Dylan Strome wasn`t born when Wayne Gretzky surpassed Gordie Howe`s record.
Gretzky scored his 802nd NHL goal on March 23, 1994, becoming the league`s all-time leading scorer.
Strome, the Capitals` center, though born later, has watched Gretzky`s milestone goal countless times.
He recalls McSorley passing to Gretzky, his run across the ice, and the wild celebration.
Wayne Gretzky retired with 894 goals, a record once considered unbreakable. Now, Alex Ovechkin is closing in. The Capitals are not only having a great season but also cherishing this historic chase.
Ovechkin is just six goals away from Gretzky with 12 games left in the season. Despite missing 16 games due to injury, he has scored 36 goals in 55 games this season.
The 39-year-old Ovechkin, known for his powerful shot, is on the verge of achieving something extraordinary.
`It`s hard to grasp,` Strome said, reflecting on the potential moment.
The excitement around the team is growing.
`It feels like a rock star tour,` said Capitals winger Tom Wilson.
Wilson mentioned Ovechkin, who scored his 889th goal in a recent game, remains a focused captain, despite the pressure of chasing the record.
`I`m incredibly proud,` Wilson stated. `We`ll all tell our kids about this. He`s a fantastic friend and teammate, and it`s an amazing experience.`
Wilson emphasized the immense pressure on Ovechkin every game.
`This is bigger than hockey,` Wilson added. `Watching him handle it, stay true to himself, and keep contributing to the team is remarkable. I`m trying to soak it all in.`
Capitals coach Spencer Carbery admits to contemplating the historical significance of this moment.
`You can feel the anticipation on the bench, every time he touches the puck,` Carbery noted.
Jakob Chychrun, new to the Capitals, is impressed by Ovechkin.
`He`s even better than I imagined,` Chychrun said. `He`s loved here and brings life to the team. I grew up watching him, and playing alongside him now is incredible.`
Ovechkin`s quest for history has energized the Capitals, who lead the league standings with 103 points.
`Everyone wants to be part of this,` Wilson said. `His goals feel like accomplishments for all of us, moments we won`t forget.`
Strome imagines teammates dreaming of assisting on the record-breaking goal, aiming for their own `McSorley-to-Gretzky` moment.
`If it happens, it happens,` Strome smiled. `Every goal he scores now is history, and being part of it is special.`
Ovechkin is close to achieving the once impossible, and his teammates are embracing every moment.
`He just loves scoring,` Strome added. `Maybe that`s why he`s nearing the record.`
`We`re just happy to be part of this journey.`
Tristan Blackwood