Updated Look at Ovie's Pursuit of the Goals Record and Others Who Fell Short

[@sportingpage]

Players over 35 rarely score at a high pace.. even the legends.. Ovechkin was truly on a tear.. here's to hoping he comes back strong 💯

[@randombutrelevant]

Dude also hits everything he sees, he's probably thrown more hits this year than 99 in his career (love 99 though) just sayin.

[@GizmoBeach]

Players for many years tailed off in their 30’s across pro sports because they had a diet of coffee, lard, six packs and cartons of cigarettes. Times changed, but mostly the money did after the 70’s. Athletes started taking even better care of themselves, not just relying on talent or when shedding off-season weight. Guys like Bossy and Gartner excelled because they were the exception to those around them: hugely talented, but mavericks when it came to conditioning and diet. Players said hmm, time to get aboard that money train.

[@johannespitkamaki1369]

@@GizmoBeachif you look at ovie and his beergut thats literally his diet 😂😂

The key thing about Bossy in this aspect is actually his short career - he quit before the drop off. Bossy played for 10 seasons with a goals average per game of .762. Well, in Gretzky's first 10 seasons he played a total of 774 games and managed to score 637 times which result in a .822 goals per game average - significantly higher than Bossy's. (Same numbers for Ovechkin is 475 goals in 760 games (w/ the 48 game lockout season in '12/'13) for .625 goals per game, so a bit closer to Matthews' pace.)

[@davidreynolds6718]

The era makes all the difference. In the 1980s, teams were scoring 3.5 - 4 goals per game. During Ovechkin's career it's been more like 2.7-2.8. In other words, it was 25-40% easier to score goals in the Gretzky/Bossy/Lemieux/Brett Hull era.If Ovie played back then, he'd have 1100 - 1200 goals.

[@windwalker5765]

When it comes to Ovi's injury and the record, it's more important that he come back healthy than come back fast. Let's say once he comes back, he only scores as many goals in the back half of the season as he has so far, for 30 total. That gets him to 883, and only 12 left to pass Gretzky. Keep in mind, last season, he had 23 goals in the second half! The _real_ problem is that, if he gets close but doesn't break the record this year, tickets to every Caps game in the beginning of next season are going to cost thousands of dollars.

[@jkliao6486]

I really hope it's not that covid shortened season situation, where he was coming back and forth to that leg injury and is not playing at 100% for a few games. I'm inclined to say it might be the left ankle that time as well, but I could be wrong.

[@sportingpage]

Side note.. Brett Hull was still an excellent goal scorer at an old age. Excellent breakdown THG 🔥

[@matthewsimonds3346]

He honestly matches ovi’s stats quite well and both having the two best era adjusted goal seasons 👏

[@grahamdamberger7130]

Still doesn't make sense how Gretzky playing in the WHA disqualified him from being a rookie in 1979-80 as an 18 year old but Sergei Makarov playing professionally in the Soviet Union didn't disqualify him from being a rookie in 19889-90 at 31 years of age.

[@Andrew_mb4]

I think it has something to do with the NHL's hatred of the WHA and that Gretzky and the Oilers bypassed the Reclamation draft and the entry draft ( where Gretzky would have been drafted by the Colorado Rockies whom he would have refused to play for) by signing him to a 19-year personal services contract

[@angushiltz4880]

A lot of bad blood between the NHL and WHA back then. The NHL was being petty back then and really treated players and WHA teams badly. As for Markov it was kind of a strange situation. Technically he was in the Russian army and still classified as an amateur.

[@Andrew_mb4]

@@angushiltz4880 That is also true, although everyone but the IIHF and IOC knew the Soviets were really professionals

[@akrocanth]

I'm still bummed about this but it's not even about the record or chase. Ovi was just off to such a crazy hot start and looked so refreshed and energized compared to a lot of last season, I was legitimately happy for him and the team. Glad it isn't as serious as it could have been, though.

[@randombutrelevant]

Bro, all that changed from mid last year was his stick, it was not age, team make up, personnel, he changed his stick start of year, changed it back and went on a tear literally (and actually) the game he switched back... hasn't looked back since. What many don't know is Hershey (AHL team) has won 2 championships in a row and very well could win a 3rd this year, this is where McMichael, Protas and rest come from. They are solid players and mostly young, not 32 year old fringe NHL, all kids tearing it up down there, similar to DAL

[@Falllll]

@@randombutrelevant He's actively playing better hockey this year too.

