Kovalchuk: Ovechkin Will Break Gretzky's Record This Season
Ilya Kovalchuk says he has no doubt Alexander Ovechkin will score the 11 goals needed to surpass Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL scoring mark of 1,016.
Ilya Kovalchuk has backed his former Russia team-mate Alexander Ovechkin to break Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL scoring record this season.
The Canadian's mark stands at 1,016 goals across regular season and play-offs. Ovechkin, who turns out for Washington, has 1,006. Kovalchuk needs him to find just 11 more.
"Sasha is my friend, I always worry about him. The coming season will be very important for him. I have no doubt he'll score 11 goals and break Wayne Gretzky's scoring record in the regular season and play-offs. It's just that the appetite comes with eating. The main thing is to enjoy what you're doing, and to stay clear of injuries. Everyone wants Ovechkin to keep playing for as long as possible. Children love him, adults love him, and the very old love him too," Kovalchuk said.
Ovechkin flies to the United States on 10 September to begin preparations for his 22nd NHL season. Washington open their campaign at Carolina on 3 October.
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