Nobody talks about how he went ice cold after his dad died. Finally starting to heat up again for the first time since he died

Ovi took the first half off so he could skip the all star game without getting suspended lmao.

Everyone always thinks Ovy only has until the end of his contract (2 years) to break the record but they never take in to account that he can just sign up for one more year to make sure he gets it.

Ovi fan or not, always admire the legends that make this game so beautiful

Ovi did have many 5 game scoring streak though one being 11 goals in 5 games in 2020 season.

He needs someone like backstrom if he wants to reach the record. Thats whats killing his goal production

Even if Ove has to lace em up till he's 41-42 I could see him doing it

I work in the Caps front office, we all think he’s gonna break it and Ryan Leonard coming up next season will be a huge boost if he gets to share some ice with O

As a Capitals fan, I am hyped up about Miroshnichenko, Leonard, and Cristall. But aside from the aging John Carlson, and possibly Rasmus Sandin, we don't really have any top 4 defensemen or defense prospects likely to be a top 4 defenseman. Maybe Iorio can be a top 4 d-man, but I am skeptical about that. While Pacioretty and Mantha are gone at the end of the season, I like McMichael and Protas together, and I hope that Miroshnichenko will join them next season to form a solid young second or third line. I think Lapierre is the right type of player to pair with great shooters like Leonard or Cristall, but I don't really see him being a first line center. He is a good pass first player, but he's no Nicklas Backstrom. Like Protas and McMichael, his ceiling is a solid second line player. That's really hurting Ovechkin this season - Strome is a good player, but he's not a pass first guy like Backstrom and he's not really a first line player, whereas prime Backstrom was a deserving five time all-star. Tom Wilson is also beginning to age, and the Capitals gave him a long extension even though he's almost 30 years old and his game is built around speed, power, and physical play - a style that won't age well like Ovechkin's shooting ability or Backstrom's passing ability. The Capitals really need to pick up a pass first center that belongs on the first line and deserves a salary of 10 million - space that the Capitals will have as the Backstrom and Kuznetsov (and Oshie) contracts come off the books soon. It would make sense for them to trade with Toronto, but I can't see that happening. Somewhere they need to find a replacement for Backstrom - a guy who wants to be the playmaker that helps Ovechkin break the record. Even if it's on a team that won't make the playoffs this season and is likely to miss the playoffs next season as well. But once the Backstrom, Kuznetsov, and Oshie contracts are off the books, and a season later Ovechkin will take a huge pay cut, it'll be a time when the Capitals will start their retool with a good solid young core and a team capable of making the playoffs even if they don't find the pass first top line center to replace Backstrom that they need.

It sucks for Ovi that he missed parts of 4 full seasons because of lockouts and Covid, without that I think he might already have broken the record

They have their Stanley Cup--supporting Ovechkin getting the Goal record is more important than anything for that franchise at the moment.

I hope he beats the record. Favourite hockey player.

Ovi's been moving his feet very well recently... so that's a Good sign! His Skating @ the beginning of the season looked awful! He ain't Done!!

Hes gonna hit it. I doubt he'll stop until its done. I also think rebuilding with ovi still there would be a shame. He's stayed with that team throughout his entire career, and they should treat his final days with much due reapect. They should at least give him a team that can win in playoffs, just for that additional chance at another cup. Once ovi leaves, that team has no chance to win for a few years, so use him while you got him.

Excellent vidéo Johny

He would've already passed Gretzky if not for all the missed games he had no control over. The lockouts of 2004-05 and 2012-13 and the pandemic, interruptions that cost Ovechkin as many as 155 games - all 82 of the 2004-05 season, 34 games of the 2012-13 season, 13 games in 2019-20 season, and 26 games in 2020-21. And after all those missed games he's still only 59 goals away from taking the record.

He will do it. He'll be the first player to 900

I think he's still going to net 28-32 this year. I think he'll break the record without question. Hell if he doesn't struggle in the first half I could see him setting the record next season and then having the debate on if he wants to finish his contract or go and finish out his playing days in Russia as a national hero.

