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Record: no, Alex Ovechkin will not be left behind abroad
Jonathan Di Gregorio
Record: no, Alex Ovechkin will not be left behind abroad
Credit: Getty Images

Alex Ovechkin is now just twelve goals away from Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894.

With 23 games left, it’s almost written in the sky that it will happen during the current season.

It will take him barely more than one goal every two games, as the Russian forward is rolling at a pace of 0.70 goals per game (30 goals in 43 games) since the start of the campaign.

As the great number eight chases the record for the greatest scorer of all time, hockey fans are trying to predict the date of the historic moment.

Moreover, we learn today, on Sportsnet in Elliotte Friedman’s 32 Thoughts column, that some fans are worried that the Capitals might bench Ovechkin during away games so he can break the record at home in front of his supporters (thought #17).

As the journalist says: “It won’t happen”.

In fact, it doesn’t make any sense.

If the Russian player continues at the same pace, he should score 12 goals in 17 or 18 games, so the most “probable” moment is either April 10 against the Hurricanes in Carolina, or April 12 against the Blue Jackets in Washington.

Even if Ovy has a little slack in his record chase, it’s logical to think he’ll want to break the mark as quickly as possible and possibly improve it by a few more goals.

Moreover, these two games are part of a three-game home stand in five games, but the Capitals only play four home games in the last 12 games of the season.

With such a schedule and the Caps likely to be in the run for the President’s Trophy, it’s unlikely they’ll give their best attacker a night off.

The only case where it’s possible to see the Russian on the sidelines during a game is if the Capitals are assured of first place and if Ovechkin has broken Gretzky’s record.


In rapid fire

– Extension for Tucker.

– 30 points in one half!

– Dates to circle.

– A great comeback!

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