How Is Ovechkin's Pursuit Of Gretzky Impacting The Capitals Entering Final Stretch?

ARLINGTON, V.A. — With 27 games left in the regular season, the Washington Capitals are in for what's expected to be an exciting spring.

Not only do the Capitals sit atop the Eastern Conference, but they are also watching their captain barrel toward history, as Alex Ovechkin sits just 16 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record.

While a feat like that can weigh heavy, Ovechkin isn't fixated on it.

"Not at all," Ovechkin said when asked if the goals record is on his mind going into the final stretch.

But does it weigh on the Capitals?

Not in a negative way. Ovechkin's teammates stress how unselfish the Russian has been as he chases down a record once thought to be unbreakable.

"He's very humble, very generous," Dylan Strome said, adding, "He's going to be very humble when he does beat it."

If anything, Ovechkin's chase has inspired Washington going into the final stretch. The main focus remains an impressive push going into the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and though the team isn't changing its identity to accommodate Ovechkin down the stretch, the "GR8 Chase" does give the Capitals a bit of a motivational boost.

"It doesn't play into anything we're planning objective-wise, but what it does play into is, it adds one more notch of guys being hungry, excited... it gives us a bit more juice," coach Spencer Carbery said.

Ultimately, Washington is expecting strong play from Ovechkin after the 4 Nations break, especially after he busted out with 22 goals in the final 36 games of the 2023-24 season following last year's time away for the NHL All-Star Weekend.

"I think this is going to be his best hockey of the year these last 27 games," coach Spencer Carbery said. "I think you're going to see a guy that is highly, highly motivated, and just has to pedal to the metal for this last little stretch."

Washington has been back at practice now for three days, with Ovechkin leading the charge on the ice after a productive break of training on and off the ice with Darius Kasparaitis in Miami.

"It just shows you how much this all means to him right now," Tom Wilson said. "Everyone's on the beach, and he's putting in the work in the gym... I know he'll be flying."

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