Former Buffalo Sabres coach Don Granato discusses Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record of 894 goals, with Ovechkin just five goals away as the Washington Capitals face the Boston Bruins.
While Ovechkin’s goal-scoring had decreased in recent seasons, Granato attributes his resurgence to the overall improvement of the Capitals as a team, making it easier for Ovechkin to find scoring opportunities. The Capitals’ success this season has set up Ovechkin for a real chance to break the record with nine games remaining.
Ovechkin’s Record Pursuit Supported by Team Depth, Adaptation, and Evolving Scoring Intelligence
Granato emphasizes that Ovechkin’s potential to break the record is not solely due to his individual efforts but also because of the contributions from his teammates and the front office.
The Capitals’ strong team performance, highlighted by key acquisitions such as Pierre-Luc Dubois and Jakob Chychrun, has provided Ovechkin with the support necessary to reach this milestone. The depth of the team forces opponents to respect the entire roster, making it difficult to solely focus on stopping Ovechkin.
Alex Ovechkin (NHL)Ovechkin’s ability to adapt to his age and evolve his game is another critical factor in his goal-scoring success. Granato highlights that Ovechkin is no longer trying to replicate his younger self but instead has become more intelligent in his play, reading situations better.
This maturity has made him a more dangerous scorer at 39 years old. Ovechkin’s evolution is a testament to his deep love for the game and his strategic understanding of how to continue excelling.
Ovechkin’s Unpredictability, Playmaking, and Lethal Physicality Make Him Hard to Defend Against
Unlike other superstars like Nathan MacKinnon or Connor McDavid, who force opponents to adjust their entire game plan around them, Ovechkin is harder to game plan against. Granato notes that Ovechkin’s current style allows the situation to unfold with his teammates before he pounces, making him unpredictable.
Ovechkin’s playmaking ability, as seen in his assist to Dylan Strome, has also made him a more well-rounded player, further increasing his effectiveness on the ice.
Granato concludes by highlighting Ovechkin’s physicality and shot, which remain lethal even as he ages. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds, Ovechkin’s size and strength make him a formidable presence on the ice.
His shot, which still surprises even the best goalies, is a unique weapon. Granato points out that Ovechkin’s ability to place the puck in seemingly impossible spots, combined with his shot’s velocity, makes it incredibly difficult for goalies to stop, as evidenced by his goal against top goalie Connor Hellebuyck.
