Wayne Gretzky's emotional moment when he broke Gordie Howe’s NHL goal-scoring record in 1994 is still fresh in the minds of hockey fans. Gretzky felt a mix of pride and embarrassment, as Howe was not only his idol but also a friend. His father advised him to maintain the same class as Howe when someone eventually surpassed his record. Fast forward to today, and Alex Ovechkin is on the brink of breaking Gretzky's record, currently sitting at 871 goals with a pace that suggests he could achieve this milestone by the end of the season.

The Washington Capitals forward has been a scoring machine, with 18 goals in his first 22 games. As the 2025 season approaches, discussions around Ovechkin's pursuit of the record are heating up. Gretzky has become a mentor figure for Ovechkin, offering encouragement during goal droughts. Meanwhile, the NHL playoff race is intensifying, with teams like the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens making surprising moves up the standings, while the New York Rangers face challenges after trading away their captain.