Alex Ovechkin moved into fourth place all by himself on the NHL all-time goals list, passing Brett Hull. His first period tally evened the score as the visiting Washington Capitals defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 on Friday night.
“It means a lot,” Ovechkin said after the game. “When you start playing hockey, when you come to the NHL, you never thought you’d be in that position with those names.”
Brett Hull praises Alex Ovechkin
Ovechkin certainly shows no signs of slowing down. He’s already piled up a league-high 12 goals this season and is on pace for 75 goals at his current scoring rate. While that’s unlikely, a 50 goal season seems in the cards for the Great 8.
After scoring goal 742, the man Ovechkin passed had a special message for him.
“Congratulations on moving into number four on the all-time scoring list,” Brett Hull began in a video message.
“I have a great friend, Wayne Gretzky has a saying whenever he makes a long putt or a great shot on the gold course,” Hull referenced the ‘Great One’. “He says ‘you have to earn your nickname’. Well Alex, ‘The Great 8’, you have lived up to your nickname and more. Keep climbing that ladder and I wish you nothing but success. Way to go!”
Next on the list is Jaromir Jagr who is within reach at 766. Gordie Howe’s place on the all-time list appears safe for this season with 801. And finally, the Great One himself Wayne Gretzky at the top with 894 goals.
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