Alex Ovechkin continues his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record by scoring his 871st goal against Marc-André Fleury, marking his 28th goal against the veteran goalie.
Ovechkin scored during a power play in the second period of the Washington Capitals’ recent game against the Minnesota Wild. Despite the Capitals eventually losing the game to the Wild in a shootout, Ovechkin’s goal brought him within 24 goals of surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s once seemingly unreachable record of 894 career goals. This remarkable feat against Fleury, a longtime rival, highlights the intense and historic competition between the two players.
An intriguing aspect of this rivalry is that Ovechkin has scored more goals against Fleury than any other goaltender. Fleury, often known by his nickname ‘Flower,’ previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, further intensifying their competitive dynamic. Over 20 years, the two have faced each other in numerous matches, and Fleury has seen 241 shots from Ovechkin, the most from any player throughout his career.
Fleury remarked humorously on the nature of their encounters, acknowledging the high number of goals Ovechkin has scored against him. He chuckled, ‘He got a goal in the game already, so that was enough,’ while also expressing his respect for Ovechkin’s talent and tenacity.
Ovechkin’s ability to score consistently against a goalie of Fleury’s caliber is a testament to his skill and determination. At 39 years old, Ovechkin has scored 18 goals this season alone, following his return from a broken left fibula. His continued performance suggests not only a possible historic milestone but also his enduring impact on the sport.
As Fleury concludes his final season in the NHL, this recent game might be one of the last instances of their storied rivalry. “We still got one more game, so I don’t want to get too cocky too early,” Fleury commented, indicating the upcoming challenge as the Capitals will meet the Wild again in March.
Fellow players, like Washington’s Tom Wilson, have noted the mutual respect between Ovechkin and Fleury. Wilson mentioned, ‘When he’s gone, the game will miss him. He’s fun to have in the league. He’s a heck of a goalie.’ Such sentiments highlight the respect and sportsmanship shared between the athletes, even amidst intense competition.
Notably, the only active goaltender nearing Fleury in Ovechkin’s scoring statistics is Sergei Bobrovsky, with other notable goalies like Henrik Lundqvist and Carey Price trailing behind. Despite the challenges, Fleury managed to secure another victory against the Capitals, adding to his extensive list of achievements with 28 career wins against the team.
Ovechkin’s quest to break Gretzky’s record is a remarkable narrative within the NHL. His enduring rivalry with Fleury adds depth to this pursuit, showcasing not just personal ambition but also the competitive spirit that defines great sports rivalries.
Source: Local10
