While all the eyes are on Alex Ovechkin ahead of his record-breaking NHL feat, there remains one underlying question: why is he the one to break Wayne Gretzky’s record? Fans have made various arguments about this matter, from skills and abilities to the difference in eras. Meanwhile, the Great One has been closely watching Capitals games in anticipation. And ahead of today’s game between the Capitals and the Islanders, Gretzky gave his own analysis on the matter.
During the pre-game show, the Great One appeared on the NHL on TNT show, where he talked about passing the baton to the next generation of players. Asked if it was a matter of the difference between his generation to that of Ovechkin’s for the latter’s record-breaking feat, Gretzky said, “Yeah, you know what Rick, I understand that and you can look back to the 60s, it was different than the 80s. There’s no question that the coaching’s better, the equipment’s better, the athletes are better.”
Further, he went on to add, “But I would have loved to play 3 on 3, I would have loved to start every power play in the offensive zone. I would have loved not to have a great shot at me and hooking and holding. So there’s always changes over a period of time to make our game better, right?”
There’s a whole lot of goals on Long Island tonight…
Before the #Gr8Chase continues, the Great One chatted with the boys about passing the torch to the next generation of NHL greats pic.twitter.com/nS0mJZqyPq
— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) April 6, 2025
Gretzky pointed out that there were also advancements in the game from Gordie Howe‘s (the record holder before Gretzky) time to his. While Gretzky did also admit to the big differences between the his generation and Ovechkin’s, he did not take away from Ovechkin’s achievement, pointing out how “important” Ovechkin has been for the game. Moreover, after the Capitals star tied Gretzky’s NHL goals record, the Great One was all praise of him and called him a “superstar“. With Ovechkin just a goal away from the historic record, Gretzky also revealed the one thing he’ll say when the moment finally arrives.
Does Wayne Gretzky want Alex Ovechkin to break his record?
A record held since 1999, it has stood strong for over 2 and a half decades. As the world witnesses this historic feat, Gretzky would also be watching Alex Ovechkin from close range inside the stadium. During an interview ahead of the game, he got honest about his feelings of watching his record being surpassed.
Asked about how he’ll react after Ovechkin scores the historic goal, Gretzky revealed he’d say, “Why’d you do it?” Nonetheless, he was full of praise for Ovechkin and the sport of hockey, saying, “It’s great for hockey. I’m so happy for the league. I’m proud of Alex. When I broke Gordie’s record, my dad told me that same night, ‘Be as proud of the guy that breaks your record.’ This is so good for hockey. It’s really been a wonderful journey for everyone.”
The game between the Capitals and the Islanders is currently underway. Against the run of play, the Islanders have taken a two-goal lead in the first period, with the Capitals yet to open their account. Can Ovechkin break the NHL goal record today? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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