Gretzky: Ovechkin will 'get a little bit nervous' near end of record chase
Alex Ovechkin may be known as the Russian Machine, but that doesn't mean he'll be immune to basic human emotions when his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record draws to a close.
"He's human," Gretzky said Monday of the Washington Capitals captain, according to The Athletic's Chris Johnston. "He'll get a little bit nervous near the end."
Ovechkin looked poised to break Gretzky's goals record sooner than expected before suffering a fractured fibula in November. He got off to an electric start with 15 goals in his first 18 games, putting him at 868 in his career - 27 shy of surpassing Gretzky's 894.
The 39-year-old was given a four-to-six week timeline Nov. 21, so he could return as early as next week. If he's back by the early end of that timeline, he could have roughly 50 games left in the season to score 27 goals - a challenge, but one that seems within reach for the nine-time Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner.
Gretzky has been publicly supportive of "The Gr8 Chase" and said he hopes to be at the game where Ovechkin breaks his record.
"I talk to Alex periodically and I always wish him the best," Gretzky said. "He'll be fine. He's handled the pressure. He's won the Stanley Cup. He's been a big part of the success of the NHL. He's been a huge part of the Washington Capitals.
"Listen, he's been nothing but positive for our sport and that's most important. And good for him, man."