Alexander Ovechkin Opens Up About Private Moments With Wayne Gretzky

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Liam McCormick
October 25, 2024 (2:21 PM)

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In the final two years of his NHL career, the iconic Alexander Ovechkin will be chasing down Wayne Gretzky's goal record, and the Capitals forward understands how special it is.

Ovechkin scored his 2nd goal of the season last time out against the Philadelphia Flyers, and he's now just 39 goals away from tying the record of 894 set by Wayne Gretzky. In seasons past, Ovechkin would be a lock to score at least 41 goals, but he is beginning to slow down at 39 years of age. In a recent interview with NHL's Tom Gulitti, Ovechkin revealed that Gretzky is privately cheering him on with text messages when he's in a slump.

»It's great. 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. 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.»
-Alexander Ovechkin

Gretzky has been publicly supportive of Ovechkin before, but it's fantastic to hear that the two are developing a close relationship as the Great 8 chases an unthinkable record from the Great One.

Gretzky also spoke to Gulitti in the interview, reiterating his support for Ovechkin to break his goal record. Gretzky said he wants to begin travelling to follow around Ovechkin as he gets closer to the record, which may come near the end of this season or early next year. Even at Ovechkin's older age now, Gretzky has no doubts that his shot will still be able to wire home 42 more goals to take the record. Gretzky's words actually came hilariously close to his classic quote of missing 100% of shots you don't take.

»I mean, it's his shot. Look at guys like Brett Hull, Mario Lemieux, Mike Bossy. They get those opportunities. They don't miss the net. If you miss the net you can't score. Ovi. Bossy. Jari Kurri. Brett Hull. They never miss the net. And that separates a great goal scorer from good goal scorers, right?»
- Wayne Gretzky

The fact that any Wayne Gretzky record is under threat at all is absolutely incredible, so tracking Ovechkin's goal chase down the next two years will be incredible for the sport. Last season he scored only 31 goals, the least in full season over his entire career. As long as his shot keeps him pushing back against Father Time, Ovechkin should be able to pass the record easily next year, and retire as the NHL's best scorer ever.