GENE'S BLOG: The Great Eight

Alexander Ovechkin isn't the greatest goal scorer of all time, but it's where he is headed -- from a number-one pick in 2004, to potentially the number-one goal scorer in NHL history.
I remember talking to Wayne Gretzky after Ovechkin scored his 700th goal and the Great One was the Gracious One. It was clear 99 was pulling for 8 to keep scoring, and yes, if his all-time goal scoring record of 894 goals was to be broken, so be it. Gretzky broke Gordie Howe's records, and now Alex is threatening to pass both. Here's a small numerical sample to look at where Ovechkin stands in history:
Along with these numbers, here's how some of the Edmonton Oilers describe the Great Eight:

Leon Draisaitl on Ovechkin's impact on the NHL:
"He's done so much for the league and the NHL. He's keeps playing so you try to limit him to a couple shots a game."
"You make some connections and relationships with people. Some more than others. We know each other. He'll talk a little bit and sometimes say great shot or something like that. He's the best in the league."
Draisaitl on Ovechkin's release:
"One-timer I think it's really smart the way he releases the puck. I've picked up out a few things from his game. You pick up things from others to try and get better."
Draisaitl on Ovechkin's ability on the power play:
"He shoots from a sharp angle. He gets open and he's playing with good players. It's just like our power play. They know when the best time is to get me the puck. A lot of times it's about the pass as much as the shot. It sits in your wheelhouse."
Stuart Skinner on Ovechkin's shot:
"I thought he had a tricky release. It was really hard and hard to pick up. He scored one out of a few shots, so I hope to be better on Monday."
Skinner on making a save against the Washington legend:
"I stopped one with the knob of my stick. He smirked at me and gave me the stare. He's always laughing and having fun out there. It happened in the third period after the 10-minute mark. Evgeny Kuznetsov won a faceoff cleanly right back to him. He stared at me and had a little laugh."
Skinner on what it's like to play against Ovechkin:
"It's just a privilege to see the guy live and say I got to play against him. I watched his generation growing up and now I get to play against him. When I'm done, I can say I played against the greatest goal scorer of all time."
Evan Bouchard on if he thought he blocked an Ovechkin shot in his career:
"I don't think so otherwise I would remember it. I'm sure I would also have a bruise to prove it."
Bouchard on what it's like to defend against Ovechkin:
"I got to play against him before in my first year, I think. It's amazing how time flies with guys like that who are still playing. He knows how to score goals. You can tell your kids you played against him but at the same time you are trying to stop him."
Jay Woodcroft on how to game plan for Ovechkin:
"You have to go after his strengths and take away time and space. Throw in limited puck touches. For us, we just want to play to our identity and defend him. I don't think one player shuts him down."
Woodcroft on Ovechkin's trademark one timer:
"Both (Alex and Leon) have great shots. They really are able to pick the tiniest of holes. Both have a real desire to score goals."
There you have it, an idea of what the Edmonton Oilers are thinking as they get set for the Washington Capitals. A superstar-studded night awaits, so don't be late for the Great Eight.