“Still Not Gretzky”: Even 400 Career Goals at Home Turf Aren’t Enough for Alex Ovechkin to Get Out of the Great One’s Shadow

Wayne Gretzky has written his name all over the stars and no matter where his records stand, he will remain a legend and the greatest Ice Hockey player to ever come out of Canada. But for now, his records are teetering at the edge as a Russian great joins him in an elite club. After scoring his 400th goal, Alexis Ovechkin is definitely within some good company at the elite NHL group. Fans are however divided at the notion of him stealing the ‘Greatest’ tag from Gretzky. Some have even deemed him unworthy of Gretzky’s equivalent.

The Washington Capitals captain recently scored his 400th home goal and joined the list of only four others who’ve scored 400+ home goals in the NHL. Ovechkin has already surpassed Gretzky in the most road goals (410) as he is the only player in NHL history to score 400+ road goals. Plenty of fans, mostly Canadians, are still not convinced about him being better than or even equal to their ‘Great One’. Here are some of their comments.

Fans’ reaction to Alex Ovechkin reaching close to a Gretzky record

Alexis Ovechkin scored his 4ooth home goal against the Philadelphia Flyers this Saturday. Although the Capitals lost to the Flyers 3-1, Ovechkin’s single goal in the game for his team marked a major milestone in his career. It also subsequently took over all discussions on social media, with the crux of those directed at the comparison between him and Gretzky. In a Facebook post that celebrated his achievement, fans didn’t leave the comments section blank. Here are some of them.

“I’m Canadian and I hope he breaks the record, but most Canadians don’t want it to happen

it’s happening.”

“I’d like to see how many empty net goals, Gretzky scored. Let’s compare that.”

“Still not Gretzky”

“still the 5th best player on that list”

“I’ve personally never understood why people complain about Ovi scoring empty net goals. A goal is a goal”

“His numbers rock, but so many other great NHL players!”

“he is going to break many records in the next couple of yrs.”

READ MORE – “Let Me Score My Goals”: Alexander Ovechkin Doesn’t Want to Play Just ‘8–10 Minutes a Game’ as He Nears Wayne Gretzky’s Record

While his critiques are clearly devoted Gretzky fans, some fans more than others seem to be level-headed. They have given Gretzky his due without bringing Ovechkin down.

The fight for the ‘Greatest’ ever continues between Ovechkin and Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky still carries a chunk of weight, besides his playing prowess, for everyone to hail him as the ‘Greatest’. He still holds the record for the most number of NHL Goals with 892 goals. However, Ovechkin isn’t far behind him with 810. And with his playing days still active, he could potentially break Gretzky’s all-time record, much to the dismay of Gretzky fans nationwide.

Where do you stand on this rating pole? Do you think Ovechkin has earned himself the right to be called the Greatest alongside Gretzky? And could he break his all-time record in the future? Let us know all your answers in the comments below.

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