Ovechkin's Surge Puts Gretzky's Goal Record Within Striking Distance

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Records are meant to be broken but I didn’t give a lot of consideration to Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record of 894 goals to be in jeopardy when he retired in 1988-89. I didn’t consider that Alexander Ovechkin would still be playing at age 39 and still be so darn productive. After a knee injury sidelined Ovechkin in mid-November, it seemed more than likely that Gretzky’s record was safe for the remainder of the season. But the “Great 8” obviously felt otherwise and sits nine goals shy of becoming the NHL’s all-time goal scoring leader. Ovechkin is on pace to break the record April 6 when the Washington Capitals visit the New York Islanders. 

However, since the return from the 4 Nations tournament, Ovechkin has scored seven goals in eight games, along with 42 shots on goal and 91 shots directed at the net. He’s averaging 10 shots directed at the net each game. He and his teammates are doing everything in their power to help break the record.  Based on his goal production rate since play has resumed following the 4 Nations, Ovechkin would need just 10 more games to surpass Gretzky’s record. That would put him on pace to set the mark, April Fool’s Day in Boston.

Beginning tonight, when the Capitals travel to California to face the Anaheim Ducks, Ovechkin and the Caps are likely to be the betting favorite in seven of their next 10 games. Thus, increasing the chances for seven empty net opportunities for Ovechkin to capitalize on. Add to that, six of the next 10 teams that Ovechkin will be facing rank in the bottom third (20 or lower) in goals against average.

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Among the teams Ovechkin will face include the San Jose Sharks (Mar 15) who Ovechkin has scored 16 goals in 28 games and the Minnesota Wild (Mar 27) who Ovechkin has tortured with 19 goals in 23 games. The Wild are the eighth game coming up on the schedule and at 40-1, it’s worth a pizza money bet. Next up on the schedule is the Buffalo Sabres (20/1). Ovechkin has 41 career goals in 65 games versus Buffalo. If Ovi hasn’t broken the record by this point, then I am looking to April 3, when the host the Chicago Blackhawks (10/1). Ovechkin has 15 goals in 23 games versus the Blackhawks and two goals in two games versus Hawks goalie, Spencer Knight.

When it comes to what player(s) will record an assist on the historic goal it is interesting to note that nine different players have earned an assist on Ovechkin’s last seven goals with Dylan Strome the only player with two assists. With two assists available on every goal I will stick to players with “plus” prices.
 

Predictions:  All plays – 1 unit:

• Ovechkin record breaking goal vs Minnesota (40/1)
• Ovechkin record breaking goal vs Buffalo (20/1)
• Ovechkin record breaking goal vs Chicago (10/1)
• Tom Wilson assist on record breaking goal (+400)
• John Carlson assist on record breaking goal (+350)

Check out all the bets highlighting this amazing achievement at Coolbet.com