Ovechkin Scores 858th Goal, Nears Gretzky Record

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals scored his 858th career goal against the Montreal Canadiens, closing in on Wayne Gretzky's NHL record by just 37 goals. Ovechkin, at 39 years old, continues to defy expectations, having scored five goals in the current season and aiming for his 19th 30-goal season. His linemate Aliaksei Protas praised Ovechkin's competitive spirit and joyful celebrations, likening his enthusiasm to that of a rookie. Former Russian national team coach Vladimir Krikunov acknowledged the challenge Ovechkin faces in breaking Gretzky's record this season, emphasizing the difficulty of achieving such a feat. Despite concerns about his age and past performance, Ovechkin remains a dominant force on the ice, contributing significantly to the Capitals' strong start this season. Ovechkin attributes his success to effective teamwork with his linemates, highlighting the importance of their chemistry on the ice.