Josh Morrissey is passionate about hockey and a student of the game.
The Winnipeg Jets defenseman deeply appreciates compelling narratives in hockey.
Alex Ovechkin`s ongoing chase of Wayne Gretzky`s all-time NHL goal record, now within single digits, is one such captivating story.
However, Morrissey hopes Ovechkin doesn`t get any closer on Tuesday.
Winnipeg will host Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals, who are just seven goals away from Gretzky`s 894 record, in a highly anticipated matchup.
Both teams are fiercely competing for the league`s best regular-season record. The Capitals (47-15-8) lead with 102 points, just two ahead of the Jets (48-19-4) in the Presidents` Trophy race.
Winnipeg will have a new top line due to injury, while Washington`s coach Spencer Carbery is a strong contender for the Jack Adams Award.
Nevertheless, Ovechkin`s record chase overshadows everything.
The 39-year-old winger has 888 career goals, including 35 in 54 games this season after recovering from a broken leg.
“It must be exciting to be part of that team,” Morrissey said about Ovechkin`s pursuit. “I believe it energizes them.”
Ovechkin has been energizing the Capitals for two decades and has 13 games left in the 2024-25 season to catch Gretzky.
Drafted first overall in 2004, Ovechkin has nine 50-goal seasons, including 65 in 2007-08, and at least 40 goals in 13 seasons.
“Being in the same era as a player like him is amazing,” Jets forward Nino Niederreiter said. “It`s fascinating to watch.”
After scoring only 33 goals in 2016-17, Ovechkin rebounded with 148 goals in the next three seasons, putting him 41 goals away from Gretzky`s record.
“It`s one thing to have a good year or two, but he`s done it for much longer,” Morrissey stated. “His consistent scoring ability is why he will break the record.”
“The entire league is in awe.”
Jets coach Scott Arniel is impressed with how the Capitals are handling the attention surrounding Ovechkin`s chase.
“It was going to be a major focus,” he said. “They`ve won many games, and Ovechkin is playing well beyond just scoring goals.”
Arniel coached with Washington after their 2018 Stanley Cup victory.
He sees similarities between the current Capitals and the Cup-winning team.
“Ovechkin was key to that style,” Arniel said. “They are deep, strong, and have contributions across the team.”
“And with Ovechkin, he doesn`t need much to score.”
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Ovechkin`s chase for NHL goals record
Follow Alex Ovechkin`s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky`s NHL goals record.
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The Jets will miss Gabriel Vilardi (upper-body injury) this week. Alex Iafallo will replace him on Tuesday.
“Losing Vilardi is disappointing,” Arniel said. “It was an unusual situation.”
Winnipeg and Washington previously played a 5-4 overtime game on Feb. 1, where Ovechkin tied it with his 877th goal before Morrissey won it for Winnipeg.
“This game might be less of a shootout,” Morrissey said. “It shows teams near the top can win in different ways.”
Morrissey first played against Ovechkin in a 2013 pre-season game.
The young Morrissey was amazed by Ovechkin`s presence.
“I had never seen someone that big on the ice,” he said. “I was star-struck.”
Morrissey was ten when Ovechkin debuted in 2005.
“It was my peak hockey card era,” Morrissey said. “Seeing him in an NHL jersey was intimidating.”
“It`s unforgettable.”
The Jets aim to make Tuesday a game Ovechkin won`t remember fondly in his record chase.