them as a teenager. I just found it odd that a guy with 900+ goals only scored 3 or more in a game 33 times. Him and Gretz are what, like 8 goals apart now, and Gretz had 50 hattys in one less season played.
You guys are right though, I forgot how front-loaded 99's totals were. I mean, he got out before he really went downhill by average-player standards - but he had already been downhill by Gretzky standards for a few seasons prior.
Just really emphasizes the distance that Ovie's peak has covered.