It’s one of the biggest stories in hockey—Alex Ovechkin closing in on Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record.
With his latest goal, Ovechkin now sits just six away from Gretzky’s legendary mark of 894. The daily coverage surrounding this chase is warranted, as it’s an incredible feat that once seemed impossible. But for the Columbus Blue Jackets, this storyline has a different angle—they might just be the team he breaks the record against.
The Blue Jackets face the Washington Capitals in a home-and-home series on April 12th and 13th. As of right now, April 12th is the projected date for Ovechkin to reach 895.
No team wants to be on the other end of history when a record of this magnitude is broken, and no goaltender wants to be remembered as the one who gave up the milestone goal. Columbus will have two choices: hope he gets there before these games or do everything possible to keep him off the scoresheet.
However, there’s also an argument that it doesn’t matter who he scores against—it will be a historic moment for the game, and the Blue Jackets, like any team, would surely show their respect.
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If Ovechkin had his way, he’d probably want to set the record at home on April 13th in Washington. But if he keeps scoring at the pace he has been, he might not have a choice. The only way to guarantee a home-ice moment would be for the Capitals to sit him out on April 12th, which would be an interesting decision in itself.
Regardless of when or where it happens, this is a record many believed would never be broken. And now, we are just six goals away from witnessing history.
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