Alex Ovechkin equaled Wayne Gretzky`s NHL record for career goals with two scores against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. Despite having a chance to take the lead with an empty-net goal late in the game, Ovechkin chose to wait.
Ovechkin`s second goal tied him with Gretzky at 894 goals and gave him the most game-winning goals in NHL history. When the Blackhawks removed their goalie, Spencer Knight, Ovechkin decided to stay on the bench.
In a press conference alongside Gretzky, the Washington Capitals captain explained he didn`t want to surpass “The Great One” with an empty-net goal. Ovechkin stated he told people to wait for a goal scored against a goalie.
The Capitals broadcast showed Ovechkin seemingly declining to go on the ice when coach Spencer Carbery suggested it. Carbery confirmed Ovechkin wants to break the record by scoring on a goalie, appreciating his player`s stance. He confirmed Ovechkin preferred to stay on the bench and wait for a different opportunity.
Carbery mentioned Ovechkin was ready to return to the game immediately after the Capitals secured the win with an empty-net goal by another player.
Leonard, in his third NHL game, benefited from Ovechkin’s decision, scoring his first career goal on the empty net. Gretzky gave Leonard the puck in the locker room as a memorable keepsake.
Ovechkin`s next chance to break the record will be against the New York Islanders on Sunday afternoon. Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin can expect a challenging game.
