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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wayne Gretzky Didn't Hesitate to Name the Greatest NHL Player of All Time
Wayne Gretzky Didn't Hesitate to Name the Greatest NHL Player of All Time originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Whenever you ask a hockey fan who the greatest player to ever lace up skates and hit the ice is, most will give the same answer: Wayne Gretzky. Advertisement Gretzky holds an astounding 61 NHL records—and he hasn't played since 1999. Let that sink in: more than two decades after retiring, those records still stand. During his legendary career, he won four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers over nine seasons. In total, he played 20 years in the NHL, suiting up for the Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers. Despite his fame, accolades, and lasting impact on the sport, Gretzky remains remarkably humble—especially when it comes to those who came before him. During a recent appearance on the "New Heights" podcast, hosted by Travis and Jason Kelce, he was asked who the greatest players of all time in each sport were. Without hesitation, Gretzky answered—and he didn't name himself when he came to the NHL. "I got Bobby Orr and Gordie Howe in hockey," Gretzky said. "Those are the two greatest players to ever play." Bobby Orr's career was cut short by injuries, but what he accomplished in his time on the ice was nothing short of remarkable. His revolutionary style of play redefined the role of a defenseman, and he dominated during a highly competitive era. Advertisement Orr played from 1966 to 1979, spending the majority of his career with the Boston Bruins before finishing his final two seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. Despite the shortened career, he won two Stanley Cups, made nine All-Star appearances, and earned three Hart Trophies as league MVP. Wayne Gretzky at President Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony on Jan. 20, Loeb-Pool via Imagn Images Gordie Howe, on the other hand, was the polar opposite in terms of longevity. He played an incredible 32 seasons across the NHL and WHA. Known as "Mr. Hockey," Howe was a four-time Stanley Cup champion, 21-time All-Star, six-time MVP, and also won two WHA championships during his storied career. Related: Wayne Gretzky Names Greatest NBA Player of All Time Without Hesitation This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
The Crucible on the Road for Connor Hellebuyck to Keep Winnipeg Alive
Image Via Twitter The Winnipeg Jets are preparing for a do-or-die Game 6 against the Dallas Stars . The whole world's attention is on star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck . The issue remains that the spectacular home showings are now shadowed by poor performances on the road that threaten to crush Winnipeg's budding playoff dreams. Elimination is just moments away from happening. Hellebuyck sees himself under tremendous pressure to scrap the road shame he brings upon himself and drive the team back home to a Game 7. The challenge is huge, yet not the first one faced by the Jets' backbone in the net. Must Win on the Road if Hellebuyck Wishes to Keep the Jets' Stanley Cup Dreams Alive Connor Hellebuyck has upheld that the NHL's biggest presence is in the goaltender's world. He capped it as a two-time winner of the Vezina Trophy , also a finalist for both the Vezina and Hart Trophies this season. And his resume tells volumes. During the regular season, Hellebuyck finished first in goalies' ranking in wins, goals-against average, and save percentage. Despite all these accolades, Hellebuyck's road-away-from-home stent during the post-season seems to have developed into a different picture. Hellebuyck has suffered through some bad stretches outside of Canada Life Centre. His current nine-test streak of playoff road losses sees a save percentage far below what one would normally expect. Presently, he holds a 0-5 record in road playoff games with his goals-against average above five. These numbers are very different from his dominant presence at home, where he earned two shutouts and was almost impenetrable on the wall versus Dallas. The Game 5 shutout was a showcase for extraordinary goaltending, especially with the timely glove save early in the second period. That save gave the Jets' lineup a boost of confidence, setting the stage for a big 4-0 victory. The real challenge, however, lies in duplicating that performance in Dallas. Undaunted by his grim statistics, teammates such as captain Adam Lowry and forward Kyle Connor continue vocalizing their support. His trademark calm and no distractions approach translates to him blocking out any outside criticism and concentrating solely on his process. Also Read: New York Rangers secure future with Igor Shesterkin's deal, Callum Tung's potential signing and Gabe Perreault's arrival If one views Game 6 as just another playoff game, then one has gotten Connor Hellebuyck all wrong. Above all, if he can come through for this team and force a Game 7, that will not only rejuvenate the Winnipeg playoff run but also reestablish his legacy as a tough guy to rely on when it counts. The key for the Jets to survive now lies in their star goaltender proving he can shine under pressure, no matter what arena he finds himself in. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Quarter-Century glory: These 7 NHL superstars from the 2000s who just cemented their all-time greatness
