Alex Ovechkin’s next shot could be the one that breaks Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record. Ovechkin has now pulled even with Gretzky at 894 goals, and he can move into sole possession of first with one more against the New York Islanders on Sunday afternoon.
Ovechkin pulled even with Gretzky thanks to a pair of goals against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night. With the chance to break the record in front of his home crowd, Ovechkin declined to go for an empty-net tally. Instead, Ovechkin said he wants to pass Gretzky by scoring on a goalie.
That means Ovechkin will have to do something he’s never done if he wants to break the record against the Islanders. In seven career starts against the Capitals, Isles goaltender Ilya Sorokin has never allowed a goal to Ovechkin. Will Sunday finally be the day Ovechkin breaks through?
Ovechkin hasn’t had too much trouble scoring on other Islanders goalies. He has 44 career goals against New York, the eighth-most against any team he’s faced in his career.
Alex Ovechkin declined opportunity to pass Wayne Gretzky on all-time list with empty-net goal: ‘Let’s wait’
Austin Nivison
With history on the line at UBS Arena, hockey fans from around the world will be watching to see whether Ovechkin can cement himself as hockey’s greatest scorer once and for all. Follow along with CBS Sports as we share live updates on Ovechkin’s pursuit of “The Great One.”
Where to watch Capitals vs. Islanders
Date: Sunday, April 6 | Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
Location: UBS Arena — Elmont, New York
TV: TNT, truTV
