Greg Cote’s Poll Dance: Will Alex Ovechkin take NHL ‘greatest’ crown from Wayne Gretzky? Vote now!
Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record of 894 has stood -- along with his reputation as hockey’s ‘The Great One’ -- since his retirement in 1999. But now, for the first time, Gretzky’s record is threatened as the Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin has 885 with 19 games left in this regular season.
The closest to them in all-time goals are Gordie Howe (801), Jaromir Jagr (766) and Brett Hull (741), with the next-most by an active player Sidney Crosby’s 611.
Will Gretzky/Ovechkin become hockey’s version of Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James, with Gretzky playing Michael as the G.O.A.T. no matter what the numbers might say?
Gretzky has supported Ovechkin surpassing him, saying, “I think it would benefit hockey.”
But, when Ovechkin passes Gretzky for most goals, as seems inevitable, should he be considered the greatest ever? Or should Gretzky always own that title?
You may vote as many times as you’d like or until your fingers get tired.
GREG COTE POLL DANCE: OVECHKIN OR GRETZKY. WHO’S THE GREATEST?:
Previous Poll Dance verdict: Pessimism for Dolphins’ next-Super Bowl chances: We asked, “When will the Dolphins win another Super Bowl?” You said ‘Not in my lifetime’ 58 percent, ‘Within next decade’ 31% and ‘Within next few years’ 11%.
