No Longer a Matter of If Ovechkin Catches Gretzky's Goal Mark, a Matter of When

All right, here we are talking about the chase for the all time goals mark in the NHL once again.
Check out the new THG website: thgyt.com/
(Updated) Use the code "thgsentme" on Bench Clearers for 15% off:: benchclearers.com/?aff=7&fbcl...
Order jerseys from Ben H Sports while saving 10% off the listed eBay prices by sending him an email regarding jerseys you spot in his listings. [e-mail] Just tell him Shannon sent you.
Use the code THG25 at Elite Prospects to get 25% off your first three months of a premium membership on their site from the 1st to 7th of any given month. www.eliteprospects.com/register
Support The Hockey Guy via Patreon / thehockeyguy
Join the Discord server:
discord.com/invite/thehockeyg...
/ youtubehockeyguy
Follow me on Twitter: @thgofyoutube
Instagram: thgshannon
[e-mail]
Contact me via snail mail at:
The Hockey Guy
PO Box 15038 Seven Oaks PO
Abbotsford, BC
V2S 8P1
In the USA:
Shannon Skanes
1125 Fir Avenue
Suite 119
Blaine, WA 98230

[@troymartin9749]

"he's looked at the aging process and decided it doesn't interest him." haha that made me laugh really hard, thank you shannon.

[@traviscampbell4623]

He has such a dry sense of humour it’s awesome.

[@Babaganoosh69]

it plays along the meme of 'russian machine don't break' too

[@zeelatrice]

time stamp?

[@Warpbox]

@@zeelatrice 3:37

[@PerfeckteDroge]

@@Babaganoosh69 russian machine never breaks :)

[@TheArcher143]

Ovechkin beating the goal record is one thing, doing it in fewer games would be even more insane.

[@bradybaylis1803]

It’s pretty likely he’s gonna do that. Guy is a cheat code

[@guccilibrarian4728]

In an era where goalies are way better? That would be amazing

[@gohabs8918]

Ovi’s longevity is next level. Pretty nuts to witness

[@beardupbeerdown7355]

151 goals in 275 gp

[@CA-ly7my]

Gretzky is overrated tbh

[@Killerbeast-hx5qp]

Here at 800 goals for Ovi. There’s zero doubt he’s breaking the Gretzky’s record anymore. What an incredible player from a Boston fan

[@markastoforoff7838]

I can't give you a thumbs up because I'm a Leafs fan and not really a fan of the Bruins cuz your team destroys us but I agree.

[@DanielKelly-qy1gv]

No doubt?

[@LFC-mr6yb]

The fact he is having the best start to a season in his career at 36 is insane. What a player.

[@slauzon01]

Tell me about it. It's too bad that all the attention is on McDavid. The league is completely ignorant of this all time great. Ovi is top 3 with Mario and Bure . I admire Bossy for his accomplishments but Pavel Bure did more with less espcially in Florida.

[@pz691333]

GH is a hell of a drug

[@chinchilla2971]

@@pz691333been on 💉for years.

[@CaesarSalad19]

Ovi always looks like he is a kid in a candy store when he plays. So much fun to watch

[@okkomelto2647]

@@TheEmpressMouse just like puljujärvi

[@INMATEofARKHAM]

@@TheEmpressMouse and he gets just as excited when a teammate scores. He just loves hockey!

[@skr2824]

That's it! He loves playing the game and I enjoy watching the chemistry he has with Oshie. Nothing like the new "Brand" boys and girls who focus on sponsorship and endorsements, not saying Ovi doesn't appreciate the lifestyle money brings but he respects the game and his fans.

[@BoyNamedSue4]

For me it’s just amazing being alive to watch his entire career. This isn’t like Wayne was for me where he past his prime when I became a fan or Orr where I know him only through history books.

[@beardupbeerdown7355]

I followed OV when everyone was talking about Crosby and exception status in the Q lol

[@eirikrdberg1161]

I followed Gretzky from start to finish. When an oiler I was captivated but not his biggest fan. From 1990 til he retired I was a passionate fan. The one time I saw him live in NHL was his first game in New Jersey after he called them a Mickey Mouse organization. Got three assists, but didn’t score a goal and despite Oilers beating NJ badly people were Pleased cause he didn’t score a goal.

[@guymajor7103]

I was fortunate to watch both!

[@porkmanchase3002]

For me as a teen I feel the same just that I started towards the end of Crosby and Ovi, but get to watch a guy like Mcdavids whole career

[@BoyNamedSue4]

@@ffej4895 clearly you don’t like him if you can say “he’s good not great”

[@poejavelski148]

When Ovechkin passes Gretzky someone has to make a giant compilation of every single goal.

[@ChimoWilson]

already done actually... KZbin channel called like "every ovechkin goal" they have it all broken down to seasons, can watch every goal in each season in a single video. kzbin.info/door/AbpEH6BcV-SYYfhsnEq1ig

[@tracemcgoatly8571]

8 hours long video 😂😂😂

[@CheetahLynx]

~4 hours' worth of Ovi goals? Yes please!

[@poejavelski148]

@@ChimoWilson Oh I see thanks! I still think it would be sick if once he’s retired there’s a massive 4+ hour video for everything in one video. I would watch the entire thing.

[@okyouknowwhatever]

You can just loop one of them instead. It will look the same.

[@bajikimran2304]

After watching Ovechkin play Friday night in Columbus, I agree. As long as he stays healthy, that record is his. You can't appreciate how big he is until you see him in person. I think he's about 25 pounds heavier than his listed weight.

[@ChimoWilson]

people have said that for 10 years now too! (the size remark)

[@kallebaah0]

Strong as a bull

[@nothing2see315]

@The Esquire of Sports® I know I’d rather be attacked by a fat guy @250 over a guy who is in great athletic shape and still weighs 245

[@maniac2323]

Every time I check the NHL App and the Capitals score I want Ovi to be the goal scorer. Most of the time he is haha. Legend

[@anthonyouellet98]

Same for me

[@JoeOsChannel]

I do the same thing. Go Ovechkin!

