Former NHL player Pat Maroon shared his experience watching Washington Capitals skipper Alex Ovechkin chase the Great One, Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal-scoring mark this past season. In specific, Maroon described his experience witnessing Ovechkin's 893rd career tally.
In an appearance on NHL Network Published on August 21, Maroon clarified his take on crucial moment of hockey history:
"It was a moment that I'll remember for the rest of my life."
Three-time Stanley Cup champion, Maroon, was on the ice for Ovechkin's tally. Maroon was still playing for the Chicago Blackhawks at the time. So, he had a front-row seat for the momentous occasion.
He added:
“There I am in the slot, there’s the puck going bar down. It’s history. I told myself before the game, ‘Please, just don’t be out there for the [record]-tying goal.'”
Alex Ovechkin did not score on the Blackhawks again that night. He would go on to break the record a few matches later. Nevertheless, Pat Maroon admitted that Ovechkin has improved his overall goal-scoring ability with age.
That situation has allowed him to remain one of the league's most talented players even when reaching the ripe old age of 40.
Alex Ovechkin will decide future on his terms
A Sports illustrated piece from August outlined what the future holds for Alex Ovechkin. The Great 8 will be going to the final year of his current five-year deal. He will turn 40 next season and enter his 21st NHL season. While he has not given any hint at his retirement.
As such, Capitals GM Craig Patrick had this to say about Alex Ovechkin's future:
“He’s earned the right to make those decisions and calls in his career. So, you kind of just let him bring it to me what he’s thinking at whatever time he wants to talk about it, and we’ll go from there.”
He added:
“Alex first and foremost wants to win games and win Stanley Cups. I think that was his motivation late in the season right after he broke the record. … and I think that’s what he’d like to do here this season again is try to have a team that can compete for a Cup.”
Ovechkin has already one Stanley cup left under his belt. But that may not be enough for him to call it quits. The Russian star is looking to win one more Cup for hometown fans.