Wayne Gretzky explains why he wants to be there when Alex Ovechkin breaks record

Alex Ovechkin on Friday scored two goals in his Washington Capitals’ 5-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. The two goals gave him 894 for his career, which tied Wayne Gretzky for the most ever.

Gretzky was in attendance as Ovi tried to surpass him in the record books, and The Great One had an explanation for his decision. Gretzky told reporters after the game that he wants to be present so that he can help pass the torch.

“The integrity of the game … when I was breaking Gordie Howe’s record, he was there. And I said two years ago that if Alex gets close to my record, I’ll be here. That’s the National Hockey League. From (Jean) Beliveau to (Gordie) Howe, (Bobby) Orr, (Mario) Lemeiux, (Mark) Messier — you pass it down,” Gretzky said.

“I hope — and you guys might not believe me — if somebody breaks Alex’s record, I hope Alex is there to shake his hand. But right now I hope Alex enjoys it. And he deserves all the credit and accolades he’s getting.”