It’s not every day that a long-standing sports record is nearly broken, especially in a way that brings everyone together, including the record-holder himself.
Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is just 41 goals away from breaking the all-time NHL goal record set by Wayne Gretzky.
With 854 goals, Ovechkin is on the edge of history, and he’s got Gretzky cheering him on.
Let’s examine Ovechkin’s journey, how Gretzky is supporting him, and why this race to 895 goals is about more than numbers.
From the start, Gretzky has been one of Ovechkin’s biggest fans.
It’s rare to see the record-holder himself supporting the one who might break it, but that’s exactly what Gretzky is doing.
When Ovechkin is in a scoring slump, Gretzky often texts him to keep his spirits up.
Ovechkin said, “Even when I have a slump, he will sometimes text me and say, ‘Don’t worry about it. It will come.’ He’s on my side.’”
Imagine the guy whose record you’re trying to break telling you, “You’ve got this.”
And it means the world to Ovechkin.
Gretzky, who retired in 1999 with 894 goals, is fully confident Ovechkin will pass him.
“It’s just a matter of time,” he said, explaining that he believes Ovechkin will get there whether it happens this year or next.
Gretzky’s pride and support show his deep respect for Ovechkin as a player and a person.
This season, Ovechkin started slow, not scoring in his first three games.
But it didn’t take long for him to get back on track.
In a recent game against the New Jersey Devils, he deflected the puck into the net, ending his goal drought and moving 40 goals closer to Gretzky’s record.
Ovechkin’s focus is clear.
“Obviously, it’s still 42 goals,” he said before the season started.
“I’m not getting younger, I’m getting older, but the most important thing is to stay healthy and do my job. I try to score goals, try to create, play physical and the most important thing is win another Cup. It’s not about the record.”
Even though he’s close to the record, he’s still thinking about his team and wants to help them win another Stanley Cup.
Despite scoring 31 goals last season—his lowest in an 82-game season—Ovechkin came back strong, netting 23 goals in the final 36 games.
He knows he can still score big numbers, and with each goal, he’s getting closer to making history.
This drive and determination have earned him widespread admiration, and players across the league respect Ovechkin and want to see him succeed.
Even rivals like Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury admire what he’s trying to do.
Devils forward Stefan Noesen put it best: “Every team in this league wants to see him do what he needs to do, but just not against us.”
It’s not only players—fans everywhere are cheering for him.
Hockey fans know this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and many are watching each game to see how close Ovechkin can get.
Even Gretzky said, “It’s great for the game, it’s a positive for the sport,” recognizing how this record chase is inspiring fans across the board.
One of the most special parts of this journey is the bond between Gretzky and Ovechkin.
Beyond the records, Ovechkin is grateful for Gretzky’s encouragement.
“If that kind of person is rooting for me, it’s pretty cool stuff. He’s the best player out there and he’s a great human. He supports me and it’s a pretty cool thing,” Ovechkin shared, showing how much Gretzky’s support means to him.
Ovechkin hasn’t yet asked for advice on handling the pressure of being so close to breaking the record, but he plans to as he gets nearer.
“I hope when it’s going to be close, he’ll give me some advice,” he said.
When Gretzky broke Gordie Howe’s goal record in 1994, he experienced the same pressure Ovechkin is now feeling.
So, having someone like Gretzky in his corner is a huge source of support and strength for Ovechkin.
As Ovechkin closes in on Gretzky’s record, he’s doing it with the support of his fans, teammates, and even Gretzky himself.
Watching these two legends share this journey—one making history and the other cheering him on—is a true testament to sportsmanship and respect.
Whether he breaks the record this season or next, Ovechkin’s name will go down in NHL history.