McDavid's 6 point game was very impressive.

I am a flyers fan but I love ovie so much I grew up in a family of Russian heritage and playing hockey I think he deserves to win another cup before he retires but I doubt it would happen again definitely want to see him at least break the record tho I wonder what the capitals future will be like without him they signed Tom Wilson long term and they have other good players

I don't think there's a person out there that doesn't want to see Ovi break this record. Even Gretzky knows records are meant to be broken (although his point total almost certainly never will be). The Great 8 has been an icon in the NHL for almost 2 decades now and represents everything great about the sport. He's All-Star caliber but plays with integrity and respect for his opponents. Not a Caps fan in the least but I love great hockey and it doesn't get much better than watching Alexander Ovechkin crank a one timer from the top of the circle.

I think ppl were not sure about the record b/c in the 1st half of the year he looked like he did not just slow down, but basically fell off a cliff. Sort of like Payton Manning did in the 2nd half of his last season. Ovi had 8 goals after more than half a season and that came to about 15/year. At that pace, it would have been extremely hard. However, at 25, he'll get it done.

I am a Die-hard CAPS fan, gaven't missed 1 game since 2011. That being said, I still think that if the Caps organization wants him to break this record, (which IMO is inevident) in a Ref sweater, then they need to start putting some different pieces around him, while hopefully maintaining our core & identity. I mean, that was Brian McLellan's promise to him -one that he is failing to do his part on.

I think Ovy wants more than Gretzky's record, i think he wants 1000 goals.

ovi has said recently he is likely to retire after his contract is up. but i guess that could change and he could add a another year, but it confirms he doesn't want to be a jagr like player. I think he'd only add a year if he's still top 3 on the team

I think the big thing is gonna be just if there's more falloff. He seems to be rallying now a bit and lets see if he can get to 25+ this season, but you look at a lot of the greats and those less few seasons just really falls off, the ice time is lower, you're becoming more of a role guy, your team has to figure out the future. Guys like Teemu,...finals seasons with 12 goals, 9 goals.. Jagr ending with 16 in a full season and 1 goal with 22 played. Now we're really looking at him playing past 40 and we're probably realistically talking about 3 seasons, not 2 unless something really changes. And maybe it could, I'm kind of rooting for it and I thought it was inevitable last year, but I think everyone thought this would be a 35 goal year and it'd be in the bag next season and that's not materialized. Washington as a team is in a bad spot too and the idea of him moving is going to be a discussion too, but even if he doesn't move, is he going to be getting 20 minutes a game next season? It does seem also impossible he'd leave it like 10 goals short... but let's say he gets to 21 this year...he's got 51 left... what if the next 2 years are 20 and 16? Now you need 15 and you're 41 years old and you can't be sure you'll get that 15 and you're already now 100 games beyond what Gretzky played... it becomes tough

Ovy adapting his game passing a lot more laid back in his office its was expected

What i love about ovi is over his career he’s always been feared and at his age today people still fear him, bro still lays bod and can get open alot for those 1 tee goals. The great 8 🫡

Since January 27th, Ovechkin has 13 goals in 21 games and 23 points. He has the 4th most goals and 15th most points in the league since that date.

I think what people miss is that the whole league slows down as most teams and players slack a little in the middle (a sign the season is too long, or the playoffs too inclusive), but all the young guys are going balls to the wall to start and end every season, and Ovi probably isn't going to put up big numbers in that environment at his age.

Whether he makes it or not, you have to remember that it's harder to score now than it was during Gretsky's prime. He will still be the best goal scorer of all time.

i think he swings hard in the latter half of the season and will surprise everyone with his stats by the end of the season

He’s back !

I got Ovi scoring a goal tonight on my parley vs Devils I hope he gets it I think even an older Ovi is better than 75-80 percent of the league 🤷‍♂️

I thinks O will have a solid 25 this season. Next season maybe 30. He can do this. Just need more lucky bounces.

Ovi should get 25 - 30 to keep it going. Then it will be 2 x 25 seasons which is totally doable

I don't think he has enough left in the tank to make it. One injury and it's probably over for him. There's a year-over-year drop-off to also factor in. Another team isn't going to take him and I don't see Washington postponing a much-needed rebuild.

