Ovechkin Joins Elite: Fifth-Best Start Ever
This season is shaping up to be a special one for Alex Ovechkin, the legendary captain of the Washington Capitals. He's off to an absolute scorcher of a start, and his name is now etched among hockey's all-time greats.
Let's dive into what makes this start so impressive:
A Historic Pace
Ovechkin has been putting the puck in the net at a ridiculous rate, setting a scorching pace. He's sitting pretty as the league's top scorer with 20 goals and 26 points in just 17 games. That's a scoring pace that has only been matched by a select few throughout history.
Let's break down the numbers:
- This puts Ovechkin on the fifth-best start ever in terms of goal scoring. Only Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky, Mike Bossy, and Brett Hull have started a season with more goals in their first 17 games.
- Ovechkin is also on pace to shatter his own single-season goal record of 65, which he set back in 2008.
That's some serious firepower!
The Big O Keeps Climbing
It's no secret that Ovechkin is chasing Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal-scoring record. With his incredible start, he's inching closer to that historic mark.
He's now just 104 goals away from overtaking Gretzky. It's a tall order, but with Ovechkin's remarkable ability to find the back of the net, it's not impossible.
This season might be Ovechkin's best shot at reaching that milestone. He's hungry, focused, and playing with a fire that's unmatched.
The Impact on the Capitals
Ovechkin's blazing start hasn't just been about individual accolades. He's been a catalyst for the Capitals' success this season. The team is flying high, sitting near the top of the standings in the tough Metropolitan division.
**Ovechkin's leadership and on-ice dominance are contagious. ** He's motivating his teammates and inspiring them to play at their best.
A Season to Remember
This season is shaping up to be one for the ages. Ovechkin's incredible start, the Capitals' impressive form, and the chase for Gretzky's record are all adding up to a thrilling story that's just getting started.
Hold onto your hats, folks, because this is going to be one wild ride!