NHL prepares for history as Ovechkin moves to within 2 of Gretzky’s record

• Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is just two away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring mark. He scored goal 892 Wednesday, April 2.
• Ovechkin can tie or possibly even break the record Friday, April 4, at home against the Chicago Blackhawks.
• The NHL is preparing for history with a traveling party that includes Commissioner Gary Bettman and other league officials. If Ovechkin breaks the record, they will stop the game for a ceremony.

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The National Hockey League, television networks and The Great One himself, Wayne Gretzky, are all preparing for the inevitable. Wednesday night, April 2, Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin moved to within two of tying Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring mark and three away from passing him.

When could Ovechkin break the record?

That means Ovechkin could conceivably tie or break the record Friday night, April 4, at home against the Chicago Blackhawks or Sunday, April 6, at home against the New York Islanders.

Ovechkin has 32 hat tricks and three goals in a single game during his 20-year career. On Wednesday, April 2, he notched goal number 892, the only score in a 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. He has scored in three straight games and now has 39 goals on the season. His teammates continue to be in awe of the 39-year-old legend.

“That’s gonna be pretty crazy; it feels like it’s right there. He feels like he’s still scoring every night. It’s been huge for us and awesome for him to see that he’s still doing it at this torrid pace,” Capitals defenseman Trevor Van Riemsdyk said.

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Ovechkin and his teammates are more focused on the Capitals’ playoff chase as the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Although they have lost four of their last five games, getting the record may boost the good vibes in the locker room.

“I think everybody would love to have it on Friday night. Him and us. For him to get that record, so we’re hoping for that.” Forward Pierre-Luc Dubois said.

What is the NHL doing to celebrate the milestone?

The NHL is going all out in preparation with a traveling party that includes Commissioner Gary Bettman and other league officials, Ovechkin’s wife and two sons, team owner Ted Leonsis and former Capitals teammates. They will follow the team home or away until the record is broken. The Capitals have seven regular-season games left.

Wednesday night, Ovechkin suggested Gretzky would also start traveling in order to be there to pass the baton for a record that has stood for 30 years.

“It’s great, I think it’s great for hockey. You know, I would say we have a relationship … I’m pretty sure he’s gonna join the team and follow us,” Ovechkin said.

The NHL has spent months preparing for the historic moment. Ten additional television cameras will be at all Capitals games in the final two weeks. ESPN and TNT are also producing a special “Ovi-cast” channel to air online, with dedicated cameras trained on the star during the games.

When Ovechkin ties the record, the entire team will be able to meet him on the ice to celebrate. When he breaks the record, officials will stop the game for a ceremony to commemorate the occasion.