NHL: Preseason-Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals - Source: Imagn — Bruce Boudreau talks about Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's goal record (Credit: IMAGN)

Former NHL coach provides major update on Alex Ovechkin's health, predicts goal tally

Modified Sep 29, 2024 00:03 GMT

Alex Ovechkin is approaching Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal-scoring record. He is only 42 goals away from passing Gretzky's 894 goals. On Friday, former NHL coach Bruce Boudreau gave a positive update regarding Ovechkin's health. Boudreau shared the news during an appearance on SportsCentre with Jay Onrait.

Boudreau said he recently had a FaceTime call with Ovechkin. During the call, he asked him to stand back so he could see if he was in shape.

"I happened to FaceTime him (Ovechkin) ... about a week ago. I said, Stand back. Give somebody else the phone. I want to see if you're in good shape. And he looked like he was in a lot better shape, nice. And so I think he's the type of guy, if you know Alex, that if somebody says you can't do something, he's going to, he's going to try to prove you wrong."

Boudreau also praised the forward's competitive spirit, stating he works hard to prove doubters wrong.

"It's very similar to if other coaches, when he was younger, said, Hey, just hit him. Hit him, and hit him, to slow him down. He'd go, Oh, yeah, you're going to hit me. I'm going to hit you harder to make you not want to hit me. And I think that's the attitude he's going to bring into this season. Forty two goals will get him the all-time goal-scoring record."

Alex Ovechkin, now 38 years old, scored 31 goals in 79 games last season, lower than his 50-goal season in 2022. However, Boudreau believes the future Hall of Famer can still score 42 goals this fall.

Alex Ovechkin has faith in Capitasl' offseason changes

The Washington Capitals have made significant changes after another first-round playoff exit. New additions to the team and young players from the AHL will provide more support for Alex Ovechkin.

“There have been changes in the team, and their best side is the young players who played in Hershey and got that playing experience that is hard to come by."

Ovechkin has also expressed his desire to win another Stanley Cup, but he knows it won’t be easy.

"As for my desire to win another Stanley Cup, we’ll see. We’ll do everything we can to make it happen."

Alex Ovechkin could have a big year ahead with a stronger team around him. If Boudreau’s prediction is correct, Ovechkin will break Gretzky’s record this season.