ALEXANDRIA, Va. — At Bugsy`s Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar, the goal horn sounds with every Washington Capitals score. Bar manager Armenia Marconi, hearing it from downstairs, hurried up to see who had scored.
It was indeed Alex Ovechkin, marking his 891st goal as he gets closer to Wayne Gretzky`s NHL record. Marconi quickly used the remote to update the goal counter above the bar, and the anticipating fans at the local hockey hotspot cheered once more.
“It felt like another goal,” Marconi commented. “When the counter changed to 4, the entire bar erupted in cheers.”
Firefighter James Mazzara, watching from his residence, shared the sentiment. His fire station, near the Capitals` arena in Washington, also displays a counter. He immediately messaged a working colleague to ensure the number was updated.
“We’re committed to keeping it current,” Mazzara stated.
Throughout the capital and its suburbs, reminders of Ovechkin`s chase are prevalent. Over a dozen “GR8 Chase” goal counters are set up at locations like Ben`s Chili Bowl and Georgetown Waterfront. Even in Ovechkin`s Moscow hometown, illuminated counters and encouraging messages are visible as he approaches the milestone.
Heading into Friday night’s home game against Chicago, Ovechkin`s count stood at 892, just two shy of Gretzky`s record and three from surpassing it.
“There`s no stopping him,” remarked veteran Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice. “He will inevitably break the record. It’s an incredible achievement, truly beyond generational, as no one else was poised to break that record.”
The GR8 chase
It`s now more about `when` than `if` Ovechkin will surpass Gretzky`s 894 goal benchmark, once deemed untouchable. With seven games remaining for the Capitals before playoffs, Ovechkin has these games to achieve the record, as it considers regular-season goals only. Otherwise, the chase would continue next season.
The NHL has launched a dedicated microsite for tracking the chase. The Capitals offer an online platform for fans to check in from their viewing locations and provide free lawn signs to promote the countdown.
“We understood the desire for collective counting, both in the Washington area and globally,” said Amanda Tischler, Capitals senior VP of marketing. “Digital platforms are valuable, but traditional countdown clocks bring a special element.” She added, “The aim was for these counters across the city to generate excitement as we approach this major milestone.”
Goal counters have been distributed to numerous youth hockey facilities in Maryland and Virginia, national NHL broadcasters ESPN and TNT, and local establishments like Ben`s Chili Bowl, a local favorite since 1958.
“We’re honored to host a goal tracker at Ben’s,” shared Vida Ali, a family member managing the restaurant. “When the Capitals won the Stanley Cup in 2018, they celebrated here. This is another exciting moment, a great time for the Caps and Ovi.”
The GR8 meaning
Seven years prior, the Stanley Cup visited Mazzara`s firehouse, DCFD-Engine 2 & Rescue Squad 1, a place deeply connected to the Capitals. Its proximity to the arena allows the goal horn to be heard even outside on calm days.
“We hear the horn, and we either rush back inside or watch from the engine bay TV,” Mazzara, the platoon No. 4 wagon driver, recounted. “It’s captivating to watch, seeing the city unite, all the fans. It`s a wonderful escape. Everyone is just enjoying the moment.”
The atmosphere is equally lively at Bugsy`s, established in 1983 by former Capitals player Bryan Watson and his wife, later named after his NHL nickname. Though Watson passed away in 2021, his legacy remains.
“He was a regular here, chatting with customers, often unrecognized as the owner or a hockey player,” Marconi, who knew Watson for ten years, remembered. “Bugsy’s still embodies him. People frequently ask for his photos and stories. I still share anecdotes he told me; the connection is lasting.”
The goal counter at Bugsy`s is positioned above the bar, flanked by hockey sticks from legends Jean Beliveau, Stan Mikita, and Bobby Hull. Ovechkin surpassed Beliveau (507 goals) on Feb. 11, 2016, Mikita (541) on Dec. 31 of the same year, and Hull (610) on Oct. 10, 2018.
Framed jerseys of Mario Lemieux (690), whom Ovechkin overtook on Jan. 18, 2020, and Mark Messier (694), surpassed 13 days later, are also displayed nearby.
“The city is buzzing,” Marconi observed. “We have regulars for over 30 years, and it’s exciting to see new faces joining in, all thrilled about this. It’s great to be a part of it.”
At Ben`s, the goal counter is mounted on the back wall, above a classic jukebox and under the “Home of the original chili half-smoke” sign. It`s become a point of interest for visitors.
“Out-of-towners, especially international tourists, often ask about the countdown,” Ali explained. “They’re curious: ‘What’s being counted down?’ Locals, of course, are proud and informed, and visitors are capturing photos.”
Tristan Blackwood