Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record raises an interesting question: how many games did each legend play to reach their respective milestones? This article delves into the career game totals of both players, providing context to Ovechkin’s historic chase.
While Ovechkin relentlessly closes in on Gretzky’s 894 goal record, a crucial distinction lies in the number of games played. Gretzky achieved his monumental feat in 1,487 games spanning 20 seasons. As of December 2023, Ovechkin, now in his 20th season, has played 1,445 games. This difference of 42 games highlights the remarkable pace at which Ovechkin has scored, consistently finding the back of the net throughout his career.
Ovechkin’s efficiency is further underscored by his numerous other records. He holds the record for most power-play goals (316) and shots on goal (6,693). He’s also rapidly approaching Jaromir Jagr’s record for game-winning goals (135), currently sitting at 132. These achievements, coupled with his pursuit of Gretzky’s goal record, solidify Ovechkin’s status as one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history.
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Gretzky, often hailed as “The Great One,” set a scoring standard that many considered untouchable. His 894 goals stood as a testament to his exceptional skill and longevity. However, Ovechkin’s persistent scoring prowess and remarkable consistency have brought him within striking distance of this legendary mark. While Gretzky reached 802 goals on March 23, 1994, surpassing Gordie Howe, Ovechkin achieved the same milestone on December 23, 2022, further demonstrating his exceptional goal-scoring ability.
Beyond the goals record, Gretzky holds a plethora of other NHL records, including most career points (2,857) and assists (1,963). These records, significantly higher than any other player’s combined goals and assists, are likely to remain unbroken for the foreseeable future. Even if Ovechkin surpasses Gretzky’s goal record, these achievements solidify Gretzky’s legacy as a truly unique player in NHL history.
In conclusion, while Gretzky played 42 more games than Ovechkin to reach 894, Ovechkin’s consistent scoring pace and numerous other records solidify his place among the NHL’s elite. The difference in games played adds another layer of intrigue to Ovechkin’s pursuit of the all-time goals record, emphasizing the magnitude of his accomplishment should he surpass Gretzky.
