Despite the 5-4 loss to the Nashville Predators Wednesday, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin moved into ninth-place on the NHL’s all-time goals list.
Ovechkin tallied career goal No. 693, surpassing Detroit Red Wings legend Steve Yzerman in the process.
Yzerman congratulated “The Great 8” in a pre-taped video. He also had one request for Ovechkin if he happens to pass Wayne Gretzky for the most goals in NHL history.
“I just wanted to congratulate you on moving into sole possession of ninth place on the league’s all-time scoring list,” Yzerman said. “You’ve had a tremendous career to date and it looks like you’re going strong and you might play forever. Best of luck, and continued success. I really enjoyed watching you play and watching you fill in the net. All the best.
“Oh, and one more thing,” Yzerman added. “If you ever do break Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record for most goals in the league, after watching your Stanley Cup celebrations, I wanna be invited to your party.”
Ovechkin proved to be a party animal when he and the Capitals claimed the Stanley Cup in 2018. Ovechkin went on a legendary celebratory binge that seemingly lasted all off-season.
Ovechkin is now 201 goals shy of Gretzky’s record of 894 goals scored. At his current pace, Yzerman may need about four seasons more before he should expect an invite to Ovi’s party.
