Red-hot Alex Ovechkin reaches magic number in chase of Gretzky

Alex Ovechkin lit the lamp for the 809th time in his illustrious NHL career during the Washington Capitals’ 6-2 win over the Columbus Black Jackets Thursday.

Ovechkin continues to inch closer to the NHL all-time goal record with a red-hot streak. His goal Thursday was his seventh in the last four games. He has scored 16 goals in his past 14 games and 21 over his past 23 games.

More importantly, Ovechkin scored his 29th goal of the season. The 37-year-old entered this season needing to average 29 goals during the final four years of his current contract with the Capitals.

Alex Ovechkin reached his magic number this season in 41 games. The Capitals are at the midway point of the year with another 41 games remaining. Each goal Ovechkin scores this season is a bonus and lowers the average of goals needed moving forward.

His recent surge puts Ovechkin on pace to score 58 goals this season. It would be the most goals he has had since his rookie season.

Ovechkin’s pursuit of the record is trademarked “The Gr8 Chase.”

“I think we’re past the point of if he’s going to do it,” Gretzky told NHL.com.

Gretzky has stated he wants to travel with the Capitals when Ovechkin gets on the brink of setting the record. If Ovechkin keeps up the pace he is on, Gretzky will hit the road rather sooner than later.