[@blitz9742]

What makes this situation even more unfortunate is not just Ovi's goal scoring pace compared to last year, but also how fast he looks this year. He's been flying up and down the ice (and backchecking) as if he was 25. Hope he's able to keep that up once he returns as well because it's been a lot of fun to watch

[@pajerhockey]

Even as a Pittsburgh native and Penguins fan, I really hope Ovi surpasses Gretzky

[@RedRisotto]

I believe all hockey fans agrees with you... It's amazing to see something that was considered impossible to break, actually being bumped,

[@dennish.7708]

He may create a new total goals record, but he can never surpass 99. Check out the assist totals (i.e. playmaking).

[@bradgavel9991]

He's also taken something around 1500 more shots(so far) as well...just saying, even 'if' he breaks this one, it doesn't necessarily mean he was a better goal scorer, even if I want him to be. Lemieux kills them both anyhow so...

[@davidreynolds6718]

@@bradgavel9991 Ovechkin led the NHL in goals 9 times. Lemieux led the NHL in goals 3 times. Ovechkin stomps Lemieux as a goal scorer.

[@naty4_th832]

I think when he breaks the record, no matter who it's against, whether it's Pittsburgh, Philly or whoever, the fans of the opposing team are going to be happy.

[@edalder2000]

Ovi had missed 20 games due to injury in his long career before now. Dude had Wolverine level healing powers. Ovi's longest absence was when his father died. Ovi went home to Russia for the funeral and to grieve. Alex missed his intended rookie season of 2004-15 and part of 2012-13 thanks to lockouts. There was also the shortened Covid season. The "what if" of how many goals Alex would have with those intended games is quite the thought experiment.

[@RIUUI007]

2004-15. That's a long ass season.

[@youremom8085]

if not for lockouts and covid he would be chasing 1k

[@RebelsHockey]

One of my favorite channels. As a hockey nut, I always watch. Been watching for years, just don't comment much because I watch through my roku on my TV.

[@tlcaps2403]

Thanks for doing this, Shannon.

[@MarkCMG]

Thanks for the video! Ovi will hopefully be back sooner. I think he'll need the time to break the record this year.

[@capsdude4838]

The different eras really factor in too, and make what Ovi’s done even more amazing, having played a big chunk of his career in an era where Jamie Benn led the league in scoring one season with only 87 points (Ovi still scored 53 goals that season)

[@ethanparker7900]

yah from 2005-2019 the league was domianted by stellar goaltenders and defense where scoring 50 goals or more and 100 points or more was incredibly rare

[@GizmoBeach]

Radio Robert scored 17,496 goals in the Bud Light Bubble Hockey League. He had a shot you could hear but couldn’t see, you know.

[@Splodes23]

Jack Mcbain we are sending you to the depths of hell/ Ottawa

[@corbyraid5842]

I think McCain feels horrible about it tbh and it was an accident

[@Mitch-ui8ps]

What so everyone should just stop playing and no hit Ovi in a contact sport?

[@Splodes23]

@@Mitch-ui8ps who said that?

[@coreys450]

THG single-handedly keeping the memory of Flyers PP1 Legend Tim Kerr alive. One of the biggest “what if’s” in 80s hockey history- along with Bossy

[@kosmicwizard]

Thanks for mentioning Kerr, Shannon. I was a Flyers fan in the 80s and I wanted to see him get a cup. I hated Edmonton at that time.

[@randombutrelevant]

He changed his stick start of last year, gutterballed, changed back and literally to the game he changed back, he has been on a tear ever since.

[@gabrieladkinsGS]

I think Shannon is right about telling father time no every morning 😂

[@nguoibantotnhat]

I bet on Ovi breaking the goal record & having his 10th 50-goal season but this injury may ruin what could be an outstanding achievement for the Gr8 man

[@Alex_Ertl]

Ovi has played in 96% of the Capitals total regular season games since his NHL career started. The most games he has missed in a season was 10 in 2009-10, between minor injuries and suspensions. In 2022-23 he missed 9 games, most of which were missed due to flying home to Russia while his dad was dying. Russian Machine Never Breaks

[@BoyNamedSue4]

With the injury I’m thinking next year.

[@doggosplosion]

I really want Ovi back, was hoping to see the record break happen this year. Thanks Utah for messing this up for all of us.

[@calvincharlie999]

I hope he comes back soon. I really want him to beat that record. Need a new champion. Great 8!!!

