Closing In on the Great One
The New York Times
As Alex Ovechkin ascends the N.H.L.’s record books, the unthinkable is happening: Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals is in jeopardy. Even Gretzky is certain Ovechkin will pass him.
The Washington Capitals have a locker room tradition to honor player milestones, led by Peter Laviolette, their coach. When someone records a notable assist or pots their first career goal, Laviolette announces it to the team and often hands out the puck to commemorate the moment.
With Alex Ovechkin, Laviolette can barely keep up.
“It’s to the point where I get handed a piece of paper after the game with a list of things he’s just done,” Laviolette said earlier this month, as Ovechkin shoots his way to the top of the most cherished record in hockey. “There was a game last week where we had five things and we threw one out, just because of the time. It’s unbelievable.”
