Ovechkin’s Historic Goal Fuels Kucherov’s Comparison to Jordan

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of rewriting NHL history, and the pressure – and the inspiration – is palpable. As the 39-year-old star continues his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov is observing the process with a profound appreciation, drawing intriguing comparisons to Michael Jordan’s legendary competitive drive.

“From watching ‘M.J.’ in the documentary, I think it’s the same thing with Alex,” Kucherov stated on Monday.

“He saw the play develop, he jumped in the hole and got the puck. He was able to receive it and collect and put it short side. I played with ‘Stammer’ and I think Ovi and Stammer are the only two guys that can shoot the puck from the circle like that and always be in position to get the puck. It doesn’t matter if it’s a bad or good pass, they’re always ready. It’s just something special when they shoot the puck, and when they shoot the puck something good is happening.” Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning Forward

The Record Hunt: A Relentless Pursuit

Ovechkin entered the season needing 42 goals in 82 games to surpass Gretzky’s milestone of 894. While he missed 16 games earlier in the season due to a leg injury, his return has cemented his dedication to this historic quest. The Capitals, currently holding a strong 49-19-9 record, have five regular-season games remaining, providing a crucial window to solidify his position.

A Key Moment: The Islander Game

The remarkable goal that brought him closer – his 42nd of the season – arrived during a 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders. The sequence highlighted Ovechkin’s instincts and anticipation. The play began with Dylan Strome carrying the puck through the neutral zone, swiftly passing to Tom Wilson. Wilson, with space on the right, then connected with Ovechkin at the top of the right face-off circle, securing the crucial goal past Ilya Sorokin.

“He knew from the sequence of events that preceded the record-breaking goal that Ovechkin was going to get it on that play,” Kucherov explained. “It’s just something special when they shoot the puck, and when they shoot the puck something good is happening.”

Beyond the Numbers: The Influence of a Legend

Kucherov described Ovechkin’s drive as akin to Michael Jordan’s legendary focus, referring to the documentary “The Last Dance.” He elaborated, “It gets personal. He hunted this. Not many people have that; I see it and I’m going to go get it and I’m not scared about it. Like, they attack. He’s one of those guys.”

The impact of Ovechkin’s accomplishment extends beyond the scoreboard. Kucherov emphasized his role as an inspiration: “It’s crazy. Nobody could have ever thought something like this would happen, but he’s done it and I’m very proud of him. I’m very proud for Russia to have such a great player, the best goal-scorer. For us, it’s huge. ‘He’s a good example for the dedication and love for the game and the way he carries himself off the ice. He still puts up 42 goals at 39, which is crazy and it’s a big inspiration for all of us to see what he does every year even at the age of 39.’”

FAQ

• How many goals does Ovechkin need to break the record? He currently needs 54 goals to reach Gretzky’s total.
• What is Ovechkin’s current point total? As of January 26, 2024, Ovechkin has 895 goals and 1839 assists for a total of 2734 points.

Did you know? Ovechkin holds the NHL record for most career game-winning goals with 69.

With five games remaining, all eyes will be on Ovechkin as he continues his historic pursuit. His determination and remarkable skill are not just setting records; they’re inspiring a generation of hockey fans.

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