[@mikkoluukkonen3445]

I hate that Bure knees failed him, eazy 800 goal,if healthy😢

[@peterolbrisch8970]

If you're going to bring up the WHA, he's still behind Howe AND Bobby Hull.

[@Peksisarvinen]

I think the flaw in the argument people have "against" Ovi is bringing up his lack of missed time due to injuries. Being durable is not a point against him, it's a point in his favor. Being durable is a part of greatness. Obviously the players can't really influence how durable they are, as it's largely genetic, but so is just general hockey talent, and nobody's trying to make the case that Gretzky and McDavid are only as good and dominant as they are due to their innate talent. LeBron is only good at basketball because he's very tall and very athletic by nature. Durability should be viewed as an equivalent to that, not as some sort of a cheat code Ovechkin has. Ovechkin is the greatest goal scorer of all time already, not because he's been lucky with the lack on injuries, but because one of his many talents is durability. And because he's scored his goals against MUCH tougher opposition than Gretzky or Bossy or Lemieux, in a very low-scoring era of hockey, without ANY HoF level talent to help him out at any point in his career. He's had great teammates, but nothing like what Bossy or Gretzky or Lemieux or Matthews have/had. The goal scoring record, which he will get, is just the icing on the cake. He was already the greatest goal scorer in history like five years ago.

[@OaksArm]

I agree for the most part but you are overlooking the impact of Backstrom. You might also be overlooking the firewagon system Boudreau implemented in Ovie’s prime.

[@Ansible2]

I think he does it this year if he misses no more time than expected and the caps continue to play well. He knows how close he is and seems like a man on a mission.

[@chiefbrody7506]

I love Gretzky but I'm hoping the Hockey Gods see it fit for Ovi to pass Wayne.

[@davidwhidden9337]

If ovi does what he did post all-star break last season, it's all OK. If anyone can do it, it's him.

[@Go_for_it652]

Alex has peaks and valleys.Strange

[@NSUCarlos]

Hopefully Ovi comes back strong and Washington is still in the mix. It's probably just me but this great start by the Caps was really a pleasant surprise

[@butcherpete2286]

He gets there this year. I think he comes back ad gets back to that 2 goals every 3 games.

[@OaksArm]

NEXT year… You’d be asking a little much of the old man to miss so much time and do it this year.

[@CB-lh4ph]

Id love to see you do a video where you compare goat candidates based on how many points above the average of the top 100 players in the league they are. People discredit gretzky by saying "but he played in the 80s", but if it were easy to score in the 80s, everyone wouldve had 200 points. So to look at it as a percentage above average is probably the best way to "era adjust"

[@HitMan0199]

Jagr not being in this video is surprising

[@jakeaaron]

With WHL goals factored in Gordie is actually still the goals leader. Such an impressive career.

[@SverigeiSverige]

Of course WHA goals doesn't count on NHL totals.

[@alyssinwilliams4570]

THG> Have you done a video on who you consider some of the worst exclusions from the HHOF? I was looking over an article about the 2025 class and some of the players who have been eligible for awhile but still arent in and its a pretty impressive list. Three that really stood out to me were Carey Price, Patrick Marleau and Alex Mogilny. The latter two especially when you consider that Paul Kariya is in.

[@tydrenning6162]

Not to say ovi hasnt been fortunate, but him playing through "pain tolerance" level injuries is well documented, ovi is one of the most determined warriors the sport has seen

[@perwarmell5741]

It's just a bad break for Ovie ;). But yes, i think he will do it this year anyway. I hope he does and than we can stop talking about this record as "will it ever be broken".... Love your channel man // Per from Sweden.

[@Bleighckques]

The comment about Gretzky having more goals if you count the WHA is interesting, but it's worth noting that he was 17 at the start of that season which made him ineligible to play in the NHL. That's the reason he played in the WHA instead of the NHL in 1979, because the minimum age for the NHL entry draft was 20, before being dropped to 18 in 1980. For that reason, I think counting his WHA goals in an argument that he could have had more in the NHL is not appropriate. Gretzky had the opportunity to play in the NHL starting at 18, which is technically the same as Ovechkin, other than the fact that the unfortunate timing of Ovi's birthday meant that he would have been 19 in his first game, even if there wasn't a lockout in what would have been his rookie season (though I've read that it's likely he would have played out his Russian league contract for that season anyway and still debuted in the NHL in '05-'06).

[@justjohnny420]

I feel like WHA totals not counting towards NHL totals is the same idea as Liiga, SHL, KHL etc stats not counting towards NHL totals.

