Alex Ovechkin’s Quest for NHL Record Goals Screeches to a Halt
Alex Ovechkin’s scorching hot streak, which had many wondering when he would break Wayne Gretzky’s record for most goals in NHL history, has been put on hold. The Washington Capitals’ star forward suffered a broken fibula in a shin-on-shin collision during Monday’s game against the Utah Hockey Club, an injury that will keep him sidelined for four to six weeks.
Ovechkin, 39, was evaluated by team doctors upon returning from a three-game trip and was placed on injured reserve. The news came as a blow to the league, as Ovechkin had been on pace to break Gretzky’s record of 894 goals, needing only 27 more to surpass the legendary player.
In his first 19 seasons, Ovechkin has missed just 35 games due to injury, a testament to his remarkable durability. Despite playing with a physical style that often puts him in harm’s way, Ovechkin has managed to maintain an impressive level of fitness, allowing him to remain a dominant force on the ice.
Ovechkin’s injury comes as a setback to his plans to break Gretzky’s record, which was expected to happen sometime in February. The league and fans alike will be watching with bated breath as Ovechkin works to recover from his injury and get back to the ice.