NHL Headlines: Alex Ovechkin’s “Great” chase and new power rankings
Anthony Scultore
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Alexander Ovechkin is on the hunt for one of the NHL’s “Great” records. The Washington Capitals sniper is just 189 goals away from overtaking Wayne Gretzky as the All-Time Goal Leader.
Alex Ovechkin: The Great 8 chasing the Great One
Ovechkin sits eight on the list today with 706 goals. When hockey resumes, he should easily climb up to fifth. There are many unknowns heading into next season, particularly how many games will be played. Still, if the NHL can get in a 60 to 68 game season, Ovi could easily score 30 goals and surpass Mike Gartner (7th/708), Phil Esposito (6th/717), and Marcel Dionne (5th/731).
The biggest question is can Ovi do it as he just turned 35 years-old? Considering he just won another Rocket Richard Trophy at 34, the answer seems to be…probably yes.
Let’s just play it conservatively and say he only scores 35 goals a season from here on out, it will take 5 years. But let’s be realistic, he hasn’t lost a step and still has the best shot I’ve ever seen. And last I checked, the NHL has not banned power plays. So if you up that to 45 goals a year it drops to 4 years.
So watch out Wayne….the Ovi train is coming.
NHL Power Rankings
New power rankings are out by NHL.com and they have the Tampa Bay Lightning on top. Winning the Stanley Cup will do that for you. Here’s the top five.
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Colorado Avalanche
- Vegas Golden Knights
- Dallas Stars
- St. Louis Blues
Other NHL Headlines
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