[@TheHeston83]

same thats personally all that his missing from his already impressive resume ya i want him to break the record too

[@vithursan.b]

Who doesnt😂 im on the bandwagon too. I really appreciate watching him play ever since I started watching hockey

[@richardbrophy4120]

same for me , this is one amazing Russian, a credit to his home nation and a gift to us here watching his phenomenal skillsets .

[@DanielNYR]

He's been a pleasure to watch, even as a Rangers fan. I am lucky to have watched guys like him and Crosby play. I'm a hockey fan, not a blind Rangers fan.

[@Torgo1969]

Nice. The Rangers are my secondary team but they were primary back when I lived in NY State. Immortal memories of Richter and Tikki and the 1997 playoff run.

[@NintenJoe09]

As a hockey fan living in Pittsburgh and having family who moved to DC, I’ve had the honor of watching Sid and Ovi up close their entire careers. We are insanely lucky to have watched players like them, Hank, Fleury, and others, grow into true Hall of Fame caliber hockey players.

[@atom2186]

From a Caps fan, much respect. The Rangers right now are so fun to watch!

[@September2004]

Imagine: * If he had been born 2 days earlier, he would have been eligible for drafting in 2003. * If there was no lockout in 2004-05 and 2012-13. * If there was no shortened season due to COVID in 2019-20 and 2020-21. That's 82 (2004) + 82 (2005) + 34 (2013) + 13 (2020) + 26 (2021) = 237 games. At 0.612 pace that's 145 goals! Add his current 742 and that's 887. He'd be a stone's throw close to Gretzky by now! Subtract some games for injuries which would be fair. Let's say he only plays 200 games. That's 122 additional goals which would put him at 864 goals. Only 30 behind Gretzky!

[@tedebayer1]

sure, but Gretzky also had many injury seasons as well..and started the NHL later due to 2 seasons with the WHL (pro league where stats never added)

[@robertchflynn]

@@tedebayer1 injuries are part of it and shouldnt get a mulligan for that. Overall he was pretty healthy throughout his career anyways. Also Gretzky played a single year in the WHA. He did have one shortened season due to lockout though...

[@trevorlambert4226]

Whole bunch of ifs.

[@September2004]

@@trevorlambert4226 Correct.

[@duckingcensorship1037]

@@tedebayer1 Gretzky played in the WHA before he was 18 though, because they allowed that. He wouldn't have been able to in the NHL. He did have one lockout shortened season, and one season with significant injuries though. But that lockout year, he only had 11 goals in 48 games anyway. He was 34 that year too. Ovi is having, maybe his best season?? At age 36... crazy

[@danny_light3942]

.612 Goals per game, which is greater than Gretzky, is impressive alone.

[@preppen78]

We'll see if he can keep it up. Gretzky dropped off a lot for goals. On the off chance that Ovi does become affected by age, I'm not sure Ovi will be as valuable on the roster. Things could get ugly in a few years if the drop-off happens and he needs to keep producing to beat the record.

[@robnotwicz7002]

@@preppen78 As a Caps fan, no, the team will gladly keep him on if he wants to stay and the fans will love it. There are a lot of Caps fans right now who, now that we have a Cup, could care less whether the team is good for much longer.

[@FC-tq1yj]

Comparing apples to apples Ovi is WAY behind Gretzky as after 16 seasons Gretzky was at .696 and after 17 seasons he dropped to .671. Ovi after 16 seasons is at .610... and through 15 games of season 17 he is at .612.

[@gozza7199]

Lemieux was .823 goals per game. After 1st retirement.

[@preppen78]

@@robnotwicz7002 Yea, I'm not debating whether the Caps will keep/roster him. We all know they will. But.. we've seen players fall off cliffs before, production wise and particularly in goals. One season they're producing, the next they aren't. I really hope Ovi breaks the record and I'm sure the Caps will do everything they can to make him do it. ...hence the risk wheelchairing Ovi to his regular spot for one-timers if a drop-off happens before the record is broken...

[@Monarch98]

I absolutely love your content. I don't go anywhere first for analysis of the game of hockey. SDPN and TSN after, but you are by far the very best fan/commentary and wealth of knowledge that the game of hockey has right now. Thank you so much for always keeping me involved during my US Armed Forces experience. Always look forward to your videos. Bless 🇺🇲🇺🇸

[@NasonJPR]

I'm Canadian but thank you for your service!

[@TheBillaro]

best hockey content in the world.

[@quicksloth4301]

I’m so glad we can have this discussion, with the Covid shortened-seasons I was worried that might cost him.

[@m00rtin4]

he is chasing this record and he had to sit out a pandemic, and 1,5 lockouts!

[@quicksloth4301]

@@m00rtin4 makes it all the more impressive!

[@edalder2000]

Between lockouts and COVID, those have cost Ovechkin roughly two seasons worth of games.

[@kinggoten]

Jagr would of beat Howe if he stayed those 3 seasons he played overseas, might of been some talk of him challenging Wayne if that happened, but would of been a big stretch. I still think its early to say Ovie does it for sure, but it looks like its going to happen and while I hate the caps once he is within a few I will have to watch some Caps games because breaking that record will be something you have to see live.

[@ATinyPillow]

@@kinggoten : (Jagr) woulda, coulda, shoulda \ (0.o) / .

[@Jackthgun]

Without the two lockouts and COVID he would be past Jagr and would all most for sure pass Howe this season

[@Hockeyhobo89]

Ya it'll be sad if he doesn't make it because that will be the reason

[@beardupbeerdown7355]

@@Hockeyhobo89 only thing it will affect is 1000vechkin

[@Mac-ix1nz]

Well, Jagr also had two lockouts..

