Gretzky joins ‘Gr8 Chase’, will be at Friday’s Capitals game as Ovechkin nears goals record

Wayne Gretzky is set to make an appearance in Washington on Friday night as Alex Ovechkin closes in on breaking the Canadian legend’s NHL goal-scoring record. Ovechkin is just two goals away from tying Gretzky’s record and three goals away from surpassing it, making the Capitals’ game against Chicago a must-watch event.

The anticipation surrounding Gretzky’s presence at the game is palpable, with Ovechkin expressing his excitement at having the support of the hockey great. Ovechkin acknowledged Gretzky’s unwavering support throughout his career, describing the moment as a “pretty cool” one.

Commissioner Gary Bettman, Ovechkin’s wife Nastya, and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis were present in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Wednesday night when Ovechkin scored his 892nd goal. This puts him within striking distance of Gretzky’s record of 894 goals, a milestone that many thought would never be reached.

The significance of Ovechkin’s pursuit of Gretzky’s record is not lost on his teammates, with winger Tom Wilson emphasizing the magnitude of the moment. The energy surrounding Ovechkin’s chase has been unparalleled, with the entire hockey world captivated by the possibility of witnessing history being made.

Gretzky’s presence adds another layer of excitement to the already intense atmosphere surrounding Ovechkin’s quest for greatness. The fact that Gretzky is accompanying Ovechkin on his journey to break the record is reminiscent of the support Gretzky received from Gordie Howe when he surpassed Howe’s career goal-scoring mark in 1994.

The \”GR8 chase\” as it is being dubbed, has galvanized the hockey community, with fans and players alike eagerly awaiting Ovechkin’s milestone moment. The camaraderie and mutual respect between Ovechkin and Gretzky highlight the special bond shared by players in the hockey world.

Retired defenseman Jason Demers, now an NHL Network analyst, emphasized the support and respect that players have for each other in the sport. The presence of Gretzky at the game to support Ovechkin as he approaches the record is a testament to the unity and camaraderie that defines the hockey community.

As Ovechkin inches closer to etching his name in the record books alongside Gretzky, the hockey world is abuzz with excitement and anticipation. With Gretzky in attendance, the stage is set for a historic and unforgettable moment in NHL history.