Different goal-scoring generations and styles meet on the same ice surface as Blackhawks host the Capitals on Sunday
Washington's Alex Ovechkin is the No. 2 goal scorer in NHL history with 827, second only to Wayne Gretzky entering Sunday's game against the Blackhawks in Chicago.
But the chance to skate against the 38-year-old Ovechkin is and isn't a big deal for Chicago's Connor Bedard, the NHL's leading rookie scorer. Billed as the sport's "next generational talent" and an up-and-coming sniper himself, the 18-year-old Bedard has already faced some of the NHL's marquee names.
Bedard and Ovechkin are not only a generation apart in age, they're light years apart in physical profile and playing style.
The shifty, crafty 5-10, 185-pound Bedard almost slithers quickly on the ice. And when Bedard is at his best, he's pesky and persistent – reading plays, forcing turnovers and annoying bigger opponents.
The 6-foot-3, 238-pound Ovechkin, is a power forward who has lead the NHL in goal-scoring nine times. He's made a career of blasting through things.
Both Shoot... A Lot
One similarity between Bedard and Ovechkin: Both are best when they shoot a lot.
Ovechkin has led the NHL in shots on goal in 11 times over 18 NHL seasons, firing away with strength and pure energy transfer using a stiff 100-flex CCM stick. Bedard, who has 11 goals and 10 assists in 26 games, leads rookies with 78 shots using a whippy 70-flex Sherwood Rekker. (Bedard has a deal with Sherwood https://sherwoodhockey.com/)
Has Bedard picked up any tips from the big Russian when it comes to shooting?
"I don't know, you try to watch and see what he does, but I think he's the best goal-scorer ever or one of the best" Bedard said. "So he's got one of the best shots and his one-timer specifically, is pretty incredible." See video.
Bedard Respects Records, But...
Bedard is aware of Ovechkin's goal-scoring and records, but once the puck drops, "it's hockey" says the NHL's top draft pick of 2023.
"I think once you're playing the game, it's hockey and you can't really be thinking about it too much," Bedard said."But before the game and going into a faceoff or something, it's definitely pretty special and I feel pretty fortunate for those opportunities.
"Watching him (Ovechkin), it was kind of him and (Sidney) Crosby battling, and of course (Connor) McDavid," Bedard said. "He's obviously going to go down as one of the best players ever." See video.