Ovechkin's Stellar 'Old-Guy Season': Setting New Standards for Aging Athletes in the NHL - News Directory 3

Ovechkin’s Stellar ‘Old-Guy Season’: Setting New Standards for Aging Athletes in the NHL

November 18, 2024 Catherine Williams Sports
News Context
At a glance
  • Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record of 894 goals.
  • Since late January, Ovechkin has scored 36 goals in 53 games, trailing only Kirill Kaprizov, who has 39 in 51 games.
  • Looking at historical performances, Gordie Howe scored 44 goals in his age-40 season, while Teemu Selanne had 31 goals as a 40-year-old in 2010-11.
Original source: sportsnet.ca

Alex Ovechkin‘s Goal-Scoring Chase

Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of breaking Wayne Gretzky‘s all-time goals record of 894 goals. As of this season, Ovechkin needs 42 goals to surpass Gretzky. With his recent hat trick against the Vegas Golden Knights, he now shares the NHL goal-scoring lead with Sam Reinhart and Leon Draisaitl, tallying 13 goals this season. Ovechkin reached this mark earlier this year compared to last year.

Since late January, Ovechkin has scored 36 goals in 53 games, trailing only Kirill Kaprizov, who has 39 in 51 games. Ovechkin has the highest goals-per-game ratio (0.76) among players with a dozen games played so far.

Looking at historical performances, Gordie Howe scored 44 goals in his age-40 season, while Teemu Selanne had 31 goals as a 40-year-old in 2010-11. Ovechkin is currently on pace for 62 goals this season.

Ovechkin’s quest to lead the league in goals would mark the tenth time he has achieved this feat. Only Bobby Hull has led the NHL in goals as many times, while other legends like Phil Esposito and Gordie Howe have fewer titles. If Ovechkin leads again, he will match Gretzky’s number of Art Ross Trophies for leading in points.

Since turning 30, Ovechkin has scored 391 goals and aims to add 40 this season, requiring only two 35-goal seasons beyond age 40 to reach 500 goals after his 30th birthday. If he continues playing past age 42, he could also chase the all-time games played record.

Other Notable NHL Updates

  • Martin Necas of the Carolina Hurricanes is having an impressive season, tallying 30 points in 17 games.
  • The Columbus Blue Jackets started strong but have since fared poorly, with a 1-6-1 record in their last eight games.
  • Colorado Avalanche is seeing players return to form after injuries, including Valeri Nichushkin and Jonathan Drouin.
  • Sidney Crosby is close to his 600th career goal and has three home games this week to achieve this.
  • Erik Johnson reached a milestone with his 1,000th career game on Saturday.
  • Connor Bedard, the first overall pick this year, faces Leo Carlsson, the second overall pick, on Tuesday.
  • Nathan MacKinnon leads the league in points and will go head-to-head with Ovechkin on Thursday.
  • The Sharks will retire Joe Thornton’s No. 19, honoring his significant contributions to the team.

Power Rankings

  1. Winnipeg Jets (15-3-0): The Jets hit a rough spot after being blanked by Florida.
  2. Toronto Maple Leafs (11-6-2): Matthew Knies is proving to be a vital player for the Leafs.
  3. Calgary Flames (9-6-3): Dustin Wolf is having a standout month.
  4. Edmonton Oilers (9-7-2): Darnell Nurse’s injury has led to new defensive calls.
  5. Vancouver Canucks (9-5-3): Struggling at home with only three wins in ten games.
  6. Ottawa Senators (8-8-1): The team is allowing too many goals in recent matches.
  7. Montreal Canadiens (6-10-2): A much-needed win against Columbus revived some hope.

Ovechkin’s journey and other highlights keep the excitement in NHL hockey alive.