“Is Not as Impressive”: As Alexander Ovechkin Closes in on Wayne Gretzky’s Record, His Controversial Goal Divides Fans

Wayne Gretzky has been the most promising player in NHL history. Naturally, throughout his career, he has set many records. By the time his professional career came to an end, Gretzky had 61 NHL records to his name. However, one of his records was broken by the Russian ice hockey player, Alexander Ovechkin.

The 37-year-old star joined the Washington Capitals back in 2005. In a match against the Vancouver Canucks in late November 2022, Ovechkin broke Gretzky’s record for most career road goals. On-the-road goals refer to the goals that were not scored on the home ground. While Gretzky had set his record at 402 goals, Ovechkin now holds the record at 403.

Why is not everyone is happy with the new record?

While Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals are celebrating in new record and their recent win, not everyone is happy about it. The record-breaking goal by Ovechkin sparked controversies for being an empty netter. Empty-netter goals are the ones that are scored without the goalie defending the goalpost. Shooting a shot at the defenseless goalpost and making it count seems easier than converting the point when the goalie is present. This is why the fans stand divided if the empty netter goal is worthy of being called the “record-breaking” goal.

Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the matter. One user tweeted, “I have no problem with empty net goals but Alex Ovechkin’s 895th, Gretzky record breaking goal can NOT be on an empty netter. Don’t even go on the ice in EN situations once he reaches 894.”

To this, another one added, “Even if he passes Gretzky it isn’t nearly as impressive of a feat, because The Great One would also dish. Skating through the left circle over and over with your stick blade shoulder high, begging for a pass, is not as impressive.”

Read More: We’ve Come a Long Way”: Despite Taking a Different Route Than NFL and NBA, Wayne Gretzky Credited the NHL for Its Massive Success in 2016

But soon the Russian player’s fans came to his defense. A user wrote, “You act like Gretzky wasn’t scoring on absolute plugs.” Another one added, “Wayne Gretzky had 56 career empty net goals.”

Which one of Gretzky’s records will Alexander Ovechkin target next?

While Alexander has surpassed one of Gretzky’s records, this wasn’t the only record the Russian player had the potential of breaking. “The Great Eight” isn’t too far behind “The Great One” when it comes to career goals.

Wayne holds the record for most career goals in NHL history with 894 all-time goals. Gretzky has held this record for nearly three decades after surpassing Gordie Howe with 802 points. Ovechkin is the closest one has come to breaking these records. However, he is still 99 goals away from breaking Gretzky’s record. But before claiming the first spot, he needs to surpass who is standing tall in the second spot since 1994.

Watch Story: From Joe DiMaggio to Wayne Gretzky- Most Outstanding Statistical Accomplishments in Us Sporting History

Only time will tell if and when Alexander Ovechkin will be able to surpass these legends.