National Post (National Edition)
Gretzky’s glad Ovechkin has shot at goals record
Wayne Gretzky’s 50 goals in 39 games in 1981 is his most incredible and unassailable scoring feat, but the greatest player of them all thinks Alex Ovechkin might track down his 894 career goals.
Ovechkin, who has 29 goals in 35 games this season for the Washington Capitals, has 636 goals and his hands look every bit as dangerous at 33 as they did at 23. Also, he’s barely been in the body shop for any repairs. Same as No. 99, who was remarkably free of injury. Ovechkin has played 1,038 games. He’s missed only 14 in the past 81/2 years, and just 35 in all. Gretzky, who played 1,487 games, was out for significant time only twice in his 20-year career.
Gretzky feels Mike Bossy, Brett Hull and Jari Kurri had the best shots in his era and Ovechkin is the Fourth Horseman on his list. Ovechkin would still need five more 50-goal seasons and a bit more to catch The Great One, but Gretzky is as big a fan of Ovechkin as Gordie Howe was a cheerleader for Gretzky when he eclipsed Gordie’s 801 goals and as Phil Esposito was when Gretzky beat his 76 goals in a single season.
“Alex definitely is the guy who has a chance. It’s great for the game and it’s a great watch. If he’s close, I’ll be the first guy to go there (to see it),” Gretzky said in a phone conversation from his California home just before Christmas.
Ovechkin ranks 15th all-time, four goals back of Dave Andreychuk’s 640. Brendan Shanahan is 13th at 656 and Luc Robitaille is 12th at 668, but Ovechkin won’t reel him in until next season, if he stays healthy. Same with Mark Messier at 694.
“The three best shots I ever saw were Bossy (573 goals in 10 seasons), Brett Hull (741 goals) and Kurri (601). The one thing they had in common was they rarely missed the net. Same with Alex. He scores a lot of short-side goals because he shoots it so hard, with a heavy shot. He’s got the best release in hockey.
“What I like about Alex is he plays with a great deal of passion and love for the game. He wears his heart on his sleeve, a lot like Mess did,” Gretzky said. “He does everything he can to play the game and win, whether that’s for the Capitals or if he’s called to play in the Olympics, World Cup or World Championships. He’s a throwback and pretty special in that sense.
“Thankfully they finally won. The people around Alex know about his work ethic and it’s outstanding. And when you finally win, you get that stamp of approval. There’s no question why Alex and (Sidney) Crosby have dominated over the last 14 years, because they’re such hard workers in the games, in the practices and the offseason.
“Good for Alex that he’s getting his just due now.”