Averaging 30 goals for the next 2 seasons would be insanity for his age. Im sure him, and his team will do everything to make sure it happens but. Its gonna be a rough run

Let me tell u this.! ..even if he will never pass the Wayne's records he is closest one to do so..I hate to listen people saying how shit he is this season but remember the people saying this r drinking beer on the sofa and have no clue how it is to play under the pressure day on and off...I'm former ice hockey player and can only say 1 thing.......Great Ove....well done and congrats for your your achievements ❤

Let's not forget to mention that Backstrom and Kuznetsov are missing so that hurts him a lot.

Can't wait till people stop talking about him...

I was dead set on him breaking it, at the beginning of this season I started casting doubts, ovi parade reinstated.

I mean a lot has happened in the past couple years which relates to Ovi both directly and indirectly

Before I liked this video it had 894 likes. Love it.

caps content = good

I had a thought or..Is it just me? Connor mcdavid and Draisaitl havent been scoring as much as normal either. I think goalies are cracking down on those shots from the circle. Which are Ovechkin and draisaitls main scoring spots. While zach Hyman has been killing it this year scoring goals from all over the place.. and also.. McDavid has adjusted to this and has been killing it when it comes to making plays and racking up assists. Zach hyman has become one the most exiciting goal scorers ive ever seen. I think goalies are cracking down on shots from the circle. Ovechkin and Draisait and maybe even mathews, May be in trouble down the road.

🐐

MR. EMPTY NET..... that's very, very interesting record holder!!! How's the next closest active player to ovi?

Thinking OV can get 30 on a plotted guess. Though 40 is not a question to be scoffed at. If he has a double goal night or even a hat trick. Ovechkin has been a longevity player of talent. There is rumor Jagr is back as well for the Pens. He is what, 95 years old or something.

I honestly don't think he gets there, this will be his final hot streak of his career and I'm glad I was able to see Gretzky and Ovi play during my lifetime.

8 goals in his first 43 games. 8 goals in his last 8 games. 21 points in his last 18 games. What happened?

Go Ovi!

He will get it and if he doesn't for whatever reason we all know he would have

Idk he can try but the fact of the matter is that if he continues to decline as rapidly as he has, I don’t see him coming back from it. It would be incredible but I’m skeptical

Love Ovi

It's going to be close, but I think he'll probably make it at the end of his contract - assuming he stays away from long periods of injury But either way, he has already achieved the same G/GP-Ratio as TheGreatOne (0.6) and just one goal less per season (47/46) Numbers for the ages! 🥹 But if he doesn't make it, I hope he doesn't extend it for another season - that would be an undignified end to such a great career (...and then his 22nd Season to Wayne's 19)

The fact NHL PK coaches have never prioritized taking away the wide open one-timer from OV is sketchy af.

Oviiiiii

He's so fucking back

He is having his worst goal scoring season but somehow has one of his best streaks of his career. It makes me think that the first half of the season might have been a fluke and he will score like 15-20 goals in the remainder of the season.

Gretzky played and retired when he thought the time was right. If Ovechkin beats his record, it will definitely feel like he forced himself to keep playing for the record. I don’t know, it just seems less natural or genuine like this. The other thing I’ll say is that Gretzky hit that record while still being VERY unselfish with the puck over his career

28 goals

There is no question he will break it, must be stupid if someone thinks that he will hang his skates leaving without this record. Only down side is that he need a good players to assist him and bring Caps back to playoffs..

Depends how long Ovi keeps playing really. If he plays as long as Jagr, of course he'll break it. If he wants to retire in a couple seasons, then idk, it'll probably be tight.

I mean he is only 38, some has retiring at what 43-45y/o? Ovi still better than most player at his ages he clearly gonna set a new reccord.

Nice

I think he'll finish with 25-27 goals this season.

