A few days back, the hockey world just paused—Alex Ovechkin went full legend mode, smashing past Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record and etching his name into the icy history books. That wrist shot? Straight up magic. The buzz hasn’t died down one bit—but you know how hockey fans roll. Before the confetti even settles, they’re already dream-casting the next name to chase greatness. And yeah, Auston Matthews instantly popped up in those “who’s next?” convos. Even though the moment should’ve stayed all about Ovi, Matthews still got pulled into the speculation circle. But Auston? He wasn’t having any of it. When Matthew Knies cheekily tossed his name into the “next-record-breaker” hat, Matthews shut it down quick.
“And, you know, I don’t even think I should be in that conversation. I mean, this guy just broke the record. I’m so far away from that, and I don’t think that should be a focus on myself. I mean, it should be on Ovi, and rightfully so. It should be on Ovi, and what he’s been able to accomplish in his career, and obviously this record being one of them.” But plot twist—while Auston may have dodged the comparison convo with grace, he’s out here quietly grabbing shiny records of his own. Yup, the Leafs’ golden boy just outpaced Ovi in a fresh stat battle, stacking another feather in his hockey cap without even trying to chase it.
The NHL slid onto X on April 15th with a fun little mic drop, saying “Auston Matthews is pacing among some of the best…”—and they weren’t kidding. Matthews just hit 400 goals faster than Alex Ovechkin, clocking in at 628 games to Ovi’s 634. That’s a sneaky flex, and fans totally caught it.
Up on the legendary leaderboard, Matthews now chills in 6th place. Ahead of him? Gretzky (436), Bossy (506), Lemieux (508), Hull (520), and Kurri (608). Ovechkin? Just one step behind at No. 7. Kinda wild, right? Auston might not say much, but the numbers are loud.
Auston Matthews is pacing among some of the best… pic.twitter.com/Lo08xQcJwJ
— NHL (@NHL) April 16, 2025
This story is developing…
The post Despite Denying Alex Ovechkin Comparison, Auston Matthews Beats the Capitals’ Star for New Record appeared first on EssentiallySports.
