Ovechkin's Pursuit of History Continues
As Alex Ovechkin skates through the twilight of his illustrious career, he continues to redefine what is possible for an athlete in his late thirties. The Washington Capitals' iconic winger is on the hunt for the NHL's most revered individual record: the all-time goals record set by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin is currently 34 goals away from surpassing Gretzky's legendary total of 894 career goals, a feat once thought unattainable.
Entering the 2024-25 NHL season, Ovechkin needed 33 goals to tie with the Great One. In an electrifying display of skill and determination, he has already notched four goals and five assists over four games. Not content with just finding the back of the net, Ovechkin also logged consecutive three-point performances against the Montreal Canadiens and the Columbus Blue Jackets, becoming the fourth player in NHL history to achieve back-to-back three-point games at the age of 39 or older.
His tenacity is evident in his current goal-scoring streak. Ovechkin has scored in five consecutive games, a scoring cadence last seen by Jaromir Jagr in 2013 for players aged 39 and older. This streak was highlighted by his 130th career game-winning goal against the Nashville Predators, bringing him within striking distance of Jagr's league-leading total of 135 game-winners.
Necas and Hughes Shine in Team Performances
While Ovechkin's feats dominate headlines, other players across the league are making significant contributions to their teams. Martin Necas of the Carolina Hurricanes has been performing exceptionally well, leading his team in goals, points, assists, and power-play assists. Over the last three games, Necas has amassed three goals and six assists, including a crucial game-clinching goal against the Flyers with just 29.3 seconds remaining on the clock, underscoring his importance to the Hurricanes’ success.
Meanwhile, Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks has made his own remarkable contributions, recording a goal and five assists in recent outings. Hughes stands third in the league for points, trailing only Cale Makar and Josh Morrissey. His consistent performance continues to boost the Canucks as they ward off fierce competition in the league.
Winnipeg Jets Soar with Hellebuyck Between the Pipes
The Winnipeg Jets have emerged as the surprise powerhouse in the early going of the NHL season, boasting a formidable 13-1-0 start. The Jets are averaging an impressive 4.5 goals per game, demonstrating both offensive flair and defensive resilience. Central to their stellar run is goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who has been a stalwart in the crease. Hellebuyck has already secured 10 wins, positioning him at the top of the league standings among goaltenders.
Hellebuyck's stats are a testament to his formidability: a 1.91 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage, spectacular figures by any standard. He has recorded multiple shutouts this season, including a critical 1-0 victory against the Colorado Avalanche where he stopped 35 shots. With a .967 save percentage against unblocked shots, Hellebuyck's performance has been instrumental in the Jets’ rise, conceding two or fewer goals in three of his last four games.
The Season Ahead
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Alex Ovechkin as he closes in on Gretzky’s monumental record. Not only is he on pace to score 55 goals this season, but he is also solidifying his legacy as one of the game's greatest scorers. His quest will be closely followed, but he is not alone in making headlines. With players like Necas and Hughes shining brightly, and teams like the Jets hitting their stride, the NHL season promises to be a thrilling ride for players and fans alike.