Alex Ovechkin's Goal Scoring Record Chase

[Tbull8]

Ovi with another!

[midniteowl]

Let's go Ovi!!!

[Locke]

871. 23 more to go.

Go Ovi Go!

[browna]

If he scores at the game pace he has this year so far, he will break the record in 28 games...very fittingly in LA, March 13th.

[MrMike]

One more today Vs the Rangers
22 to go

[curves2000]

I think Ovi's production is still mind boggling to me and considering the defensive systems and the shot blocking/ quality of goaltending makes it even more special now.

It always is tough to compare eras due to different rules, the way the game has changed and more. I still think The Great One was a better overall goal scorer and more dominate player in his era but I take nothing away from Ovi.

Statistically speaking for a direct comparison, you kinda elevate #99 to today's standards and his goal scoring would be substantially higher than 894.

We are witnessing something pretty wild though. As a lifelong fan and student of the game I just didn't think this was possible despite all the changes in the game to actually allow it to happen. The crazy thing about Ovi is how he is kinda a thrill back. He loves to party, isn't exactly the leanest, fittest player yet has been beyond durable and continues to put the puck in the net at an alarming speed.

[Goriders]

I figured he was done at the beginning of last season. He is definitely proving me wrong.

[getbak]

4 goals in 5 games since his return.

[rohara66]

Ovie is a beast! Wow.

[midniteowl]

How many more goals needed for him to break the record?

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by midniteowl

How many more goals needed for him to break the record?

22 to tie, 23 to break.

I wonder if he still has a shot at the Rocket Richard this year? That would be something to see. 19 goals in 23 games, he has to catch Draisaitl who has 28 goals in 38 games.

At his current pace, he'd get 36 more goals this season (in 43 games) for a total of 55.

if Draisaitl continues to play at his pace, he'd get 32 more goals which is 60. Could end up being close if Draisaitl slumps a bit.

[activeStick]

I didn't think there was a good chance he'd break the record this season before the injury and after the injury figured its pretty much zero chance. What in the hell is wrong with this dude? What an amazing talent.

[Groot]

So with Washington playing at a high level and looking like they may have an actual playoff run in them, does Ovi hang up the skates after this season if he hits the record? I thought for sure he would be done as soon as he breaks it, but with him still playing at a high-level and Washington looking competitive, does he have a couple more years in him?

[activeStick]

I'm guessing if he's healthy, he plays. Guy loves the game.

[Finger Cookin]

Originally Posted by getbak

4 goals in 5 games since his return.

I really thought the leg injury would derail his attempt altogether, let alone his attempt to break the mark this season. Boy was I way off on that one.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Finger Cookin

I really thought the leg injury would derail his attempt altogether, let alone his attempt to break the mark this season. Boy was I way off on that one.

I think a lot, if not most, of us saw it that way.

"Oh no, he's injured, well, better luck next season I guess...."

Nope. He is an absolute machine.

Even if he doesnt get it this season, he's likely going to get so close that next season is a lay-up and then after that...I hope he'll pad the lead.

Again, breaking this goal-scoring record, in the Modern NHL Era...its nothing short of a mid-level miracle.

If someone had told me 10 years ago that Gretzky's goal-scoring record would be broken in my lifetime I'd have laughed them out of the room.

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by Locke

I think a lot, if not most, of us saw it that way.

"Oh no, he's injured, well, better luck next season I guess...."

Nope. He is an absolute machine.

Even if he doesnt get it this season, he's likely going to get so close that next season is a lay-up and then after that...I hope he'll pad the lead.

Again, breaking this goal-scoring record, in the Modern NHL Era...its nothing short of a mid-level miracle.

If someone had told me 10 years ago that Gretzky's goal-scoring record would be broken in my lifetime I'd have laughed them out of the room.

It's crazy isn't it? He might end up with 1000 career goals. That's 50 goals a season for... 20 years straight!

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Sidney Crosby's Hat

It's crazy isn't it? He might end up with 1000 career goals. That's 50 goals a season for... 20 years straight!

It is crazy! I know in our Politically charged landscape, etc, etc, but we're witnessing Hockey History here. Live, in action.

Go Ovie Go.

[Goriders]

I think he’s what I’m going to cheer for the rest of the season.

The Flames keep kicking me in the nuts.

[FanSince'01]

Originally Posted by curves2000

I think Ovi's production is still mind boggling to me and considering the defensive systems and the shot blocking/ quality of goaltending makes it even more special now.

It always is tough to compare eras due to different rules, the way the game has changed and more. I still think The Great One was a better overall goal scorer and more dominate player in his era but I take nothing away from Ovi.

Statistically speaking for a direct comparison, you kinda elevate #99 to today's standards and his goal scoring would be substantially higher than 894.

We are witnessing something pretty wild though. As a lifelong fan and student of the game I just didn't think this was possible despite all the changes in the game to actually allow it to happen. The crazy thing about Ovi is how he is kinda a thrill back. He loves to party, isn't exactly the leanest, fittest player yet has been beyond durable and continues to put the puck in the net at an alarming speed.

Agree with your post and that it’s difficult to compare eras, so we’ll never truly know who’d actually come out on top if they played at the same time, but I disagree with the bolded.

Not to take anything away from Gretzky’s accomplishments, but if anything it’s the exact opposite that his goal total would be higher if he played in today’s era. Gretzky’s era obviously had its own individual challenges that, in some ways made it more difficult than today’s era, but he also greatly benefited from a less talented crop of goalies and defensemen for the first probably decade of his NHL career compared to today’s players which significantly helped out his scoring totals.

I think he’d be way more in tough to score 894 if he played today and the era-adjusted goal scoring list supports that. Adjusted for era, Gretzky would come out with just 758 career goals, putting him in 4th all time behind Howe and Jagr. Ovi’s 872 would bump up to 993 after adjusting for era.

Either way, pretty incredible what we’re watching go down