NHL: Nashville Predators at Washington Capitals - Source: Imagn — Alex Ovechkin sends 4-word message involving major NHL trophy after starring in Capitals' 3-2 win over Predators (Image Credit: Imagn)

Alex Ovechkin sends 4-word message involving major NHL trophy after starring in Capitals' 3-2 win over Predators

Modified Nov 07, 2024 16:22 GMT

Alex Ovechkin is one of the most decorated forwards in hockey history. The Washington Capitals winger has been prolific over the last 20 seasons. He has scored 861 goals during that time, and he added another to his tally in the most recent game on Wednesday.

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Ovechkin tallied a goal and an assist in the 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators, but he wanted to talk about another aspect of his game: defense. The hockey star said after the game:

"Selke, I need it."

The Frank J. Selke Trophy is awarded to the best defensive player in the NHL every season. Last year, it was awarded to Aleksander Barkov. Ovechkin knows he's not known for defense, but he sarcastically quipped that he should be on the award radar from now on.

Throughout those 20 seasons in the league, he has not yet been named a finalist for the Selke Trophy. He is, however, a 12-time All-Star, three-time Ted Lindsay award-winner, an Art Ross trophy-winner and a nine-time Maurice Richard Trophy-winner.

NHL legend predicts Alex Ovechkin will break his record

Alex Ovechkin has 861 career goals. Wayne Gretzky, the NHL's all-time leader, has 33 more goals than Ovechkin. With each passing game, the Washington Capitals star inches closer.

Alex Ovechkin is close to the all-time scoring record (Imagn)

Gretzky said, via Russian Machine Never Breaks:

“He’s had a tremendous start, right? Listen, it’s not a question of if he’s going to break the record; it’s a question of when is he going to break the record, which is great for the game. It’s positive, and he’s been such a classy player for our sport for so many years, good for him.”

Gretzky also reflected on his own pursuit of the record:

"I remember my teammates, they loved it. They enjoyed it, and they took it all in also. And I’m sure all these young guys are taking it in with Alex. And of course, the fans are, and the organization, the owner, everybody. This is an exciting time.”

At his current pace, Ovechkin would likely break the record sometime in March. However, he's currently on a hot streak and could add 54 goals this season and blow past Gretzky.