Will Alex Ovechkin break Wayne Gretzky’s record by 2027 at his current pace?

Ovechkin’s Opportunity To Play Catch Up Against League’s Worst Defense
On Monday night, Alex Ovechkin faced off against the San Jose Sharks, who boast the NHL’s most porous defense and one of the weakest penalty kills. Despite taking nine shots against them, including five on target, Ovechkin could not find a way past goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood.

With just five goals in eighteen games, Ovechkin is currently on pace to score only 23 goals this season. If this trend continues, he will fall well short of Wayne Gretzky’s record. However, there are numerous factors to consider here.

One issue is the assumption that Ovechkin will play full 82-game seasons, which is not a guarantee for a player in his late 30s. On a brighter note, it is encouraging to consider that Ovechkin’s current goal pace may not be an accurate representation of his future offense.

Despite his low goal total this season, Ovechkin’s individual offensive rates have not plummeted. His struggles can partly be attributed to his linemates, as he has fared considerably better with Dylan Strome than with Evgeny Kuznetsov.

There is a strong argument for playing Ovechkin with Strome, as this pairing has yielded better results for both Ovechkin and the team overall. The stats show that the Capitals need to support Ovechkin better, especially given their financial flexibility.

Ultimately, Ovechkin’s low current production is costing the team wins. The Capitals must prioritize finding the right players to support him, as failure to do so will continue to hamper Ovechkin’s pursuit of Gretzky’s record.
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Headline photo: Alan Dobbins/RMNB

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Sarah Anderson

Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.