NHL: Washington Capitals at New York Rangers - Source: Imagn — LA Kings president talked about Alex Ovechkin on verge of breaking Wayne Gretzky's goal record (Source: Imagn)

Kings president and former Wayne Gretzky teammate weighs in on 'buzz' surrounding Alex Ovechkin’s historic goal record chase

Modified Mar 14, 2025 00:46 GMT

Los Angeles Kings president Luc Robitaille sees growing excitement as Alex Ovechkin nears his former teammate Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal record. Ovechkin has 886 goals, just nine away from Gretzky’s 894.

"It's amazing," Robitaille said, via NHL.com. "Everyone is calling. No matter what, everybody wants to see the game. I think everybody wants to be in the building seeing him live. When he's that close to a record, there's a buzz around him coming into town."

Expand Tweet

Robitaille remembers this feeling from 1994. He was Gretzky’s teammate when he broke Gordie Howe’s 801-goal record. Robitaille assisted on Gretzky’s 802nd goal and saw the excitement firsthand.

"Every building we were going to, everybody was talking about it," Robitaille said about Gretzky’s chase. "Gordie was around. It was amazing. We knew we were going to be part of history, and we knew that was one of those that's like, 'Wow, it's incredible.'

"The beauty of those is you know it's coming. You don't know when and how, but you know it's coming... Every goal you become a fan as a player because anybody that's played the game loves the game as a fan."

Even on the road, Alex Ovechkin gets support. Capitals fans and opposing crowds cheer for his historic run. Robitaille believes this moment is important for hockey.

"It’s fascinating and absolutely amazing that he got there, and I think it's the greatest thing that can happen to our game," Robitaille said.

Many thought Gretzky’s record would never be broken. Now, Ovechkin is proving otherwise.

Wayne Gretzky will attend Capitals games as Alex Ovechkin gets near to breaking his goal record

Wayne Gretzky will attend the Washington Capitals game when Alex Ovechkin gets close to breaking his goal-scoring record. According to CBC’s Chris Jones, Gretzky and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will travel with the Capitals once Ovechkin is four or five goals away.

Gretzky has supported Ovechkin’s chase and often encourages him during scoring slumps, like in October 2024.

"It's great," Ovechkin said to the NHL.com. "Even when I have a slump, he (Gretzky) will sometimes text me and say, 'Don't worry about it. It will come.' He's on my side."

Alex Ovechkin’s latest goal came against the Seattle Kraken, and he gave up an opportunity against Anaheim Ducks.

About the author

Ankit is an NHL journalist at Sportskeeda with over 3 years of experience in the writing industry. He has expertise in sports, product, and travel content writing. His interest in ice hockey was piqued after watching Sidney Crosby play and he has been passionately following the game since then. Ankit admires Crosby’s personality and hockey IQ, and when he crossed the 1,500 points tally, Ankit was among the biggest fans to celebrate the occasion.

An Edmonton Oilers fan because of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Ankit also admires the Pittsburgh Penguins due to Crosby and the Colorado Avalanche for Nathan MacKinnon. He is also a fan of Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr.

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Language, Ankit believes his education has helped him develop a knack for presenting information in a precise and compelling manner. He only sources information from credible avenues and trusted people from his network for his articles.

When he is not watching or writing about the NHL, Ankit loves listening to music and reading books.

Know More

Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet responds to critics questioning his loyalty to Canada, Bobby Orr's support following 4 Nations drama