[@okyouknowwhatever]

We can do "what ifs" for all players. What if Howe played 82 games each season instead of 70. What if Bobby Hull didn't jump to the WHA. Et cetera. Also lockouts helps longevity. Both Selänne and Lidström said the 04-05 lockout helped them extend their careers. Jagr said his tour in Russia helped him extend his career.

[@don178]

@@Mac-ix1nz Jagr also played 3 years in the KHL before coming back. He'd be above Howe if those were NHL years instead.

[@akrocanth]

He's just a total bad ass haha. It's amazing to watch him continue to power through the way he does, whether he gets #2 or somehow makes it to #1, it's awesome either way. He's one of a kind.

[@CB-lh4ph]

a few years from now we may be having the discussion "Can Ovi get to 1000 goals?"

[@wallsdownstudios4112]

32 goals per year in his new contract and he's there

[@JoeOsChannel]

Wouldn't that be something to see!

[@capdown6828]

He'll have to have average 54 goals this season and the 4 seasons coming on his contract to hit exactly 1000 goals.

[@Jayzon666]

@@capdown6828 I mean sure, it's not probable. But as crazy as it sounds... It's not entirely impossible, either.

[@capdown6828]

@@Jayzon666 If Ovi can somehow manage to pull out 60 goals this year, and 50 some next year, he'll be set for the following 3 years to get 1000.

[@edalder2000]

I have been a Caps fan for over 30 years. It has been a pleasure to watch Ovechkin play,. We all know where his office and what Ovi wants to do, but it seems that no one can stop him. Amazing. Though, to be honest, Ovi can score all the goals in the world and leading The Capitals to a Stanley Cup will be what I love Ovechkin for doing.

[@okyouknowwhatever]

Dmytro Khristich was a hell of a player too.

[@jonburford633]

My favorite Caps player besides Peter Bondra! I really hope Ovi can get at least one more Stanley before he retires but its gotta happen soon especially with the team getting older the window of opportunity won't be open too much longer.

[@davidtuttle7556]

Cups will come again. Enjoy watching Ovi work.

[@Peter-tm4sx]

@@davidtuttle7556 I sure hope so

[@davidtuttle7556]

@@rickhammond2473 So did Gretzky in his mid 30s. Gretzky also wasn’t the checker and shot blocker that Ovi is. Nobody was really playing defense in the 80s outside of Long Island DC or Montreal. Especially not Edmonton. And both Bossy and Gretzky had HOF teammates to back them up. Nystrom, Trottier, Potvin, Smith etc. Messier, Kurri, Anderson, Fuhr, Coffey. Not to mention the Gretzky Rules.

[@cartoonpilot]

Growing up in the dead puck era I never thought any of Gretzky's main records were achievable. I'm a Pens fan through and through but credit is due to Ovie - he's one heck of a player and it's been a real treat watching him play over the years. The rivalry with Crosby was epic and made for some of the best playoff series this game has ever seen. How spoiled we were!

[@JavaBum]

I thought that those series during the oughts and 10s between the Rangers and the Pens, or Rags and Caps were a lot of fun as well. Personally, I think the most fun I had watching the Pens play was their back-to-back battles with Detroit in the Finals.

[@hu6284]

Man those series were nuts

[@hu6284]

My favorite was with Kessel, Rust, but the 06 run was legendary@@JavaBum

[@Chimponaut]

It's gonna be amazing when he scores the goal to overtake Gretzky, that should warrant some celebration.

[@Colbyw74]

@Sam Amanda 😂

[@ATinyPillow]

“knighting” is a British accolade. \ {0.o} / .

[@jamescarlisle4023]

@Sam Amanda whatever their highest civilian honor is, he will get it. UPDATE: I think it's called Order of Honour.

[@alexstepanov5394]

@@jamescarlisle4023 It's actually the order 'For Merit to the Fatherland'. And Ovi has already order of Honour

[@ATinyPillow]

@Sam Amanda : You apparently. \ (0.o) / .

[@GreekboyyD]

From 1977 to 1989, spanning the entire time that Bossy and Gretzky piled up 50 goals or more in a season, there were 82 such seasons from players. Since Ovie came into the league there have been 26 and he has 9 of them. That is 35 percent of all of them.

[@vegasmobydick]

I was very fortunate to be at the LA Forum the night Gretzky scored number 802 to break Howe's record. The historical significance of that event seemed even bigger because I remember thinking at the time that nobody will ever come close to that...and he wasn't even finished yet! When he ended up with 894, it seemed like a sure thing that record will forever stand. To put it in perspective, 50 goal scorers are the elite; to catch Gretzky, a player would have to score 50 goals a season...for 18 consecutive seasons. It's incredible to see Ovi closing in!

[@Brvce_Wayne]

As someone who has been a Crosby fan since he came into the league, I’ve always had the utmost respect for Ovechkin’s pure goal scoring ability and his zeal for offense. It’s never been about Crosby vs Ovechkin, despite what the media portrays. It’s apples and oranges. Crosby is one of the best, if not the best, well rounded players of all time. He’s a proven winner and he’s been the best “complete” player in the league for over a decade. He’s the Tom Brady of the NHL. With Crosby’s lengthy injury history, what he’s done in his career is nothing short of miraculous. Ovechkin is an unstoppable offensive powerhouse. His scoring ability is superhuman. Undoubtedly the best goal scorer of all time. I can definitely say Ovi is one of the most entertaining players to watch. The bottom line is, stop comparing Ovi to any other player. He’s in a category of his own. He is the greatest goal scorer of all time.

[@johngaffigan3003]

Agree 100%. As a Caps fan, I concur that both these guys are legends within their era. Both need each other as added motivation.

[@whostolemyTV]

Does Ovechkin remind you of Bane, Master Wayne?

[@percussionjamz6704]

@@johngaffigan3003 Im a huge sid guy and have been since I was little when he was drafted. But always liked Ovis game too. Their games would absolutely compliment each others. Imagine them on a line together? we've gotten teased with it in the all star game before!

