"Don't think he's getting there this year”: Elliotte Friedman makes his feelings known about Alex Ovechkin creeping closer to Wayne Gretzky's record

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Nov 12, 2024 16:03 GMT

During Monday's episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast, Elliotte Friedman discussed Washington Capitals' captain Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record. Talking to co-host Kyle Bukauskas, Friedman shared that Ovechkin could break the record sooner than expected.

Friedman pointed out that Ovechkin is just 31 goals away from Gretzky’s record of 894. With 68 games left in the season, Friedman believes scoring 32 goals is possible for Ovechkin.

“Suddenly, that seems a little easier to digest,” Friedman said.

"And when we are talking about one of and will eventually be, we believe the greatest holes for of all time that doesn't seem out of reach is the 11th hour of the chase upon us, a little quicker than maybe we imagine. It's definitely on there, faster than I imagined, like us on pace for 59 this year, which would get him well past the record."

Ovechkin has picked up his scoring pace in recent games. On Saturday, he scored two goals in an 8-1 win over the St. Louis Blues. He has scored eight goals in his past seven games, giving him 863 career goals. His first goal against the Blues was the game-winner, and his second came on the power play. Ovechkin now sits comfortably as the second-highest goal scorer in NHL history.

Earlier this season, Friedman wasn’t sure Ovechkin could reach Gretzky’s record this year. But as Ovechkin’s pace has picked up, Friedman admitted that he may have been too cautious.

“He's, you know, just over 30 from it now," Friedman said. "And I think that we all have to recognize that, you know, like at the beginning of the year, my reaction was like I said, I don't think he's getting there this year, but we'll see where he is."

Here’s a look at the NHL’s top goal scorers:

1. Wayne Gretzky - 894
2. Alex Ovechkin - 863
3. Gordie Howe - 801
4. Jaromir Jagr - 766
5. Brett Hull - 741

For fans, watching Ovechkin approach Gretzky’s record is a historic moment. The excitement is growing, as Ovechkin is making it look easy with each game.

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Wayne Gretzky praised Alex Ovechkin last week

On Wednesday, Wayne Gretzky praised Alex Ovechkin’s strong start as he moves closer to the all-time goal record.

“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," Gretzky said, per RMNB. "It’s positive, and he’s been such a classy player for our sport for so many years, good for him.”

Gretzky’s comments show his respect for Ovechkin and that is thinking of the impact it will have on the sport.