VOORHEES, N.J. – At some point in the next season or two, Alex Ovechkin is likely to pass Wayne Gretzky as the National Hockey League’s all-time greatest scorer.
Gretzky set the standard by lighting the lamp 894 times over a two-decade career. When he retired in 1999 many thought it was a total that would never be approached – sort of like Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hit streak or Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game.
But here we are at the start of the 2024-25 season and Ovechkin, with 854 goals, stands just those 40 goals away from surpassing “The Great One.”
All of this is of special interest to the Flyers over the next couple days because their star-to-be, Russian prospect Matvei Michkov, will be facing his boyhood hero not once but twice when Philadelphia faces off against the Washington Capitals in back-to-back games.
After Monday’s practice at the Flyers Training Center, Michkov fielded questions through a translator about the prospect of playing against “The Great 8.”
The 19-year-old Michkov is aware that the 39-year-old Ovechkin is closing in on Gretzky’s once thought to be unobtainable mark.
“There’s a lot of pride to be able to take and surpass this record for the league,” Michkov said of Ovechkin. “Also for the country of Russia.”
The Flyers visited the Capitals for a preseason game earlier in the month but Ovechkin was not in the lineup so the two Russians have not really met each other yet.
Back in Russia, Ovechkin is a bigger star there even though he plays in North America.
“Everybody watched him when he was younger,” Michkov said. “He’s one of the greatest players ever. For sure, one of the best.”
Michkov might have some initial nerves if he’s on the ice the same time as Ovechkin, at least early in the game.
“It’s going to be unique and historical,” Michkov said, “to be playing against such a player. It’s an honor.”
Ovechkin has posted a 65-goal season and eight more 50-goal campaigns. He got off to a slow start last season but still finished up with 31 goals. In four games this season, he has one goal.
After Tuesday night’s game in Philadelphia, the two teams meet again on Wednesday night in D.C.