[@rickhammond2473]

Gretzky and Bossy are the greatest goal scorers of all time.

[@joem4398]

@@rickhammond2473 I’d agree that bossy is only because he had fifty goal seasons nine times in nine seasons. If injury didn’t shut him down I think he’d have well over 894 goals. Gretzky was healthy unlike bossy so was able to really take advantage of the smaller goalies using Stand up technique. I think ovechkin would have easily surpassed 894 with Bossy in that time period of smaller slower stand ip goalies.

[@lunalouhoo]

I hope Ovi stays healthy and it's a joy to watch him on the ice.

[@hankrearden5460]

What makes it even more impressive? Ovie is a very physical player who has highlight reels of his bomb doors. Granted he has slowed down in that department as he aged but still its impressive how complete of a player he is.

[@APPOINTEDTIMES]

too get wayne ovi needed to slow the hitting...he knows hed be closer if some stuff didnt in the way.

[@nickwilson1645]

And yet he’s only 29th in terms of points…granted that will improve but to be a complete player he needs to have more assists.

[@yimbaiyoko]

@@nickwilson1645 600 career assists is pretty good

[@tommycodfish]

He is fucking goal hog not a complete maker. He will have 350 ppg when he retires. Gretzky holds the record for short-handed goals. A complete player not even close.

[@jwilliam1542]

Personally, I think Barry Trotz helped Ovi evolve his game and become a more complete player. Ovi's in front of the net play, passing, and defense are now a major part of his game compared to when he first came in the league.

[@joeyrametta5072]

Ovi is the best goal scorer ever, he doesn’t even need to break the record for that title it’s already a given. Gotta give credit where credit is due!

[@artificialdopamine6542]

Wrong Bure and Mario lemieux are better, if Alex played during the clutch and grab era it won't even be close we wouldn't even be talking about this

[@rogiemac]

@bone-snypa haha...keep on hatin

[@patrickhall6627]

@@artificialdopamine6542 Looking at adjusted goals, you are incorrect. Now, IF Mario (and maybe Bure) had full, healthy careers, we'd be having a conversation.

[@slauzon01]

@@patrickhall6627 Lemieux stands out when combining both his regular season and playoffs scoring dominance. Not diminishing Ovi at all, just stating some facts.

[@patrickhall6627]

@@slauzon01 Lemieux was also someone who could still score goals into his 30's, when healthy. If he had a full, healthy career, he could've been the guy to at least approach, if not break some of Gretzky's records.

[@jeffhockey5163]

It's absolutely a treat to live in the OV era as it was with Gretzky. Thanks for the clarity in laying out the facts. It'll be fun for others to argue with facts. Of course there will be some.

[@NoahStew]

It's been less than 13 months since this video dropped and Ovi is 1 goal short of tying Howe. In fact his G/GP pace in the 93 games since this video was released increased to .6237 God I love my captain

[@elwizschold]

Everybody: Goal-scoring is going down Ovie: *smiles in grey-haired Russian*

[@eirikrdberg1161]

Thanks for doing this again. Despite two covid seasons since then costing Ovie 30ish goals things still look good. When Ovechkin scored goal nr. 500 Gretzky said something like ‘The first 500 are the easy ones, now we will see what your made of’. 750 coming up soon. A great milestone. As long as Ovie gets 895 on current contract I am very pleased.

[@JJ............................]

Pretty impressive that Ovie is still able to compete at an elite level considering that he plays more of a physical side of the game.

[@merz5050]

From this year to the end of his 5 years contract, he needs to score 33 goals per season to beat Gretzky, I don't see how he won't do it. And if he don't pass Gretzky at the end of his contract, he will sure re-sign an othet contract! So for me it's 100% sure he beats Gretzky, if don't get injured of course!

[@adamgates4659]

Plus they have playoffs

[@mattmart1345]

@@adamgates4659 Don't think playoffs count. Only regular season I believe, but I could be wrong.

[@DavidVandemark]

Yeah, no way a guy like Ovi gets close and calls it a career. He loves this game too much. He’s going until he simply can’t anymore

[@fczip5493]

I think he honestly could do what Jagr did and play until his mid 40's.

[@iclaudius8329]

@@mattmart1345 Yes, that’s correct

[@SuperRavensfan101]

When I was 10 I was introduced to the capitals. I’m 20 now, and watching Ovechkin on the TV and countless times in person has been nothing short of staggering. He is the greatest showman. I’m sorry Hugh Jackman but that title belongs to the Great 8. I even get emotional thinking about it because how lucky am I, how lucky are we to see this today, in the modern era. It’s beyond special and the day he retires or when he beats Gretzky/reaches 900 goals i dont know what I’m physically going to do.

[@XaviRonaldo0]

Even more crazy is his first 2 children are boys... Let's hope they have talent and passion for the game

[@iclaudius8329]

The first hockey player I was ever obsessed over, as a kid, was the Rocket. I was an 80s kid, so that wasn’t from seeing him play directly. It was from old video and stories and legends. As a relatively old Rocket fan, I think the league should, in due course after his retirement, give serious consideration to renaming the award the Ovechkin. He is hands down the greatest goal scorer in hockey history. It is *already* not even close. His ability to dominate for more than a decade in the very most important skill in the game is unparalleled. He simply scores goals. A bad year for him is a perfectly good year for any other hockey player. He mastered the most important part of the game like no one else has and he deserves his due. Ovechkin is one of the top 5 players of all time and I have a hard time considering that debatable.

[@Jim-pq9pm]

"The very most important skill" would be passing imo, but I suppose that's just the way it is.

[@neldawg593]

Super Mario *hold my coffee* am i joke to you?

