Game recognizes game. When Alex Ovechkin tied the Great One on Friday, Wayne Gretzky had nothing but praises for the Washington Capitals’ no. 8. After the Russian scored his 893rd and 894th goals on Friday as his team thrashed the Blackhawks at the Capital One Arena, Gretzky stated with a beaming smile, “I’m so proud that we’re tied.” Naturally, some believe it should be the same stage where Ovechkin rewrites hockey history.

Alex tied the retired veteran’s record while playing one less game than the number of games the latter played in his illustrious career (1486). With the Capitals having already qualified for the 2025 playoffs, it’s now only a matter of time before Ovechkin topples the Canadian from his high throne. But some aren’t excited about the coveted moment coming against a team whose playoff dreams have already been crushed.

Journalist has a unique suggestion for Alex Ovechkin

The Athletic’s David Aldridge posted on X on April 5 to share his thoughts about the appropriate time when Alex Ovechkin should surpass Gretzky. After Sunday’s game against New York at the UBS Arena, the Capitals will return home to host the Hurricanes. What’s more, with 96 points, Carolina is the second team in the Metropolitan Division, behind only Washington, and have qualified for the playoffs as well. Aldridge, for obvious reasons, thinks the 39-year-old should attain his milestone career moment against a formidable opponent.

“All due respect to the fine fans of the Islanders, but Ovechkin should sit out Sunday’s road game in New York, and get his first chance to break Gretzky’s record next Thursday in D.C. at Capital One against the Hurricanes,” the journo wrote, suggesting that the Washington fans should be there to witness their icon’s towering feat.

Considering the integrity Ovechkin displayed at his last game, one would be hard-pressed to think that Aldridge’s suggestion might align with the Washington captain’s views. When Chicago pulled its goalie in the third period in a desperate attempt to even the odds, Alex Ovechkin could be seen telling head coach Spencer Carbery that he didn’t want to break Gretzky’s record by scoring in an empty net. That’s what you call setting an example from the front. But while the journalist has high hopes about Ovechkin’s feat being exhibited in front of an applauding Capitals crowd, recent statistics might dampen his spirits significantly.

Not everyone seems to be excited before Ovi’s big day

The last time the Capitals and the Hurricanes met was last week at the PNC Arena, and the hosts picked up a major 5-1 victory against Ovechkin & Co. But what was more concerning was that the game didn’t get enough views on TV, even after the “Gr8 Chase” receiving incredible hype among fans in recent months. A meager 186,000 average viewership number was recorded on the TNT and truTV networks. The data could be enough to highlight that Ovi’s thrilling record chase hasn’t managed to stir up the hockey enthusiasts as many thought it would.

And yet, despite the disheartening numbers, the Washington camp is doing everything it can to preserve everything related to Alex’s history-making moment. Capitals’ insider Tarik El-Bashir recently shared how “a small army” is working in close context with Ovechkin to label and preserve the gear he had on himself during his recent goals. Such tireless behind-the-scenes heroes demand nothing but our utmost respect for acknowledging our sentiments as fans.

All of these efforts and emotions are expected to culminate on Sunday when the Capitals travel to the Big Apple. But will Ovechkin also pay heed to Aldridge’s suggestion and keep things light so he can climb the top of the NHL’s pecking order on home soil? What do you think will run through Alex Ovechkin’s mind as Washington takes on the Islanders? Tell us your thoughts below!