In Pursuit of Gr8ness: A Narrative on Alex Ovechkin

Courtesy of Nick Wass/AP Photo

1979 through 1999 was an era like no other for the NHL. Throughout the ‘80s, many hockey fans across Canada would tune in to their TVs to watch Wayne Gretzky–a.k.a. The Great One–take to the ice for the Edmonton Oilers, his blue and orange jersey vibrantly flashing the number 99. In 1988, Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, sparking the beginning of the growth of hockey in the southern United States. He continued to gather fans wherever he went–from Edmonton, to Los Angeles, to St. Louis, to New York. During his 20-year career, Gretzky recorded 894 goals and 1,963 assists for a total of 2,857 points–marks that were otherworldly and unchallenged… until this year.

Fast forward to the 2004 NHL Draft, five years after Gretzky’s retirement. Many spectators sat in the audience at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, or tuned into their TVs while sitting on their couches at home, eagerly waiting to see who the Washington Capitals would select as their first overall pick. Many 18- and 19-year-old potential prospects sat in the audience, also anxiously awaiting their fate. They had survived the combine and were considered to be the best young hockey players in the world. Who would the Capitals pick?

The crowd in Raleigh quieted as Capitals general manager George McPhee walked on stage. With the microphone in hand, McPhee said the words that would change history:

“With the first selection in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, the Washington Capitals are pleased to select Alexander Ovechkin.”

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The gangly, shaggy brown-haired 18-year-old Russian hugged his father and Olympic gold medal-winning mother before heading up to the stage to put on the Capitals jersey. He flashed a full-toothed smile to the Capitals fans and waved at the cameras. Yes, everyone knew Ovechkin would be special. Capitals fans hoped he would change their franchise forever for the better–which he did. Despite all their hope in him, no one–from the fans at home, to the crazed Capitals fans who travelled to Raleigh, to the other boys in the draft, to probably even the Capitals’ own officials–saw Gretzky’s record falling.

Ovechkin’s first season was cut short due to the NHL lockdown in the 2004-05 season. However, at the beginning of the 2005-06 season, he was eager to lace up his skates and take a lap in the Capitals jersey.

“I always want to be playing hockey. It’s what I love. Hockey, hockey, hockey,” he said once in an interview.

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In his NHL debut on Oct. 5, 2005, Ovechkin scored two goals. By the end of the 2005-06 season, Ovechkin had already cracked the 100-point barrier with 52 goals and 54 assists for a total of 106 points, making him a shoo-in for the Calder Trophy as the best rookie in the league. His coaches knew they had a special player on their hands.

The awards didn’t just end there. Along with the Calder, Ovechkin was given an Art Ross Trophy for leading the NHL in points, three Hart Memorial Trophies for being the MVP on his team in the league, three Ted Lindsay Awards for being the most outstanding player, a Conn Smythe Trophy for being the Stanley Cup Playoff MVP and a Stanley Cup. But, the most impressive is the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for scoring the most goals in the league nine times–far more than any other player. He’s also the only player in NHL history to win all of those trophies at least once in his career. “The Great 8,” as he came to be known as, was making a name for himself in the NHL and all over the world.

Courtesy of Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images

Slowly, people began to think maybe Gretzky’s record isn’t so out of reach.

Ovechkin certainly didn’t think so.

He had climbed his way up the ranks, consistently scoring around 50 goals per season. In fact, he tied Gretzky for the most 50-goal seasons with nine. By 2022, he had climbed into third place for overall goals with 767. Could he reach Gretzky’s record within the same 20-year span?

Ovechkin entered this season with 853 goals. To surpass Gretzky he would need to go on a 42-goal campaign. The past few years his age had started to catch up with him. His hair had grayed. He had succumbed to some injuries. Still, he had managed to score at least 30 goals per season. Was 42 out of reach?

Courtesy of Nick Wass/AP Photo

With the prize in sight, Ovechkin played with a new fire in his veins. Each game, fans eagerly watched his goal count steadily increase. On April 4, during a game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Ovechkin tied Gretzky by scoring his 41st goal of the season–his first season with more than 40 goals in two years. Though an incredible feat, the record still stood.

On April 6, Ovechkin skated onto the ice to play the New York Islanders. The stands were packed with fans–and a special guest: Gretzky himself. Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin and the defense were on point. Fans were on the edge of their seats, anxiously waiting to see if Ovechkin would get his chance.

Courtesy of Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo

At 7:26 of the second period, after a tough first period, Capitals right winger Tom Wilson sent a pass across the ice during the power play. Ovechkin caught the puck and fired a clean wrist shot that sailed past Sorokin and into the net. In what would be the Capitals’ only goal of the game, Ovechkin had broken the record. Fans everywhere went wild. Once again during his career, Ovechkin turned to the stands and beamed, except this time he was missing a few teeth.

Much has changed since 2004. Though he’s in the later years of his career and may be the greatest goal scorer of all time, he is still the boy who loves “hockey, hockey, hockey”–and he’s clearly not slowing down anytime soon.

Edited by Jenna Mandarano