[@lucassundqvist7344]

@@Jim-pq9pm how tf is passing the most important skill of the game, you can’t win a game by passing, but you can win a game buy shooting idiot. Also you can’t score if you only pass but you can score it you shoot

[@artificialdopamine6542]

Pavel bure was and is the greatest pure goal scorer ever and has a better gpg avg. Than Ovechkin, ill admit i am bias so id there was a better scorer than Bure its only Lemieux

[@Jim-pq9pm]

@@lucassundqvist7344 You can't win a game without passing either. Some goals are easy tap ins, or lucky tips, but every player needs to know how to pass. In the sense that it is the most utilized skill, it is the most important. BTW, it's by not buy. Helps to have proper grammar when calling someone an idiot.

[@mcattack2009]

One of my favourite players of all time, I hope he does it. In an era with less goals, better goalies (i.e. not drunks with pads), lost a season to the lock-out, lost tons of games to COVID seasons. He could've been in striking distance this season.

[@PieEater900]

Back in 16-17, I remember saying Ovi would break the record and people said there was no possible way. One of the greatest player to ever play and he's not slowing down anytime soon.

[@mattmart1345]

Yeah I highly doubt you said that in 16'17', but you do you though. Not sure if you're trying sound cool or what, but again you do you.

[@PieEater900]

@@mattmart1345 I'm literally a capitals fan, loser. I would have said this back in like 2012 because of the bias.

[@eirikrdberg1161]

@@mattmart1345 I started saying it to myself. Looking at the Numbers etc in 2015, but 16-17 made things look difficult. He bounced back though with 50 goal seasons or there around every year since. He still needs 150 goals to tie gretzky. Not a given, but it is realistic.

[@Mike-cj6ud]

@@mattmart1345 why are you a pos?

[@dandaniels5260]

@@eirikrdberg1161 Gordie Howe played until age 51, just saying.

[@garypardyphotography]

"Getting hurt makes Ovechkin stronger". Those in the narrow Hockey Fan / DragonBall Z Fan venn diagram realize Alex Ovechkin is a saiyan.

[@garypardyphotography]

@@philmerc364 probably when the Caps lose to Florida in 5 😭

[@anthonyconard9942]

GR8 video Shannon! Fully enjoyed the stats and all your hard work! Love the videos.

[@andymania13]

A few years ago I thought it was already impressive that we were having the discussion that someone could, even in theory, catch Gretzky for this record in this era. Even more so when you consider Ovi's lost seasons so far. But after seeing him this year and seeing the .612 goals per game stat... 100% the best goal scorer of all time whether he hits the record or not.

[@jamespungello8361]

Pretty incredible that he might actually do it. I hope he stays healthy and can compete for the goals record. Not really a Caps fan but I was glad to see him win the Cup in 2018. Amazing career even if he doesn't catch Gretzky.

[@IAVAIN]

You should put an Ovi Countdown in the corner of the boards

[@beardupbeerdown7355]

7:00 Ovechkin is a Super Saiyan confirmed. Zenkai boost.

[@colten5105]

ovi might have NHL potential i’m not gonna lie

[@JoeOsChannel]

Yeah, I think he'll stick with the Caps the rest of the season. Really can't see him being sent to the minors at this point.

[@actualperson7295]

Pull out those rookie cards boys, take a look at what became of that. Amazing. Don't sell the rookie cards.

[@starscream5263]

Already sold my Young Guns. 😥

[@bradgavel9991]

No...I've been heavily involved in the card market for over 25 years, sell them now, cards will be worth far less by then, the card craze has came and is already on its way down. Believe me, I wish I wasn't saying this...but this is what happens when a hobby turns into an investment.

[@StoufSto]

@@bradgavel9991 Card market is a nostalgia market. Kids just aren't buying the hockey cards anymore, they're buying fortnite skins (and even that reference is now old/uncool or whatever). Pokemon and Magic cards are big now because the kids that first played with them and collected them are now adults with income who want to reminisce and collect what they couldn't get as kids. No kid these days is going to grow up wishing they owned an ovechkin card or whatever, it's just not culturally important like it once was.

[@actualperson7295]

@@bradgavel9991 I buy all the cards I buy for nostalgia and to show my kids when we talk about sports in the future. I agree with you about market. I recommended not to sell because I'm not a seller, I'm a memory guy. Maybe based on your advice I'll let go of some of my doubles and lesser favorites.

[@bradgavel9991]

@@StoufSto A lot of the blame lies with UD...instead of thinking about the future of the market, they decided to money grab and turn every product into a $300 avg price for a 3 or 4 card pack that used to be a $90 box of 24 packs. Case and box breakers are a also a huge factor in that. Once the card companies seen this happening thsts when they started throwing out $3000 a pack type products and ruining any future by shutting out any youth that would be interested by making it completely unaffordable for them. I could go on and on but won't, I gave UD'S VP at the time, the message personally 4 years ago...he's listened real well...🤦‍♂️

[@avcc8825]

I’ve seen Ovechkin’s slap shot goals in person, and it’s a thing of beauty.

[@avcc8825]

@@antman909productions9 I think it’s because of the pleksiglass. But yeah his slap shot is no joke.

[@keahilumho8914]

You are the epitome of a classic Canadian ….solid Spartan commentary and humor sir!!! Viva La Frei is the same with a legal twist. In depth detailed commentary with no hyperbole or pretentious crud. God all the works of your hands!! New Sub Yay for us!!!

[@richardbrophy4120]

Injuries could play a huge role in his quest. As long as he stays healthy, I think he will pass the great one, and I am cheering him on to do it .

[@boomshocks]

152 goals in 5 years is still going to be tough, especially so considering they're going to be year 36, 37, 38, 39,and 40. I want him to do it so bad. But age *will* take it's toll soon, the question is can he do enough now to pad the count for later. Whether he gets it or not though, he's still the greatest goal scorer of all time.

[@RandomPlaceHolderName]

Only way Ovi doesn't reach 895 is season ending injuries over the next few years. Otherwise, he can average 20 over the next 4-5 years and then 10 until he's 45... bad teams will sign him just to sell tickets and he'll always get PP minutes in the left circle.