[@SverigeiSverige]

👍 Yes different league. 🤷‍♂️

[@HALberdier17]

But the only difference is the WHA merged into the NHL so their records should be included. I know why it doesn't count because the NHL hated the WHA and don't want to acknowledge it. They were lucky that the NHL even agreed to merge the four WHA teams into the league.

[@SverigeiSverige]

@@HALberdier17 WHA ceased.

[@alexatl89]

What if Ovi doesn't pass Gretzky?

[@catholicactionbibleonlyist1813]

Probably next year

[@brendanjodouin-paquette]

Vancouver Canucks fans

[@fiftyin07]

In a league that has a prime McDavid, Matthews, MacKinnon, etc… A 39 year old has absolutely no business leading the league in goal scoring…. But Ovechkin was doing it somehow. I love all the haters that were out last year saying that he’s done and he’s slowing down blah blah, but he still scored 31 goals last year, which would be a great number for basically any other player, but since it’s Ovi that’s considered a down season. Without this injury I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that he was going to break the record this year. Dude is just an absolute animal and he’s STILL one of the best goal scorers in the league at 39 years old. Just crazy.

[@ethanparker7900]

if he still gets to the high 40s/low 50s then i would name him a bill masterton finalist

[@RedRisotto]

Matthews had a very dangerous back injury and surgery when playing in Switzerland. It will come back to haunt him eventually - it's inevitable. Some say that this is the reason why he went to Germany... for his back.

[@Shaun_R82]

How many goals per game did jagr and selanne score and what about Bobby hull if you add wha totals

[@Shaun_R82]

Or what about Brett hull I am just curious

[@BigBrothersEnd]

I swear, I jumped on that video like misery on poor people.

[@jonmendelson1104]

One thing I never hear brought up when talking about Ovi is how his birthdate has impacted his goal total. He was born on September 17th and if he were born two days earlier he'd have been eligible for the 2003 draft instead of 2004 and been able to play an additional season.

[@wildwilie]

Yeah so because he was born two days later, he's missed two full years of nhl games. Instead of 1 from the lockout.

[@peterhillerup6006]

A mention was made of Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe scoring a aignificant number of goals in the WHA but it is too bad that they don't count. The same can be said for Bobby Hull. Among players whose careers were not significantly cut short by injuries, I consider Gretzky, Howe and Hull to be the greatest goal scorers of all time.

[@RaineriHakkarainen]

Gordie Howe and Bobby Hull played against players from Canada only! Gretzky's time in 1982 95% of NHL players from Canada! Today under 41% of NHL players from Canada! In 1980s NHL 8 goals per game! Ovechkin ERA only 5,3-6 goals per game! Belo Russian Gretzky played 27 minutes per game! Jari Kurri and Reggie Leach 19 goals play-offs record better than Gretzky! Connor McDavid play offs assists record! McDavid ERA only 6 goals per game!

[@gamingking2187]

Who in your opinion is the best goalscorer in hockey? For me it’s Mario Lemieux

[@ethanparker7900]

ovi is the best cause he scored 65 goals and recorded many 50 goal seasons in times where it was hard to score. Mario was dope but his era was much easier for scoring

[@gamingking2187]

@ Most of the records Gretzky holds is cause Lemieux wasn’t healthy. Even Gretzky admits that Lemieux is a better goal scorer than him and Orr says Lemieux is the most talented hockey player ever. I use my eyes. Lemieux has more strength, softer hands, better feel for the game, is more dynamic and can score in more ways than Ovi. Had Lemieux been healthy and played the same amount of games as Ovi and Gretzky he easily would have reached over 3000 points. No hockey player so far has touched Lemieux in terms of talent.

[@Hockeyhobo89]

Honestly I’m way more locked into his different goaltender chase. He needs 1 more to claim it.

[@Fatazz]

Aging - bwahaha. You know you're on the downside of the slope when morning stiffness means having to stretch your back to stand up straight after waking up in the morning.

[@elwizschold]

If not for the injury, I'm guessing he would've beaten the record and in fewer games. I hope he still does, but as you pointed out it might take him a while to get to form

[@ozzydo2314]

Ovi was at the wizards game today without crutches or a walking boot. Hes built differen

[@johnnovack8911]

While Crosby's playmaking is that of a fine wine - better with age. Ovi's goal scoring is a good whiskey - just denying the existence of father time

[@gordoncameron-cu5qf]

Jagr went to Russia for 4 years , missing about 300 games. He's have been the leader had he played those prime age seasons.

