Will Ovechkin pass Gretzky’s Goal Total?

[tweetdrivr]

It's impossible and stupid to try and compare Ovechkin and Gretzky.

It's better to just enjoy watching history.

And acknowledge that Ovechkin is the best goal scorer to ever play the game.

[Invictus]

And acknowledge that Ovechkin is the best goal scorer to ever play the game.

Negative.
But I would have him on my assembled best team running that top PP.

[lucafen4]

I'd like to know what Gretzky would have accomplished in the 80's with a composite stick.

[saucelife90]

I'd like to know what Gretzky would have accomplished in the 80's with a composite stick.

Probably something similar to what Ovi would produce in the 2000's with goalies wearing tiny soggy pillows.

[lucafen4]

Probably something similar to what Ovi would produce in the 2000's with goalies wearing tiny soggy pillows.

we're also comparing two entirely different types of players.
I think Ovie in the 80's vs. Gretzky today benefits Ovie and his style of play more.

Had he played a full career in the 80's with a wooden stick I think we see Ovi over 1000 goals already.

Bossy I think is the best 80's comparable to Ovi

[hockeymanG23]

Probably something similar to what Ovi would produce in the 2000's with goalies wearing tiny soggy pillows.

Ovi would've scored 2 goals per game in those days lol.

I'm all for Ovi getting the title but I need to point out that he hasn't been held back by lockouts/missed time much more than Gretz was.

Both missed their age 18 season, Gretzky because the WHA was a legit option, Ovi had the lockout of course. Both also missed a half season to lockout. I suppose Ovi missed a good chunk of games to Covid shutdowns, but Gretzky spent a good chuck of his career playing 80 game seasons so it does even out a bit.

Regardless, its still pretty exciting to be watching a legit contentender chasing down one of the big all time records, go Ovi!

[Invictus]

Ovi would likely still be in Russia in the 80s. Also wouldn't be close to the player Gretzky is.

[LawMan]

I love how this thread has taken off and been a compare and contrast...
Here's a (IMO) super interesting chart I found showing Gretzky v. Ovi goals year-over year...
It can be interpreted a million ways, Gretzky slowed down, or was just too great at his peak, the game declined in goals during Gretzky's career whereas Ovi's career has seen a desire to increase goals.
Gretzky had 5 v. 5 OT, which was generally terrible and about preserving a point, Ovi got 4 v. 4 and 3 v. 3 which encouraged scoring...
Anyways the chart is a story of a Gretzky being other-world for a period and then having a steady decline vs. Ovi who bounces up and down year over year but never sees an age based decline.

5z0wlmlpgy581.jpg

[Invictus]

Real goal scorers can score short handed.

[agentzero]

There is no comparison other than the figures. They are entirely different players. Ovechkin has a tonne in common with Maurice Richard and Gretzky far more in common with Patrick Kane.

Comparing the numbers is fun but they’re such different style of players that picking one to be the better “goal scorer” is a really silly exercise since they get their goals in such different styles. One with power and force and the other with timing and deception.

I think ovechkin is the better scorer. Gretzky himself thought Mike Bossy was a better goal scorer than him.

Different styles despite the numbers requiring them to be compared.

[hockeyrobot]

Let's get it back on track since there is no winning the debate of comparing eras.

14 back of Jagr! In just under 500 less games.

[saucelife90]

Let's get it back on track since there is no winning the debate of comparing eras.

14 back of Jagr! In just under 500 less games.

Absolutely Astonishing. He's on a mission this year.

[Invictus]

There is no comparison other than the figures. They are entirely different players. Ovechkin has a tonne in common with Maurice Richard and Gretzky far more in common with Patrick Kane.

Comparing the numbers is fun but they’re such different style of players that picking one to be the better “goal scorer” is a really silly exercise since they get their goals in such different styles. One with power and force and the other with timing and deception.

I think ovechkin is the better scorer. Gretzky himself thought Mike Bossy was a better goal scorer than him.

Different styles despite the numbers requiring them to be compared.

I do an exercise. I theorize putting these two on the worst team of the league (Arizona), who would produce the most goals?
For me I come to Gretzky as my answer quite easily.

They are different, and creating the top PP of all time, you can fit them both

[doulos]

Sure have at it if that's what gets your motor running.

I am loving this. Hopes he breaks the record.

[saucelife90]

“It’s not even a question that he will pass me, and I think it’s great,” Gretzky told The New York Times last week. “He’s well on his way to 40 or 50 goals this year, maybe more. There is no doubt that, ultimately, he will break the record.”