Alex Ovechkin is just one goal away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky and becoming the NHL`s all-time leading goal scorer. He equaled Gretzky`s record with two goals on Friday and will have his next chance to make history on Sunday when the Washington Capitals play the New York Islanders.
Ovechkin recently delivered a remarkable two-goal performance against the Blackhawks at Capital One Arena. Although he could have broken Gretzky`s record with a hat trick, he chose not to score his 895th goal on an empty net. Now, all hockey fans are eagerly anticipating Ovechkin`s game against the Islanders.
Capitals coach Spencer Carbery commented after Friday`s game, “He wants to achieve the record with the opposing goalie in the net, which I respect. He didn`t want to score into an empty net. … He mentioned this to me on the bench, and I wanted to confirm his decision.”
With six games remaining in the Capitals` season, Ovechkin has plenty of opportunities to break the record before the regular season ends. Even at 39 years old, Ovechkin has maintained an impressive scoring rate. His first goal on Friday marked his 14th 40-goal season, surpassing Gretzky`s previous record of 12.
For fans hoping to witness history, Ovechkin has a strong track record against the Islanders. In 71 games against them, he has scored 44 goals, making the Islanders the eighth-most scored upon team by Ovechkin.
As Ovechkin approaches this monumental record, here`s how you can watch the Capitals versus Islanders game.
Game Information
Teams: Capitals vs. Islanders
Location: UBS Arena — New York, New York
Capitals Upcoming Games
- April 6: at Islanders
- April 10: vs. Hurricanes
- April 12: at Blue Jackets
- April 13: vs. Blue Jackets
- April 15: at Islanders
- April 17: at Penguins
Elton Marrow