[@paulschmitz9175]

But he didn't.

[@freakinandpeakin]

I'd like to see the pre-30 compared to the post-30 goals per game for the players on the whiteboard.

[@ethanlangille5499]

I just did some math and research cause I thought it’d be interesting too. But sadly bossy retired at 30, Matthew’s isn’t 30 yet, bure only played 51 games after he turned 30 and Lemieux played 200 games stretched over 10 years. Ovi and Gretzky were the only two that had any sort of longevity after 30 lol

[@freakinandpeakin]

​@ethanlangille5499 guess that says a lot too. Lol

[@rocknroll368]

When Ovie was playing his last game in Russia, his father told him he was 4 points behind Pavel Bures record. Ovie scored enough inntge ladt game to get the Russian scoring record. That's why he will get the goal scoring record.

[@DibsEquipped]

Last game this season he gets there.

[@elwizschold]

Also, if we're just counting goals scored as a pro hockey player (includes leagues other than NHL, and counting both regular season and playoffs) - Jagr has now passed Gretzky

[@SverigeiSverige]

Gretzky 1072 Howe 1071 Jagr ?

[@elwizschold]

@ Feb last year he scored goal 1100

[@merz5050]

Ovie will beat next year, but if not, he will sign a 1 year contract and beat it.

[@not2tees]

NHL without THG is like a steak without salt.

[@Moobeus]

Shannon you have definitely been keeping Father Time away you look great.

[@adamwest4926]

Come on THG you know that you never count out the russian machine! Ovi will break 99's record this year no doubt in my mind.

[@jkliao6486]

While we would very likely be talking about the first player to ever reach 1000 goals right now had it not been the lock-outs Ovi had, I'm just happy that despite the lock-outs, we are still talking about him potentially breaking the records this season. It would really suck if he just missed the marker by a few goals and we realize we had almost 2 and a half seasons of him playing robbed due to lockouts.

[@beaverhurl]

Put a wheel chair on the left dot, really no different than any other goal he scores.

[@butcherpete2286]

Tell me you don't watch him play, without telling me you don't watch him play.

[@ethanparker7900]

braindead comment. Just say you're a new fan

[@patrickpoulin8554]

I couldn’t sleep the night he got hurt. But if he comes back at the same pace he can still easily do it this year! Hopefully we can keep winning while he’s out!

[@chadg2696]

Sorry guys, my fault. I said to my wife that it would suck if he got injured and wasn't able to catch Gretzky. And I shit you not, not even two hours later lol..

[@goenzoy712]

Well Ovi passing Gretzky is now just a when not if anymore But at least he wants 900 and also Capitals are maybe a dark horse for Stanley Cup So exciting time ahead paused from a broken legs

[@johnfeeley7094]

Slivovitz🦵Ovi🍺

[@LeagueOfJared]

05 lockout he'd have 60 more at least.

[@davidchimes3464]

Ovi's definitely using a cheat stick since the end of last season. No ref or opposing coach has the guts to check it or demand it be checked.

[@butcherpete2286]

Prove it.

[@davidchimes3464]

@butcherpete2286 His goal scoring was dry in the first half of last season and he went on a tare at the end of the season; one reason the Caps grabbed a surprise playoff appearanceswhen the Wings and Flyers. When asked why he was suddenly starting to score, he mentioned that his old stick went out of production and he kept changing the stick he used until he found the right one. His shooting percentage this season is 23.8%. that's insane and over an 18 game sample size. He has an average shooting percentage of 13.0% in his career. That's also insane, but how can it go up by that much all of a sudden since finding the "right stick" while he is a visibly slow skater (not getting more rush high danger chances) on the ice at 39 years old? Do I know for sure? Of course not. But I smell it. If I were an opposing coach, I'd look closely and I will be doing so when I watch the Caps play tonight.

[@ethanparker7900]

@@davidchimes3464 the reason why he wasn't scoring much was cause he was still in pain deep down after losing his father in February 2023. Get a grip on yourself and realize that these players have emotions and lives outside the game as well and not everything is about their on ice product

[@butcherpete2286]

@@davidchimes3464 what?! The most prolific goal scorer in NHL History had a slump to start a season and then, once he got in a groove found his scoring touch again?! NO WAAAAAAAAAAAY Bro you're delusional. And you're OBVIOUSLY out of the know here because there's a 0% chance you'll see what stick he uses by "watching the Caps closely" tonight doofus. He's injured right now and out of the line up. Just go on ahead and admit you don't want to see a Russian break a Canadians record in hockey and move on.

