Ovechkin Eyes Gretzky’s Goal Record; Flaherty Remembers Last Moment

WINNIPEG — Wade Flaherty, the last goalie to concede a goal to Wayne Gretzky, will witness history up close when Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals visit the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday. As Ovechkin approaches Gretzky’s 894 career goals, he needs only seven more to surpass the legendary mark.

Flaherty, now an assistant coach for the Jets, surrendered Gretzky’s final NHL goal on March 29, 1999, during a game against the New York Rangers. The historic goal, which was Gretzky’s 894th, adds to Flaherty’s unique place in hockey history, where he serves as an inquisitive observer of Ovechkin’s pursuit of the record.

“It’s kind of an answer to a trivia question,” Flaherty said. “People often ask about being the last goalie that Wayne scored on, and it’s just cool.”

Back in 1999, Flaherty, reflecting on Gretzky’s unprecedented achievement, never imagined another player could eclipse Gretzky’s iconic total. “No, I wouldn’t have,” Flaherty said. “What Gretzky did was impressive, and now Ovechkin is coming up. That’s remarkable.”

Ovechkin, who currently sits at 888 career goals, is seen by Gretzky as a legitimate contender to break his record. “He has a great chance,” Gretzky remarked during the 2020 NHL All-Star Game. “I’m rooting for him.”

The dynamics surrounding Ovechkin’s chase evoke nostalgia, particularly for players like Brendan Shanahan, who played with Gretzky. “I don’t think anybody thought anyone could touch 894,” Shanahan said. “His accomplishments are extraordinary, and it’s clear Ovechkin is on that path.”

Ovechkin continues to draw admiration, not only from fans but also from the players who have competed against Gretzky. “His skill, vision, and game awareness are unmatched,” Ovechkin said of Gretzky.

When Gretzky scored his last goal, the moment came following a flurry of play that showcased his enduring talent. Having not scored for 11 games prior, Gretzky capitalized on an opportunity in a game with Flaherty in the net. “I didn’t realize it was him,” Flaherty recalled, describing how Gretzky managed to push the puck across the line with a composed effort.

After the goal, the Madison Square Garden crowd erupted in applause, marking the end of an iconic chapter. “It was significant,” Flaherty noted. “For me, just being part of that history is fulfilling.”

As Ovechkin inches closer to history and hopes to land in the record books, Flaherty remains supportive while acknowledging the magnitude of Gretzky’s milestones. He remembers the atmosphere around the arena during that last goal and feels fortunate to have shared that experience.

“I think it’s awesome,” Flaherty said, expressing his enthusiasm for Ovechkin’s journey. “Records like these were once thought unbeatable, and now we might see it broken.”

Gretzky concluded his career with a total of 894 NHL goals and 1,072 professional career goals, which include his time in the WHA. Ovechkin has plenty of work remain but has already scored over 1,017 total professional goals, counting his time in the KHL.

“It’s special playing with some of the greatest players in the sport,” said Zdeno Chara, who played with Gretzky and understands the significance of Ovechkin’s approach toward these records.

As Ovechkin prepares for his encounter against the Jets, Flaherty reflects on what it means to witness this evolution of scoring in the NHL. “It could be a game that carries historic weight,” Flaherty added confidently, recalling the passion both he and the hockey community hold for the game of hockey, and how it is intertwined with its history and players.