Alex Ovechkin makes an official announcement on his retirement date
At the time of writing, Alex Ovechkin is 58 goals away from Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 goals. Many believe that the Russian will do everything to surpass this mark, even staying a few more years after his contract with the Washington Capitals expires at the end of the 2025-2026 season.
Those who think so should brace themselves as the future in the NHL of the famous number 8 is most uncertain.
Indeed, Russian journalist Igor Rabiner, from the site sport-express.ru, asked him if he was going to hang up his skates at the end of his contract with the Capitals. The superstar's answer is quite clear:
Rabiner, of course, asked if his adventure in the NHL could continue if Gretzky's record is not yet beaten. Again, Ovi's answer left no doubt.
Ovechkin, who had a slow start to the season, currently has 14 goals and 38 points in 50 games this season. Maintaining this pace, calculations tell us he could finish the campaign with 22 goals. Therefore, he would need two seasons of 25 goals to tie the record.
Imagine if Ovi had a bit of luck. He has rarely been injured during his career, has lost no less than the equivalent of a full season with the 2012-2013 lockout, the early end of the 2019-2020 season, and the shortened 2020-2021 season.
We certainly wouldn't be wondering whether he was going to break the record or not if he had played all those games.
Ovi always said that he would retire once he stopped enjoying the game.
| POLL | ||
Will he break Wayne Gretzky's record? | ||
| Yes | 357 | 51 % |
| No | 343 | 49 % |
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