[@davidchimes3464]

@@butcherpete2286 Telling you, that shooting percentage is very suspiciously high. He looks like he's holding in poop while skating; something's up when you score at that rate, much higher than he ever has. He made a big to do about finding the right stick. Look at the shooting perventage he has since March last season while skating like a constipated old man. It's very suspicious and the reason people aren't checking the new "magic stick" is because it's Ovi.

[@khaotix64]

Gordie Howe has 975 goals including his WHA totals versus Gretzky's 940

[@butcherpete2286]

Gretzky has like 1034 goals counting his WHA goals. This isn't the argument you're making it

[@gocanuckurself1]

I’ve never understood why WHA stats should be included with NHL totals. The AHL isn’t included and that’s a pro league. That doesn’t make sense to me. They were two separate leagues, why would they be combined? I know teams from the WHA were brought into the NHL, but some teams weren’t. Again, separate leagues. 🤷‍♂️

[@SverigeiSverige]

👍

[@VexJinks]

The WHA merged with the NHL. No different than the NBA including the stats from the league they merged with.

[@SverigeiSverige]

@@VexJinks WHA ceased.

[@tripsaplenty1227]

I hope ovechkin craps out and Wayne's record stands for Auston to break.

[@michaelstagnerjr6600]

Just hope when he does it, for Caps fans, it’s at home

[@mikeruxpin2829]

Get well soon Ovi!

[@mclew1234]

I worry given his age this injury really could be something he doesn't properly come back from. The fun this season was going to be could he do it in less games than Gretzky

[@dennish.7708]

One final comment: Young Mr. McDavid will probably surpass Ovechkin’s assist total before the old guy returns to play.

[@richgrohol2850]

Actually think the "rest" could allow him to accelerate upon return.

[@andrewburney8075]

Not counting Gretzky's stats in the WHA are the same as not counting Ovis stats in the KHL

[@cowboybebop0092]

Let's stay positive and be happy that Alex Ovechkin IS that person that will break the record! Just be patient because it will be worth it 💯✌🏾

[@Sweeptheleg83]

What's really been sick and annoying to me is ive seen ppl on Facebook that seem to be reveling in the fact Ovi got hurt. I dont know if they just hate Ovi or they hate the thought of a Russian breaking Gretzky's goals record but its really sick honestly. As a lifelong Caps fan, watching Ovi has been one of the best things as a hockey that ive had the pleasure of experiencing. And anyone who revels in someone getting hurt, especially in a moment like this where he is chasing history, you can kindly f off. You dont get to see stuff like this very often so pipe down so the rest of us can enjoy it. Hes going to get the record. Whether it's this year or next year is the question but its happening. Its inevitable.

[@ethanparker7900]

it is just people bitching about the idea of him being russian and their prejudiced thoughts towards anyone that isn't canadian cause they wanna own everything there is

[@ozzydo2314]

Ovi could do it in less games played than gretzky

[@Mayor_Of_Eureka17]

Small hiccup. He will charge up. Doubt in him is his fuel.

[@slamsM6]

Ouch! I didn't know he actually broke his leg! Damn. That's rough.

[@brandonreimer1041]

I think the only reason he doesn't get it this year is because of this injury There's always a chance the man is a freak of nature basically. Been awesome to see his career

[@dennish.7708]

Nobody is going to ‘catch’ Bossy or Lemieux on a GPG level. It’s statistically improbable.

[@peterolbrisch8970]

From week to week to 8 to 12 weeks. Counting playoff goals, and those are the most important ones, he's not going to do it.

[@paulschmitz9175]

4-6 weeks.

[@peterolbrisch8970]

@paulschmitz9175 This is what happens when you get old. Do yourself a favor and don't get old. 🤣🤣🤣

[@RedRisotto]

Even if Ovechkin were to have a tragic farming accident and lose a leg and an arm - he will be back until he breaks the record. Breaking the record? It could have happened this year... Now? Probably early next year.

[@blumpkins8000]

It will be cool is he could break the record in a playoff game

Incorrect. This record is for REGULAR season goals. If playoffs were included, Gretzky would be untouchable.

#99 has 122 playoff goals.

[@dvon1097]

Never was an Ovechkin fan, but i hope he breaks the record