Another Cup or Passing Gretzky

[Hivemind]

I don't know where you landed on this... which is dubious?

The reason Gretzky signed with the WHA over the NHL was the same as many players in that era, the NHL didn't allow <20 year olds and the WHA did. However, Gretzky didn't even turn 18 until mid-way through his rookie season so he wouldn't have been permitted in the NHL that season even under the same rules Ovechkin played under. So that WHA season doesn't actually seem like a loss of time.

The 1994 lockout applies though.

 

[Dr John Carlson]

I'm someone who firmly believes Ovechkin doesn't need to break Gretzky's record to be the GOAT goalscorer. Still found myself nearly voting for the 2nd option.

Couldn't do it though. This season was too fun to not want it to happen as often as possible.

 

[Calicaps]

The reason Gretzky signed with the WHA over the NHL was the same as many players in that era, the NHL didn't allow <20 year olds and the WHA did. However, Gretzky didn't even turn 18 until mid-way through his rookie season so he wouldn't have been permitted in the NHL that season even under the same rules Ovechkin played under. So that WHA season doesn't actually seem like a loss of time.

The 1994 lockout applies though.

gotcha.

 

[maacoshark]

Ovi doesnt need to surpass Gretzky to be the greatest goal scorer. Gretzky's numbers are so inflated because of the no defence era he played in.
It would be nice if he did surpass Gretzky though. Then there would be no doubt.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

So if he doesn’t need to pass 99, what’s your number he has to reach?

Gretzky 894
Howe 801
Jagr 766
Hull 741

 

[kicksavedave]

So if he doesn’t need to pass 99, what’s your number he has to reach?

Gretzky 894
Howe 801
Jagr 766
Hull 741

8XX would be rarefied air indeed.

 

[Devil Dancer]

Voted Cup, but Ovie absolutely has to pass 99 in actual goals scored to be the all-time goal scoring king. Being the adjusted goal scoring champ is nice, but it's meaningless compared to having the actual record.

 

[maacoshark]

So if he doesn’t need to pass 99, what’s your number he has to reach?

Gretzky 894
Howe 801
Jagr 766
Hull 741

Not sure if the total will matter that much. It obviously depends on how long he plays. Look at a guy like Mike Bossy. A player you could argue was the best pure goal scorer the NHL had ever seen. He only played 10 seasons though. He was also one of those guys that played in the no defence era. I honestly feel Ovi and Bossy are the top goalscorers to play even though neither are close to Gretzky's 894 goals.
If Ovi played the same number of seasons Gretzky played he would have to average 41 goals per season over 7 seasons to tie him. That would be difficult but not out of reach. I think 800 is a realistic number for Ovi.

 

[Sam Spade]

Voted Cup, but Ovie absolutely has to pass 99 in actual goals scored to be the all-time goal scoring king. Being the adjusted goal scoring champ is nice, but it's meaningless compared to having the actual record.

I agree with you almost 100%. I do think if Ovechkin made it to say 850 even hardcore Gretzky fans like myself would be ok with calling it even.

BTW, how lucky am I do have been alive and able to see my two favorite players of all time play live and in person many times, and they also happen to be two of the all time greats?

 

[Raikkonen]

800 is kinda like 5-6 more seasons. Doable. Should be keeping him on the ice.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Of course his end total will matter. If he ends up 5th, not many outside of Washington and Russia will be leaping up to proclaim him the greatest. Just reality IMO.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

8XX would be rarefied air indeed.

800+ has to be the number to really argue for him IMO.

 

[ArmadilloThumb]

I want both. And he may surprise, if he stays in top shape, avoids injury/long lockouts, and the new, grounded dad that makes it a goal to achieve. If he could do 4 x 45, 2 x 35, he only needs 3 more goals. Eminently doable, IMHO. Every year of those first four that he gets to, or exceeds 45 the more likely it becomes. We'll just have to wait and see. And hope! I also wonder if the changes yo the goalie equipment might also help...