The fans have spoken: Alex Ovechkin is the greatest goal scorer in NHL history!
Or at least according to a poll conducted by the NHL on NBC Sports.
With 55% of the votes in the final, YOU THE FANS have voted Alex Ovechkin the GREATEST goal scorer in the history of the NHL. 🏆🚨 pic.twitter.com/QguM9YsEYH
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) April 1, 2020
Ovi had to defeat Mark Messier, Brett Hull, and ultimately Mario Lemieux in the final to take home the title of the greatest goal scorer in NHL history.
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Although Hull and Lemieux were stiff competition, it’s hard to argue against Ovechkin’s goal scoring prowess given his unbelieveable consistency in an era where every player is expected to block shots, not to mention stellar goaltending across the league.
The Great 8 wasted no time showcasing his goal scoring skills in North America, scoring two goals in his NHL debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets, including the game winner. His first goal being a one-time slapshot rocket, naturally!
And the Great 8 hasn’t slowed down since! He’s scored 50 goals in an astounding 8 times, more than all active NHL players combined 🤯! And only 1 less than Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy who share the record for most 50 goal seasons.
Standing at 706 goals all-time and with at least a handful of NHL seasons in front of him, Alex Ovechkin stands a reasonable if not likely chance of surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all time mark of 894. At minimum, it’s fair to assume he’ll surpass Jagr (766) and Howe (801) with a couple healthy seasons.
Whether you’re a Washington Capitals or Alex Ovechkin fan or not, you have to respect the passion, flair, and goal scoring ability he brings to the game!