Legendary Oilers Coach has shocking take on Ovechkin beating Gretzky's goal record
Legendary former Oilers coach and general manager Glen Sather recently shared his surprisingly harsh opinion that he doesn't want Alexander Ovechkin to beat Wayne Gretzky's goal record.
Ovechkin is now only 20 goals behind Gretzky and is sure to overtake the record, with Gretzky vocally supporting the Capitals' star as he chases history.
Glen Sather says he doesn't want Ovechkin to beat Gretzky's goal record
In an interview with the 32 Thoughts Podcast released today, Sather said Gretzky deserved to have scored many more goals, and that he doesn't want to see the record leave Canada.
»I just hope his record isn't broken by Ovechkin. For a lot of reasons. I mean, the game is different than it was then Wayne had to quit because his back was so bad, guys were cross checking him after he scored goals.
Ovechkin is a superhuman man, he's like 245 pounds and solid muscle. I just don't want to see it go to Russia A lot of guys probably won't say that. I'm sure Wayne won't say it but as far as I'm concerned, that one shouldn't be broken.
- Glen Sather
Glen Sather is one person who really saw the entirety of Gretzky's greatness even before the rest of the hockey world.
Sather instructed the Oilers owner to acquire Gretzky to begin his NHL career, and Gretzky lived at Sather's house to start. Slats became the face of the Oilers organization through their dynasty years.
He's got such a close relationship with Gretzky it's understandable Sather wants the record to stand, but most of hockey including Gretzky is cheering for Ovechkin to break the record - making these comments quite surprising.
»Alex has been exceptional for our game, I hope I'm the first guy to shake his hand when he does break the record.»
- Wayne Gretzky
Ovechkin suffered a serious injury earlier this year which may have set him back from actually setting the record this year - but that still may be possible. He has half the season to score around a 40 goal pace.
Whether it's this year or next year, Ovechkin is sure to break the record if he stays healthy, and be crowned the new goals king of the NHL.
POLL |
JANVIER 17 | 570 ANSWERS Legendary Oilers Coach has shocking take on Ovechkin beating Gretzky's goal record Do you want Ovechkin to beat Gretzky's goal record? |
Yes, break the record | 224 | 39.3 % |
No, don't want it to happen | 346 | 60.7 % |
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