[@boppityboopy114]

Tbh, that’s 30 goals per year, and he can do that in a wheelchair. Plus if at the end of his contract he’s like 10-20 away, you know damn well he’s coming back

[@stevenbyers3383]

If he gets 50+this year I seriously think he should do it no doubt

[@Hockeyhobo89]

I don't see how he won't get it unless he retires or gets injured. Someone like him will always get an NHL contract, even in his 40's. He'll play until he doesn't want to anymore. I just don't know how much he cares about the record

[@ntnnot]

Jagr scored altogether 101 goals during his seasons as a 40+ year old (387 games). Selänne scored 192 goals from the age of 36 (= Ovechkin's current age) until the end of his career (492 games). Surely Ovi can at least match those GPG rates. Barring a major injury, this one's a done deal.

[@JordBrown91]

I'm a Pens fan and was kind of mad he didn't at least get one when I checked the box score for last nights blow out.

[@trask526]

We still have 3more friendlies this season. It would be a nice bit of nostalgia if we can see another competing hat-trick game between Crosby and ovechkin

[@brycejonathan384]

I think we could see someone get close to ovi in the future just because scoring is increasing. We see much higher point totals than we did in the late 2000, early 2010s. Also mike bossy goal/game of 0.76 and lemieux with 0.75 are just crazy insane.

[@bingboone9474]

Never forget that Ovechkin missed his full rookie season due to the lockout and another half season, then lost games with Covid last year. For someone whose health has been amazing, hes gotten bad luck with Lockouts etc. He would already be on Gretzkys doorstep if he didnt miss those essentially 2 full seasons

[@jwolfe01234]

Gretzky scored 46 goals in his rookie season in the WHA. If-only works both ways.

[@bingboone9474]

@@jwolfe01234 that still doesn’t take into account the 68 game season in 2019-2020 and the 45 game season in 2020-2021, and the 48 game season in 2012-2013 due to a lockout, that’s essentially another full season. Gretzky’s decision to sign at 17 in the WHA. Ovechkin couldn’t sign at age 17 in the NHL.

[@bingboone9474]

@@jwolfe01234 also if we are counting WHA stats, let’s not forget Gordie Howe’s 174 goals, if we are counting WHA (which was a B tiered league let’s be real) then the real goal record is 975 goals by gordie Howe.

[@sergeboutin4209]

@@bingboone9474 Of course… but it would add to the total games played : maybe in the 2500 games played, that is 1000 more games than Gretzky !!!

[@josephtaylor3857]

Gretzky also missed seasons due to players' strike and lockout. Gretzky scored 50 in 39. Gretzky scored 92 in 80. Ovi has done neither.

[@shaman9]

"I've looked at the aging process and decided it doesn't interest me" Is that how this works?!

[@barrusbarrusman9319]

You are incredible! Thank you!

[@utopianandroid]

Shannon, I'd love a refreshed look at what's led to scoring going down, and then possibly come back in the NHL. Cheers!

[@boltinabottle6307]

I think Tretiak (USSR/Russia) had a huge impact on goaltenders becoming better, despite never playing in the NHL. These days it's not uncommon for the goalie to be the best athlete on the team. Tretiak taught many top goalies in his time with the Blackhawks and the school he founded. Pretty sure he was the first to successfully use the butterfly style.

[@ryanreeves8931]

I'll never forget that amazing goal he scored against the Coyote's while falling on his back. Was that 2006? When I saw him do that, I knew the sky was the limit. Always will and always have liked him 1000000X more then Crosby.

[@sdgakatbk]

And that got Wayne's attention who was in attendance that night as the Coyotes coach.

[@windwalker5765]

You know the crazy thing? Gretzky isn't the only one watching. In that crowd in Arizona that night, there was a 9-year-old boy named Auston Matthews...

[@ryanreeves8931]

@@windwalker5765 wow. Amazing story. I never heard that one! Thanks for sharing.

[@otaviofrn_adv]

in the words of Joe Benninatti "simply sensational"

[@zahven]

I am so proud to be a lifelong caps fan, that I get to witness such a historic player on my favorite team

[@adamwest4926]

YAY I was looking forward to seeing another one of these GO CAPS GO OVI!!!

[@devildog5354]

Gordie Howe had 975 pro hockey goals: 801 NHL and 174 WHA. The two leagues merged in 1979. For those who are not aware the current Stanley Cup Champions are a former WHA franchise; Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques. The NHL was not the only North American pro hockey league...

[@MrBellsa61]

Every time the Caps play in my city I make a point of going. Ovie is the most entertaining player to watch, bar perhaps McDavid. Even then prime Ovie was a physical beast that McDavid will never be.

[@bigsyrup8567]

Ovie plays a much more direct game, which I always like. McDavid is fascinating for other reasons, like how insanely fast he moves, reads people and takes advantage of even the SLIGHTEST misstep. Two sides of the scoring coin that are fun in different ways.

[@jackl52]

I’m so lucky that I have been able to watch the majority of Ovechkin’s career. There is no goal scorer I have that was better that him. He is also as strong as an ox.

[@lookforward2life]

This was a Great Video, more it was a Great conversation about something amazing that we have all watched and not truly appreciated I think.

[@chunkhunter7826]

your cat was trying desperately to fall asleep hope they got the z's they deserve lol great video shannon

[@AAAAAA79473]

Shannon makes my day.

[@mikeb.2925]

Remember when people said Laine was the next Ovechkin and was going to surpass him as the League's top goal scorer? The media will always have a "next one" Now they're focusing on Matvei Michkov.

[@GreekboyyD]

He’s only 591 goals behind Ovechkin.

[@Jim-yh5uj]

We needed another update to this video

[@OldishGoalie]

Shannon... KZbin closed captions thought you said Yarmoth Yogurt when you clearly said Jaromir Jagr!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Now I can't stop laughing and think you should call him that from now on! Hahahaha

[@slauzon01]

Must be a new flavor.

