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“He can get it done”: Caps GM believes Alex Ovechkin can surpass Wayne Gretzky's goal tally in next 2 seasons
Alex Ovechkin is in the spotlight as the Washington Capitals begin a new season. He has scored 853 goals and needs 42 more to break Wayne Gretzky's record of 894.
Capitals GM Chris Patrick believes the new roster gives Ovechkin what he needs to chase Gretzky's record and help the team make the playoffs.
“I think in the next two seasons he can get it done,” Patrick said (via NHL.com on Friday).
“I'm hoping that this season he has a lot of people watching towards the end of the season, like 'It's getting a little close here if he can pull this off.' Some of the additions we made should hopefully help him,” Patrick added.
This season is important for Alex Ovechkin because it is his 20th in the NHL. He will look forward to building chemistry with the new roster, which has seven new players, including forwards Pierre-Luc Dubois and Andrew Mangiapane and defenseman Jakob Chychrun.
Ovechkin knows that finding the right line combinations is key for the team to reach the playoffs again after a tough last season.
At training camp, Ovechkin stressed teamwork. He said,
“Right now, it’s the most important thing for us to find the line combinations because it’s new guys. It’s basically half the team that’s new. It’s new linemates, new teammates, so you have to use that time for not thinking about goals or something else.”
Alex Ovechkin aims to make the most of his final years in the NHL
Turning 39 this season adds pressure to Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's goal record. Last year, he scored only 31 goals, the lowest of his career in an 82-game season. However, he finished strong with 23 goals in his last 36 games.
Along with new players, the Capitals are facing injuries to veterans like T.J. Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom. With just three players remaining from the 2018 Stanley Cup team, Ovechkin's leadership is crucial. He believes the new additions can enhance the team's competitiveness.
Alex Ovechkin has two years left on his contract and aims to make the most of them. He feels he still has energy to contribute.
“I still have juice in my tank,” Ovechkin said.
Ovechkin's performance will be important as the campaign begins. He knows that teamwork is essential and will be needed throughout the regular season.
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