Recently, a significant moment unfolded at the UBS Arena during a game featuring the Washington Capitals and the New York Islanders. In a remarkable feat, Alex Ovechkin netted his 895th career goal in the NHL, eclipsing Wayne Gretzky’s legendary all-time record of 894 goals. In the same game, the Capitals fell to the home team with a score of 4-1, yet all attention was directed towards Ovechkin. However, have you heard the speculation regarding that specific match?
With the Islanders establishing a solid lead in the first period, a number of fans speculated that neither the Capitals nor Ovi were putting forth their best effort on the ice. What’s the reason for that? Perhaps the Great 8 aimed to net that elusive golden goal on their home ice?
On YouTube, former NHL star Cory Schneider revealed an intriguing detail from the game during the One-Time All-Stars podcast, stating, “We heard some rumors through the media people that he was almost trying not to score because he wanted to do it at home. I don’t know how you try not to score but he kind of was like, I want to do it at home. So there was rumors that he wasn’t going to give it his all and the first period sure looked like it. He was quite disinterested in the first period.”
At 7:06, Bo Horvat got the game underway with the first goal, thanks to assists from Simon Holmstrom and Anders Lee. Just moments later, at 9:00, Marc Gatcomb increased the advantage to 2-0, thanks to assists from Kyle MacLean and Alexander Romanov. During the initial phase, the Capitals seldom appeared to make any significant efforts on the ice. However, the viewpoint shifted dramatically in the second period.
“I think he took three strides and like 28-second shifts in the first period and everyone was kind of like, all right. And then they finally got the power play. He felt the buzz. The arena started to like, ooh, power play, here we go. And even on the goal he really didn’t do much. He kind of just stood there like he always does and the puck comes to him and then zing,” Cory explained, recounting Ovi’s 895th goal.
The significant achievement took place during a power play in the second period against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. Ovechkin executed his trademark one-timer from the left faceoff circle, successfully finding the back of the net past goaltender Ilya Sorokin. Are you familiar with the intriguing narrative surrounding Ovechkin’s celebration?
Alex Ovechkin gets honest about his 895th goal’s celebration
Following the remarkable achievement of his 895th goal, Alex Ovechkin elegantly navigated the rink, demonstrating his seamless agility on the ice. In a moment of sheer excitement, he rose to his feet, and instantly, the whole Washington Capitals team encircled him, basking in unrestrained joy. This particular celebration captured the attention of the online community, prompting many to seek the narrative behind it.
In a recent conversation with Pat McAfee, Ovechkin shared insights about his celebration, saying, “No, I was so excited, I just felt probably my skate, my trainer Brock probably didn’t sharp my skate before I scored a goal, so that’s why I fell. But yeah, that moment is going to live forever and it’s unbelievable. So yeah, I’m like, you know, how I said, I still can’t believe it’s happening and what we did in New York on there, it’s going to stay forever. So yeah, I’m very happy.” This statement certainly brings a touch of humor, especially when it comes from the captain of the Caps.
Brock Myles has long held the position of head equipment manager for the Capitals. As a crucial figure in Ovi’s journey, it seems that Myles may have neglected the important task of sharpening his skates, according to the Russian hockey star. Ovi shared his thoughts on achieving the record, noting his astonishment at accomplishing what once appeared unattainable. Without a doubt, the atmosphere was charged with excitement after breaking Gretzky’s all-time goal record!
The post Alex Ovechkin’s Alleged Plans Got Ruined as He Broke Wayne Gretzky’s Record, Former NHL Star Breaks Down: “Didn’t Do Much” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