[@CheetahLynx]

In a couple of years, there will come a point at which every single hockey fan will start watching every Caps game, just waiting for Ovi to score #895.

[@CB-lh4ph]

Thats already started for me. Ive never been a caps fan and ive always prefered crosby to ovechkin but im so invested in him passing gretzky that i watch the highlights to every single caps game

[@maxrcrypto]

Yeah but apparently Ovi isn't a generational talent 😉

[@TheFlamingPike]

Very good analysis. Ovechkin had to go through two lockouts and the pandemic and he's still climbing up the ranks in an age when ice hockey has never been more competitive, when the goalies have never been as big/tall as they are now, when the game has never been more strategic and complex, when any team can win any game on any night. How many goals would he have now if he didn't miss those lockout/pandemic games? I think he would be very close to beating Gretzky. This player is without a doubt the greatest goal scorer in the sport's history. He's a true force of nature. Greetings from a ( relatively troubled at the moment ) Habs fan!

[@thekevindeucey]

Russian Machine Never Breaks. I remember watching that locker room interview back in 2005? One thing you haven't factored in is how any hits Ovi has in his career. At least in his earlier days, he wasn't just a goal scorer, he was a beast on the ice. (Life long Caps fan who saw his first Caps game at the old Capital Center in Landover, MD)

[@shawn4white]

What I love. Is when Gretzky passed Gordie howes goal record he was there to congratulate Wayne, and Wayne said if Ovie passes him he’ll be there to congratulate him as well. Super cool

[@humankirk9196]

When Gretzky demolished Rocket Richard's 50 in 50 record, Rocket Richard personally gave him a trophy that Richard himself had made out of wood. Years later, Rocket Richard also gave Gretzky an honorary Rocket Richard Trophy, which Gretzky had never won since the trophy didn't exist when Gretzky scored the most goals in a season. Gretzky has said that this is the only trophy he keeps in his house. So yeah of course, this is part of hockey's generational lore. Of course Gretzky would be on hand.

[@windwalker5765]

Gretzky is part of the TNT Sports broadcast, and his contract is for the next 5 years. So, when Ovi gets close, I guarantee you they do the broadcast from wherever the Caps are playing.

[@That90sShow]

WTF do you think he is going to do? Publicly bash him.. We know deep down Wayne doesn't want Ovi to catch him

[@shawn4white]

@@That90sShow Wayne already the great one, nobody ever touching his assists, points, playoff points, 50 goals in 39, 92 goal season. But If ovie played in the 80s imagine how many more goals he’d score.

[@Germantownrunner]

As a long, long time Capitals fan, I cannot begin to relate what it is like to have a legend like Ovi on your team. For those who don't live in the DC Metro area, you need to know how revered this man and his young family are to the community here. He is, arguably, in the top 3 all-time, most-popular local athletes here. He does so much charity work here I can't begin to detail it all. As others have stated here in their comments, we should all recognize that we are living through historic times here with both Wayne Gretzky, the Great One, and Alexander Ovechkin, the Great 8, both living and active in our sport. Ovi is going to surpass Gretzky as the all-time greatest goal scorer and I can't help tip my hat to Wayne Gretzky who has said on multiple occasions that he is hoping that Ovechkin DOES break his long-standing record and will be present when he does to pass on the mantle. Simply said, Wayne Gretzky is the single best ambassador for our great sport. We are so lucky that our "Babe Ruth" is still so young and with us to participate in this continuing story. Gretzky has shown so much class toward Ovi. SHANNON: Thank you so much for doing this video. It was definitely time to revisit this topic. Your analysis on this video, and most of your videos, is accurate and FAIR. I admire you for that. Keep up your great contribution to this sport that we all love. #ALLCAPS #Great8

[@DanReinfoma]

FAIR??? are you high?

[@Germantownrunner]

@@DanReinfoma Shannon is the BEST hockey KZbinr. It's not even close. His ever-increasing numbers on this platform are the best evidence of his success.

[@mloftus8618]

I absolutely love to see a superstar be loyal and stick with the team that drafted him for his career. As you said, he could’ve gotten more hitting the market. Almost every player in every sport does that. Free agency has allowed many teams to buy talent drafted by other teams. I have the utmost respect for Ovi for that reason alone. Even if he was just an average NHL player, to be loyal like that is so refreshing to see.

[@mgcgrozit]

Alexander Ovechkin has had me dialed in and paying attention to his career since 2008 when he scored 65 goals. I had been (and still am) a Red Wings fan watching the Stanley Cup final... when they took a commercial break and showed a picture of Ovechkin and his goal totals on VS network. I understood then that there was, perhaps, a very distinguishable player among his peers, especially when you consider the he played at the tail end of the dead Puck Era and plays in an Era where a 40 goal season makes you an all star. Up until then, I had never been to a hockey game in my life. The next season though, I attended my first ever NHL game which was a Capitals @ Wings game at the old Joe. He didn't score (Matt Bradley and Brendan Morrison did) and the caps lost but Ovechkin looked like a true force of nature out on the ice. Detroit was fortunate to have Datsyuk and Lidstrom shutting his line down. It was an experience I'll never forget and made me an even bigger fan of his, especially since he was giving Lidstrom a run for his defensive prowess that night and the whole Lidstrom vs Ovechkin battle was an experience in and of itself. Since 2009, though, I've gone to every Capitals @ Red Wings game when he put up 56 goals. I haven't missed a single one and I hope to attend every Caps game that Ovechkin skates in. You truly can't appreciate how great of a player he is until you've seen him play in person. He's a beast even at 36.

[@midimusicforever]

He sure is looking like he will make it!

[@andybartalone2829]

I look forward to being in the building when he scores it.

[@NasonJPR]

Outside of Jason Spezza being my favourite Maple Leaf(with the waiver wire last year, his contract, work ethic and all round awesomeness) this story is my favourite thing in the NHL. I just love Ovi. He's so awesome.

