Alex Ovechkin claims that he should have already broken Wayne Gretzky's record

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Josh Tupper
July 25, 2024 (4:12 PM)

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Alexander Ovechkin Believes He Should Have Already Broken Wayne Gretzky's Goal Scoring Record

Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin recently expressed his frustration on a Russian podcast, 'Podcasts with Amiran Sardarov,' over the setbacks that have delayed his pursuit of the National Hockey League's all-time goal-scoring record. Ovechkin, who is close to surpassing Wayne Gretzky's record, believes he would have already done so if not for circumstances beyond his control.

The full-season lockout in 2004-05, the half-season lockout in 2012-13, and the 2019-20 regular season ending early due to the COVID-19 pandemic have cost Ovechkin a total of 155 games. He argues that these disruptions have significantly impacted his goal-scoring tally.

"If there had been no lockout and no pandemic, I think Gretzky's record would have been broken by now," Ovechkin told Sardarov. "But, unfortunately, such moments happen."

As the 2024-25 campaign approaches, Ovechkin is just 42 goals shy of Gretzky's record. Should he maintain his form and avoid a slow start like last season, there's a strong possibility he could surpass "The Great One" in the latter part of the upcoming season.

Beyond breaking records, Ovechkin remains focused on winning another Stanley Cup. Despite the Capitals not being the favorites for next season, they have made significant off-season additions to bolster their roster for a deep playoff run.

"I want to win the Stanley Cup again," Ovechkin said. "Words cannot describe the emotions and pleasure that we, our friends, family, and fans received."

As Ovechkin chases history, his performance in the upcoming season will be closely watched. Despite his advancing age, the determination to become the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer and to secure another Stanley Cup remains undiminished.

Source: Russian Machine Never Breaks
Alex Ovechkin says he would have already broken Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record without lockouts and the pandemic: �But, unfortunately, such moments happen'