After scoring his 700th career goal, Alex Ovechkin receives praise from Wayne Gretzky and sets his sights on surpassing Gretzky's record. However, Ovechkin's controversial actions and affiliations overshadow his achievements.
“If I would be Wayne Gretzky , I would be shaking right now,” Jaromir Jagr said in a pre-game video feature bejewelled by stars. “Because I think you going to beat him.”
This has turned Ovechkin into a new kind of sports celebrity – the all-timer in the midst of achieving his legacy who cannot be promoted.The NHL’s entire marketing strategy is connecting the past to the present. You will hear more in Montreal about players who have died than anyone still breathing in a Canadiens jersey. Pushing mandatory retirement, Gretzky is still the game’s most reliable brand.
Bedard has done what most new hockey stars do – disappear into the league’s wallpaper. Just another jobbing pro. Just another rookie who understands his place. We may see him again when the Chicago hockey team is good, or not. Whatever mojo Ovechkin once had, it’s gone. Age is part of it. Hockey players are meant to mellow into their golden years. The sort of guy who would once stick you in the face for making eye contact is now inviting the rookies over for Christmas breakfast. In the NHL, the old are meant to grow gentle.
But that’s it. No ad campaigns. No late-night chat shows. No lineups of former greats out there telling everybody what a prince of a man he is. All the usual stuff the NHL does for its living legends is out the window. Ovechkin has 852 goals, but his pace has become a jog. He will probably eclipse Gretzky’s record the season following next.
Alex Ovechkin NHL Career Goal Milestone Wayne Gretzky Celebration Controversy Achievements
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