Alex Ovechkin has been closing in on Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goals record this entire season. While disaster struck in November 2024 when a serious lower-body injury threatened to derail the chase, the 39-year-old defied age to make a quick return, and it was back on. That Gr8 Chase is finally winding down, with Ovechkin already scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks.

With just 2 more to go before Ovechkin takes the all-time goals record from the Canadian, many still believe Ovechkin doesn’t compare to The Great One in the bigger picture. Yet, what does Wayne Gretzky think? Well, the record-breaking NHL legend made it crystal clear that he disagrees with the doubters.

“I don’t care what era you play in—50s, 60s, 70s, 80s—it’s hard to score goals. Good for him. Players are better today, the equipment’s better, coaching’s better. That’s a progression in our game, right?” the legendary hockey player explained. Unlike many, Wayne Gretzky doesn’t believe Alex Ovechkin has it easier because he isn’t the only one who has benefited from that progress.

Yet, some fans refuse to accept Alex Ovechkin as an all-time great. Take the reaction to Spittin’ Chiclets’ Matt Murley’s suggestion to honor Ovechkin when he retires. Murley suggested that a big No. 8 should feature on the circle, like the league had done for Gretzky, putting No.99 on the nets. Yet, many seemed opposed to the idea, citing only one Stanley Cup win as one of the reasons. Moreover, there’s also the fact that although Ovechkin may soon put Gretzky’s goalscoring record in his rearview mirror, he is more than a thousand behind the Canadian maestro’s record of assists.

Yet, Gretzy sees it differently. The Great One believes that just because Ovechkin hasn’t won four Stanley Cups doesn’t mean his records mean any less than his. Despite retiring with a whopping 61 records, the Canadian hockey icon believes that as time progresses, and the overall quality of play improves, those records may not stand forever.

The 64-year-old gave his own example, recalling how his father reacted when the NHL star broke Gordie Howe’s scoring record. “You know, when I broke Gordie’s record, my dad told me that same night, to be as proud of the guy that breaks your record,'” revealed Wayne Gretzky. And tonight, Wayne Gretzky saw the Russian NHL star equal his record.

Wayne Gretzky has some company

What Alex Ovechkin needed to surpass Gretzky tonight was a hat trick, and many believed Ovi had what it took to reach that milestone. After all, the Great 8 had reached his 800 goals milestone by scoring a hat trick against Chicago.

Although history didn’t repeat itself tonight, Ovechkin didn’t leave the ice without creating some history. Scoring within four minutes of the first period, and again from a power play in the third, Ovi reached goal number 894. Naturally, the media mobbed Wayne Gretzky, who watched from the stands as the Washington Capitals captain equaled his record.

Everyone wanted to know his reaction. So when Monumental Sports Network’s Al Koken said, “You’ve got some company now,” Gretzky response was gracious. “That’s OK… That’s what my dad told Gordie Howe way back when, right? This is what the game’s all about,” said the 64-year-old NHL Hall of Famer. However, the Great didn’t stop with such little praise.

“It’s wonderful. I’m very proud of him. I’m proud of what I accomplished and, you know what? That’s what makes our game so wonderful,” Wayne Gretzky continued. So while Alex Ovechkin didn’t surpass tonight, it’s only a matter of time before he breaks the record. The question is: How far will the Great 8 go before he retires? Only time will tell.