Capitals Alex Ovechkin recently admitted that NHL legend Wayne Gretzky has been texting him privately during his chase for the all-time goals record. The Washington Capitals stormed out of the gate to start the 2024-25 season, piling up a stellar 5-1-0 record and making sure to let everyone know they'll be more than just a playoff contender this year. One season after making that improbable run in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Capitals appear with the depth and skill that could see them do something similar this season. But while the ultimate objective is indeed to chase another Cup, there's an added layer of intrigue as the hockey world watches Alex Ovechkin inch closer to one of the sport's most treasured records. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/OvechkinGoal/status/1849274595498655980'> </a></blockquote></div> The pursuit by Ovechkin of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record became an early storyline of the season. Entering the year, Ovechkin needed 42 goals to eclipse Gretzky's legendary 894 mark. Though the start of his goal-scoring campaign hasn't been his fastest, the Russian sniper already tallied two goals, including an empty-netter in a recent 6-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Every goal feels like another step toward history, and the Capitals are feeding him every opportunity to get there. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/rmnb/status/1849806691677712854'> </a></blockquote></div> Interestingly, Wayne Gretzky himself has become vocal in support of Ovechkin's chase. Despite his name littering practically every conceivable NHL record, Gretzky has come away impressed by Ovechkin's goal-scoring proficiency. Both men seem to have a healthy respect for one another; even Gretzky sometimes reaches out to Ovechkin with <a href='https://www.si.com/onsi/breakaway/news-feed-page/wayne-gretzky-supports-washington-capitals-alex-ovechkin-goal-race' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>words of encouragement through private texts</a> when the goals aren't coming as frequently. To Gretzky, the idea of passing the torch is not a bitter pill to swallow but rather recognition of once-in-a-generation talent. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/br_openice/status/1849150079443038459'> </a></blockquote></div> For Ovechkin, though, the record of goals is an unbelievable achievement, yet he keeps his eyes on something bigger: winning another Stanley Cup. He has made it very clear that while he might want to break the record, his ultimate priority is to help the Capitals win games, and scoring goals is part of the equation. Now in his 20th NHL season, Ovechkin is looking at the balance between having another championship and anticipating a milestone that for decades seemed untouchable. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1849494964864000498'> </a></blockquote></div> With Alex Ovechkin closer to the last chapters of his career, every second counts. Standing 40 goals away <a href='https://www.nhl.com/news/alex-ovechkin-may-break-wayne-gretzkys-goals-record-this-season' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>from passing Gretzky's record</a>, he wants to win, but this pursuit just can't be denied. Whether it happens this season or the next, Ovechkin's journey is one for the ages and one that will be followed by fans and legends alike in absolute awe.