Wayne Gretzky has emotional moment after Alex Ovechkin ties goal record
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Alexander Ovechkin has officially tied Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goal record, which has led to a series of emotional scenes of Gretzky passing finally relenting one record.
Ovechkin's historic 894th career goal came at a clutch time to give the Capitals the lead in the third period, and the game stopped to acknowledge the incredible event.
Wayne Gretzky gives two emotional speeches after Ovechkin ties goal record
Gretzky was clear that he felt he had a duty to be in attendance and pass down hockey's mantle of the Greatest Goal Scorer, just as the legend Gordie Howe did for him.
When I was breaking Gordie Howe's record, he was there. And I said 2 years ago that if Alex gets close to my record, I'll be here.
I mean, Béliveau, Howe, Lemieux, Messier, you pass it down. You guys might not believe me, but I hope that someone breaks Alex's record and I hope Alex is there to shake his hand. Right now I hope Alex enjoys it. He deserves all the credits and accolades he's getting.
But, the game is my life right? I'm a Canadian. Lucky enough to play in the NHL, and everything I have in my life from my family, my friends, my memories, it's because of the National Hockey League.
- Wayne Gretzky
I mean, Béliveau, Howe, Lemieux, Messier, you pass it down. You guys might not believe me, but I hope that someone breaks Alex's record and I hope Alex is there to shake his hand. Right now I hope Alex enjoys it. He deserves all the credits and accolades he's getting.
But, the game is my life right? I'm a Canadian. Lucky enough to play in the NHL, and everything I have in my life from my family, my friends, my memories, it's because of the National Hockey League.
- Wayne Gretzky
It's an incredible perspective from the Great One that he sees the past and the future of hockey as one progression over time, with the greats continually passing down their knowledge, talent, and records to an improving younger generation.
Some players like McDavid or Draisaitl are part of a new class that could push for more records. However, Gretzky's career record for assists and points will likely be safe forever.
A few years ago, Gretzky reflected on some words from his father Walter on honouring the legacy of hockey, a conversation that's still clearly influence Wayne today.
Additionally, Gretzky had a unique moment with Capitals rookie Ryan Leonard who scored his first career goal in last night's historic game. Gretzky also took some time to speak to him, and joke that he's now chasing the goal record too.
Congratulations on your first goal! 895 more you can pass him.
- Gretzky
- Gretzky
Some Oilers fans may be a little upset to see the lauded Gretzky lose even one record, after every record he set was thought to be unbreakable. Gretzky himself recognizes that it's a bigger event than a personal record, and also can take comfort in his other untouchable records.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 5 | 348 ANSWERS Wayne Gretzky has emotional moment after Alex Ovechkin ties goal record Do you think another Gretzky record will ever be broken? | ||
| Yes, his assists or points record will be broken | 177 | 50.9 % |
| No, only goal record will ever be broken | 171 | 49.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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