Wayne Gretzky became the NHL's all time leading goal scorer 20 years ago today
20 years ago today Wayne Gretzky surpassed Gordie Howe with his 802nd career goal. It's a record that sure looks unassailable, and could stand the test of time.
Gretzky's 802nd career goal was scored in Los Angeles on Kirk McLean and the Vancouver Canucks. Here's the scene as the Kings bench literally cleared after the regular season goal and a jubilant Gretzky was showered in applause by the Kings faithful:
How untouchable is Gretzky's record? Consider that Alexander Ovechkin - already two years past his statistical scoring prime, which has been extended in part by the uncanny effectiveness of Adam Oates' 1-3-1 power-play formation - would need to score goals at a roughly 50 goal per season pace for another seven-and-a-half seasons to surpass 802 goals. Is Ovechkin likely to be scoring 50 goals (or thereabouts) as a 36 year old? Nope.
Maybe Gretzky had it easy, but this particular sporting record isn't going anywhere anytime soon.