Ovechkin Eyes Record as Season Progresses
As the NHL's 2024-25 season unfolds, Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is making significant strides towards setting a new benchmark in hockey history. Now 39 years old, Ovechkin is 34 goals shy of surpassing Wayne Gretzky's monumental all-time goals record of 894. The Russian powerhouse entered the season needing 33 more goals to simply tie Gretzky's mark. Yet Ovechkin's recent performances indicate that the record is firmly within his sights.
A Record-Breaking Streak
Ovechkin's determination has been reflected in his recent games, where he's registered four goals and five assists over a four-game stretch. Impressively, he achieved consecutive three-point performances against the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets, becoming only the fourth player in NHL history to accomplish back-to-back three-point games at age 39 or older.
This stellar run has seen Ovechkin tally goals in five consecutive games, a feat last achieved by Jaromir Jagr in 2013 for players of similar age. Ovechkin extended this streak most recently with a game-winning goal against the Nashville Predators, marking his 130th career game-winning goal, just five shy of Jagr’s league-leading total of 135.
A Prolific Scorer in Pursuit
Ovechkin's pursuit of Gretzky's record is also marked by his extraordinary current scoring pace. He appears poised to potentially net 55 goals this season. Each goal not only brings him closer to the record but cements his legacy among the NHL's all-time greats, underscoring his longevity and consistency in a sport known for its physically demanding nature.
Rising Stars and Season Highlights
While Ovechkin captures headlines, other players are making waves this season. Martin Necas of the Carolina Hurricanes has emerged as a team leader, spearheading his roster in goals, assists, points, and power-play assists. His recent performances featured three goals and six assists over the last three games, including a decisive goal against the Flyers with just 29.3 seconds remaining.
Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks has similarly impressed, having recorded a goal and five assists in recent outings. Hughes currently ranks third in league points, trailing behind stars Cale Makar and Josh Morrissey.
The Jets' Dominance
The Winnipeg Jets have started their season with an impressive 13-1-0 run, with an average of 4.5 goals per game—a statistic bolstered by the exceptional play of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. With 10 wins and an NHL-best record, Hellebuyck boasts a 1.91 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage.
His performance against the Colorado Avalanche was pivotal, as he stopped 35 shots in a 1-0 victory. Demonstrating remarkable consistency, Hellebuyck has conceded two goals or less in three of his last four games, and his save percentage against unblocked shots stands at a stellar .967. Multiple shutouts highlight his dominant presence between the pipes.
The Path to Greatness
As the season progresses, all eyes remain on Ovechkin as he continues his quest for Gretzky's goal record. While individual achievements shine, the stories unfolding across teams underscore the dynamic and competitive nature of the NHL. Ovechkin's drive, coupled with emerging stars and standout team performances, ensures a season packed with excitement and anticipation for fans worldwide.