It appears "The Great Eight" has his sights set on The Great One's all-time goal record.
Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin has collected 658 career tallies over 14 NHL seasons and needs 237 goals to break Wayne Gretzky's mark of 894. The 33-year-old understands that he'll have to stay in prime condition if he's going to eclipse Gretzky's famed record.
"I have to be healthy. I have to be in good shape," Ovechkin said, according to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti. "I'm going to try to do it, but you don't know what's going to happen in the future."
The 6-foot-3 sniper became just the third player in NHL history to record eight 50-goal campaigns - after Gretzky and Mike Bossy - this season. With Ovechkin playing for one of the league's elite teams and showing no signs of slowing down, Gretzky knows his record isn't safe.
"He's a good athlete, he plays in a great organization, he plays with good players, which you have to do, and there's no question he has a legitimate chance," Gretzky said. "Good for him. … If he does, I'll be the first guy to shake his hand. I think it's great for the game."
Ovechkin - a seven-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner - is on pace to lead the league in goals for a record eighth time. He currently holds a four-goal advantage on John Tavares and Leon Draisaitl with two games remaining.
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