Alex Ovechkin is one of the best gamers in NHL historical past and owns numerous information. But there’s one factor the brash and assured goal-scorer thinks he completely can’t do.
Thursday, throughout the Capitals first day of Training Camp, Ovechkin used to be asked about what it could be love to cross second-place Gordie Howe at the NHL’s all-time goals checklist. Seemingly full of dread that he used to be going to be asked this query one thousand occasions over the following few months, the Capitals captain identified that him passing Gordie isn’t going down any time quickly in his personal Ovi Way.
“Let’s wait,” Ovechkin mentioned. “I can’t score 21 goals in one game. I can’t.”
Personally, I’m doubtful, however perhaps Ovi has some degree.
While Ovechkin is tied for 6th for essentially the most hat methods of all time (28), he doesn’t even personal the Capitals’ franchise checklist for essentially the most goals in one recreation. Peter Bondra and Bengt-Ake (*21*) are the one Capitals gamers to score 5 goals in a recreation. Ovechkin even though has notched 4 other four-goal video games.
The record-holder for essentially the most goals in one recreation is Joe Malone who scored seven occasions in 1920. Plus essentially the most goals ever scored via one crew in a recreation is 16, which the Montreal Canadiens did — additionally in 1920. What a wild 12 months that should had been.
So most likely an Ovechtrick is extra lifelike.
As for his philosophy against the goals checklist, the 37-year-old Ovechkin wired that whilst he’s acutely aware of it, he does no longer center of attention that a ways forward.
“It’s always day-by-day,” Ovechkin mentioned. “You can’t look forward much. Today we completed our skating test. Tomorrow is going to be a hard practice. We start from there.”
Headed into the season, Ovechkin has 780 goals and trails Wayne Gretzky via 114. If Ovechkin can reasonable 38 goals according to marketing campaign, he will catch The Great One via the tip of the 2024-25 season with one 12 months closing on his contract.
Transcript
The questions have been edited for brevity and working out.
There have been some beautiful really extensive adjustments to the roster, specifically in target. What do you call to mind this crew’s possibilities this 12 months?
Alex Ovechkin: Well, clearly, yearly some new guys come in and adjustments all that’s going down. That’s hockey trade. You make a friendship and it’s onerous to look your folks and just right gamers cross, however we gamers, it’s less than us. We want everyone success and I’m taking a look ahead to this 12 months.
How are you guys going to maintain no longer having Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson long-term?
Alex Ovechkin: They’re key gamers for us, however the items we do have, have revel in, talent. We’re going to paintings onerous to welcome them and we’re going to play just right.
How does having Darcy Kuemper exchange issues for the crew and what do you call to mind his recreation?
Alex Ovechkin: We haven’t performed so much towards him, however he’s a Stanley Cup champion from ultimate 12 months. When you’ve got a cast goalie, it will give you extra possibilities to win.
How a lot does successful the championship from ultimate 12 months subject?
Alex Ovechkin: It’s at all times great to have skilled guys for your crew. They percentage their moments as a result of a variety of guys used to be there. It’s cool to have that more or less particular person and that more or less participant on our crew.
How used to be your offseason?
Alex Ovechkin: Offseason used to be just right. Spent time with my circle of relatives, play football, score target, kill a man! It used to be amusing. It used to be a good time. Obviously, a quick time, however not anything you’ll be able to do. Happy to be again. Can’t wait to move.
How used to be it to be again along with your youngsters?
Alex Ovechkin: It used to be nice time to look my folks and my pals. Went on holiday. We have a good time.
Did you do the rest other with Pavel, your teacher, over the offseason?
Alex Ovechkin: Not truly. Every 12 months we attempt to do one thing other, one thing extra. Right now I’m beautiful proud of [how] in-shape [I am]. You should be one hundred pc for Training Camp.
You had an excellent 12 months ultimate 12 months. Are you going to take a look at to compare or surpass what you probably did?
Alex Ovechkin: I’m on the age the place private goals are great however I perceive yearly I start to finish profession. I wish to win and be in playoffs and combat for a Cup.
What are your ideas at the political scenario in Russia — there were protests — and is it weighing on you in any respect?
Alex Ovechkin: To be fair with you, like I heard about it. I’m going to have additional information afterward as a result of time distinction. We’ll see what’s going to occur.
Is the goals checklist for your thoughts getting into the season?
Alex Ovechkin: No. It’s at all times day-by-day. You can’t glance ahead a lot. Today we finished our skating check. Tomorrow goes to be a difficult observe. We get started from there.
Having performed with Tom Wilson such a lot for your reverse wing, how does his long-term damage impact you and who may well be his substitute?
Alex Ovechkin: I believe that’s a query it’s important to ask Lavy, who’s going to be our winger. We convey a pair new guys who’ve revel in to play proper wing/middle. It’s a large alternative for a number of guys to step up and take a place and display they may be able to play in the NHL.
‘Get me the puck’ is what you will have mentioned.
Alex Ovechkin: If I’m open, yeah. [laughs]
Have you taken on extra of a mentorship position with probably the most more youthful gamers?
Alex Ovechkin: Not but. Still have a pair years on my contract. I wish to end up my profession on a just right notice. Still 4 years left proper? It’s a very long time. You by no means know what’s going to occur.
Is there an urgency with playoff luck?
Alex Ovechkin: The maximum vital factor is everyone should be wholesome and we need to make the playoffs. The first 20 video games is essential. You have [to have a good amount of] issues, so you probably have ups and downs throughout the season, you continue to have the ones issues you are making. You may just see ultimate 12 months, groups used to be lacking one level, two issues. You don’t wish to play six months, you need to play 8 months and combat for a Cup.
What do you call to mind Ivan Miroshnichenko, the Capitals first-round variety in the 2022 NHL Draft?
Alex Ovechkin: Great select. He’s one of the younger participant who may also be famous person and just right. I didn’t communicate to him but however I will be able to communicate to him any time. I want him success and hope he’s going to be right here subsequent 12 months.
You’re 21 goals from Gordie Howe – the speculation it’s essential be moment in goals in league historical past sooner or later this 12 months…
Alex Ovechkin: Let’s wait. I will be able to’t score 21 goals in one recreation. I will be able to’t.
Screenshot courtesy of the Capitals