As a goalie, I can confirm that’s the worst spot to get shot on

He will definitely make it, but just barely sadly, and then McDavid will pass him around the end of his career 😅

Trying to reach a setup guys goal record, the great one was a setup guy, not a pure goal scorer.tels you something about the great one. He is in a different leage.

Having not done it in 6 seasons is cause for concern. I dont see him playing for 3 more seasons to do it not at his age.

I hope he breaks the record, I know I'll try to buy tickets to that game if I can.

A legend is a legend that's that 💯

I say he hits 25 this season

If the Pens and Caps don’t trade their vets this year, it will haunt them for years.

I think he may end with 22 goals this year. And he will ultimately break the record.

Lets agree on this, if the Capitals don't let Ovechkin finish the record, we riot.

There’s no dishonor in empty netters. Obviously Gretzky knew this

It's so ridiculous when people analyze like this and make it seem like a player aims or thinks when he shoots. Ovi just literally rips it and if it goes in it goes in. Don't you think that if players actually had time to think and could aim they would just score a lot more? MAYBE McDavid actually thinks before he acts in all situations but these other guys just act on instinct and not by conscious thoughts

Now he only needs like a thousand more points.

He’s going to break it

Penguins fan here, Leave OV alone. Dudes a legend if he never plays again.

Baffled? Nothing is guaranteed.

No one talks about how he missed a combined total of 2+ seasons. To be this close all while playing through 2 lockouts and covid shortened seasons is pretty unreal

Go Ovi Go! Break the Whiner’s record!

Ovi will have 25+ goals by the ned

I think the Russian situation meaning the war must be a weight on him. But I think he will break the record for sure. But maybe not with Washington I know but he mite want to go and win another cup before it’s all over.

Ovechkin finally gave in & said F You father time , then made a phone call & picked up some of those Russian P.E.D's....... 😮

Old man ovi can finish it off if he signs another contract.

Max who's been riddled with injuries.

Not trying to take anything away from Gretzky, but I still think Ovechkin has been a better career goal scorer. Even if he doesn’t break the record, I still think he’ll be remembered as one of, if not the best goal scorer of all time.

ovie finishes this year with 28 at least

25+

I literally cant fathom how people think he isn’t going to beat Gretzkys record lmao😂 Multiple times in his career people said he was falling off, only to score multiple 40 goal seasons afterwards. Obviously father time is catching up with him, but if you think he isn’t capable of scoring 60 goals in the next 2-3+ seasons you are clueless.

Me thinking, dang he’s lookin old So I go n check how old he is Aw shit he’s a bit younger than I am 😅

He's not going to get there. Injuries, Age, Washington not wanting to resign him longer than 2 additional years. He's currently on Year 3 of a 5 year UFA ending in 2025-26. He has 14 goals in 52 Games, only 30 left in the season. Ignoring the fact that his recent empty net goal production is a statistical anomaly, he is looking to finish the season, at his current production, at 19 goals (5.1 goals for the remaining 30 games or 36.5% of the regulation season) He needs 58 additional goals to catch up, not pass, Gretzky's record. And to make a statement he needs to do it in under 89 more Games Played (as that is when he will surpass Gretzky's Games Played). 58 goals in 89 games to tie. OR Minus 5 expected = 53 goals in 59 games to tie. It is completely reasonable to think that he is not going to be able to make it at his current rate by the time his contract is up, especially since his goal production has been going down steadily for the past 3 years.

It depends how many more seasons he has left, i dont think he will get it.

Yeah…but if Gretz played 2 more years he’d be ahead too. He retired at 38, which is the age of Ovi. The great one will always be untouchable.

With the way hes playing right now, the whole gretzky record chasing is kind of hurting his legacy to me but i know thats an unpopular opinion. At this point its like "well if i dont beat it ill just keep playing until i do" even if that means 4 years of dragging his team down. To me thats not what the gretzky record is about. Ovechkin is a legend and will always be reminded as such but the way hes reaching that record right now just doent feel right to me. Step it up ovi.

The Capitals today are the Devils in Marty's last few years. They are just trying to play a somewhat respectable, grindy defensive game to honor the legend that's still playing on their team, but the rest of the roster is pretty terrible.