[@Leafgreen1976]

I love Spezza as well :)

[@cahg3871]

@@Leafgreen1976 he just lives being a leaf.He stated if he could play for less then the league minimum to help the Buds out,he would.

[@CreamyItalian]

Twice, even 3rd, in a lifetime for most of us. I wasn't around to watch Howe's goal record, as I turned 1 the day the Islanders lifted their 1st of 4 Cups in Gordie's final NHL season. But most of us were there to witness the Great One passing Howe back in 94. Now we are about to see it happen again when the vast majority, if not all, of the hockey world thought the record was untouchable. It's an amazing feat. I love this game!

[@ben_cross21]

He hasn’t even passed him yet and I’m already declaring him the greatest goal scorer of all time. There is and never will be another goal scorer like the great 8. How is he getting better with age????

[@mrquirky3626]

I think that's safe to say. Ovi has currently scored 744 goals in the butterfly goalie era while Greztky got vast majority of his 894 goals at a time when the average goalie was 5'-9" and most save attempts was swinging a foot in the general direction of the shot like they were receiving a soccer ball pass.

[@josephtaylor3857]

Gretzky scored 50 goals in 39 games. Gretzky scored 92 goals in 80 games. Ovi has done neither.

[@cesar9572]

@@josephtaylor3857 gretsky also played in a easier time😂 don’t forget defending and goaltending is actually good now, not like him where goalies were literal plumbers and bus drivers

[@klompsauce]

I am glad he’s playing in my lifetime

[@TheChewyWun]

I'm surprised you didn't mention Lemieux more in this conversation and include his stats. His stats were hampered by injury and cancer, but he retired with almost 700 (690) goals and over 1700 (1723) total points. It would have been amazing to see what he could have done without his health issues regularly slowing him down. All that said, I still think you have to at least have the conversation about him being one of the best goal scorers.

[@mattschanne9696]

Goaltending in the 80s vs what Ovie has faced. The numbers are just unreal.

[@damonwebb813]

Which might be the most impressive thing of his quest for all time goal record......is the heavy game he has played throughout his career For a true power forward being able to keep his speed up, his shot Just wow

[@newschooler720]

Damn this ovi guy is pretty good

[@alexolds9840]

Nice profile picture lmao.

[@sdgakatbk]

Yeah he might make it.

[@williamwilliam728]

I have always been a Bobby Orr believer he was the GOAT. As OVI kept chugging along with that huge 13 year contract I realized he was not ever going to coast during any of that long term contract. Now that he has 5 more years added to it, you can rest assured Ted Leonsis has once again gotten his money's worth! OVI is the GOAT!

[@user-gn8nv8mf3q]

No longer a matter of when but a matter of if.

[@mcj44]

Right 😂😂

[@GreekboyyD]

18 goals in his last 24🤯

[@u2ooby]

Gretzky started slowing down at around age 33 (1994) ...Ovi is 36 and still going strong.

[@Roller11111]

He still put up 90 plus points twice during the trap era in his late 30s, similar numbers to Ovechkin last season in a higher scoring era. Gretzky did slow down but that just speaks volumes of how great he was in his prime.

[@michaelgriffiths8068]

True, although….Gretzky’s version of “slowing down” was winning the playoff scoring title with 40 points in 1993 (the 4th highest playoff total in history), and winning his 10th Art Ross trophy in 1994 as the NHL’s scoring champion lol

[@Nizmosr20]

Crazy part for me watching him play(caps fan since '95), he goes HARD all the time. Hustles, skates hard, hits with punishment and is a threat at every corner. Im shocked he hasnt been hurt more to be honest... or maybe he was and didnt care. Hes been playing for so long and yet the opposing team STILL doesnt have an answer for him. Russian machine doesnt break.

[@jaceking5938]

I mean, there will be one. Just who knows how long into the future. Thing is the next two drafts have some outliers who actually might be close

[@firstrateduelist4377]

A once in a hundred years talent.

[@lessthanthreemetal]

When he gets close to the record, I'll be turning into every Caps game. This isn't something you want to miss seeing live. Never gonna happen again

[@otaviofrn_adv]

So will every fan. I hope TNT can have the record breaking game. We all know that Gretzky wants to be in the arena to pass the torch himself

[@zoubilizou8888888]

Amazing players all of them. My opinion: it happens again one day maybe.. Once in a blue moon, a player comes along so amazing that it makes you rethink everything

[@villekoskela9073]

Cat is like "shut up... I will score most goals"

[@tvelis513]

Let’s remember that Gretzky has more assists alone than every other player ever has in total points

[@cesar9572]

Let’s also remember that he played in a WAY easier time 😂

[@tvelis513]

@@cesar9572 I don’t care what era of NHL you compare that’s like saying the guys in the sixties who scored 50 goals had it easier then the guys in the 1980s or 1930s. Just consider how truly stunning the fact above is in relation to all players in all eras. More ASSISTS by themselves then any player who ever played has in total points!

[@Alexandros.Mograine]

dont jinx it, now hes gonna get injured or something. we all know what kind of powers you have!

[@HockeyandWhiskey]

The debates of who the goat is will always be there… forever. We however won’t live forever. So forget the debates and just be happy we get to see all the greatness happening.

[@jadenippersiel912]

The thing with Ovi is his game isn't as age affected as other players, he doesn't need his speed like a lot of other players, his hockey sense and his shot is ageless.

[@yenick5240]

To your last question, I think there will always be a new challenger to a record. We all thought nobody could catch the great one, and now Ovi is here. A player that could set that kind of a record seems to be once every other generation. So fifty years from now, there will be a player approaching Ovi's new record of 900 goals, and that will be the talk of the day. Clearly Ovi has proven you can score that many goals in the modern era against goaltenders (compared to the older days), so it is possible for another star to do it too years from now.

[@fczip5493]

I kind of agree whit you, but will there ever be another amazing goal scorer who dosent get injured.. Like at all... Thats the tricky part.