Images via Getty Hockey fans were treated to a wave of nostalgia this Friday as the NHL unveiled the second wave of its Quarter-Century Team, spotlighting the best skaters who debuted between 2000 and 2010. From record-breaking scorers to playmakers with unmatched vision and two-way dynamos, these seven players not only defined a generation—they shaped the modern NHL. Operation Sindoor PM Modi meets NSA, chiefs of armed forces amid spike in tensions with Pak India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan Several airports in India to be closed till May 15 - check list Voted in by fans between February and April, the team represents a celebration of excellence, leadership, and legacy from an unforgettable era of hockey. Let's take a closer look at the legends who earned their place. The greatest NHL players From 2000–2010 who redefined the game The list is stacked with greatness—four No. 1 overall draft picks, a Hockey Hall of Famer, and a staggering collection of hardware: 15 Stanley Cups, seven Hart Trophies, and more than a dozen Rocket Richards. But beyond the stats and accolades, these seven players left a mark on the sport that still resonates today. 1. Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins) Patrice Bergeron was the ultimate embodiment of consistency and class. With over 1,000 career points and a record six Selke Trophies, Bergeron was a two-way force for nearly two decades. His leadership earned praise from teammates across generations. 'That's the type of leadership that doesn't happen overnight. It's a gift,' Bruins winger Brad Marchand said of his longtime captain. Bergeron retired in 2023, leaving a legacy as one of Boston's greatest. 2. Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins) Sidney Crosby remains a defining face of the NHL. With three Cups and more than 1,600 points, 'Sid the Kid' has averaged over a point per game for 20 straight seasons—more than even Gretzky. 'He earns that respect… through his performance and how hard he competes,' said former Penguins coach Mike Sullivan. Fan-voted as the league's most complete and intelligent player for six straight seasons, Crosby's influence is as strong as ever. 3. Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings) Pavel Datsyuk, inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024, dazzled fans with jaw-dropping skill and defensive brilliance. A three-time Selke and four-time Lady Byng winner, Datsyuk was known for stripping pucks effortlessly. 'It was an unbelievable talent. He was the best at it,' said teammate Patrick Kane . The 'Magic Man' helped Detroit to two Stanley Cups and countless highlight reels. 4. Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks) Patrick Kane helped usher in a golden age for the Blackhawks, winning three Cups and racking up more than 1,300 points. The 2016 Hart winner and Conn Smythe recipient in 2013, Kane is the most decorated U.S.-born player of his era. 'He's a big part of why hockey's so big [in Chicago],' said Red Wings forward J.T. Compher. 5. Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins) Evgeni Malkin was the perfect complement to Crosby—sometimes even outshining him. With over 1,300 points and three Cups, the 2012 Hart winner was an unstoppable force in full stride. 'It's been pretty incredible to be part of the team and play with him,' Crosby reflected. 6. Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) Alex Ovechkin , now the NHL's all-time goals leader with 895, redefined goal-scoring with his signature one-timers and relentless style. 'They say records are made to be broken, but I'm not sure who's going to get more goals than that,' said Wayne Gretzky himself. 7. Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning) Steven Stamkos , who signed with Nashville in 2024, leaves behind a legendary Lightning legacy. With two Cups and over 1,100 points, he was a model of loyalty and scoring power. 'Everything speaks for itself,' said teammate Victor Hedman. These seven skaters didn't just play the game—they elevated it. Through highlight-reel moments, unforgettable playoff runs, and unmatched dedication, they defined a generation. Their careers may be winding down—or already complete—but their impact is permanent. As anticipation builds for the next wave of NHL Quarter-Century honorees, this class stands as a tribute to true legends, players who defined greatness. Also Read: Breaking down the 2025 NHL MVP finalists: Hart and Ted Lindsay award predictions
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Wayne Gretzky vs. Alex Ovechkin: A generational battle of NHL legends
Wayne Gretzky and Alex Ovechkin (via Getty Images) With Alex Ovechkin having recently gone past Wayne Gretzky 's all-time NHL career goal mark, fans and analysts have once again brought on one of the greatest debates in hockey: who is the NHL's greatest all-time forward? Alex Ovechkin, with 897 career tallies in 1,491 games, has now officially moved past Wayne Gretzky's formerly believed-to-be-impossible mark of 894. But if you look past goals and have a glance at their overall statistical profiles, things get much more complicated—and much less about mere numbers. Alex Ovechkin passes Wayne Gretzky in goals, but statistics tell a tale of two careers marked by two distinct periods Wayne Gretzky Congratulates Alex Ovechkin for Becoming NHL's All-Time Leading Goal Scorer Wayne Gretzky has the most points achieved by the NHL's top scorer, with 2,967 points (940 goals, 2,027 assists) in 1,567 games, while Alex Ovechkin has 1,623 points (897 goals, 726 assists) in 1,491 games. The per-game statistics say it all: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Got Knee Pain? Treatment in Gulgasht Colony Might Surprise You Knee Pain Treatment | Search Ads Undo Wayne Gretzky posted 1.29 assists and 1.89 points per game. Alex Ovechkin, being more reliant on his goal-scoring, posted 0.49 assists and 1.09 points per game. These numbers confirm Gretzky's one-in-a-lifetime playmaking vision and production. Even era-adjusted, Gretzky's offensive point shares (OPS: 223.9) and career point shares (PS: 251.0) are narrowly ahead of Ovechkin's OPS (180.2) and PS (213.8). Awards and accolades: Gretzky's trophy case unmatched Where Gretzky stands out is in the awards department: 9 Hart Trophies (MVP), 10 Art Ross Trophies (scoring title), 4 Championships and a place in the Hall of Fame. Ovechkin, though richly decorated, has: 3 Hart Trophies, 1 Art Ross Trophy, 1 Championship and 9 Maurice Richard Trophies Though Ovechkin has obviously dominated as a scorer, Gretzky's impact on the game was more comprehensive and enduring across several categories. Final verdict: greatness measured in more than goals. Alex Ovechkin's goal-scoring milestone is historic and solidifies his position among the NHL's all-time greats. Yet, Wayne Gretzky's overall scoring, playmaking dominance, and consistent dominance over his generation arguably still rank him at the top of the NHL pantheon. Also read: Alex Ovechkin isn't ready to pass the torch, shuts down retirement talk - 'I'm not retiring' Ultimately, this comparison is not about declaring a victor. It's a tribute to two generational stars who redefined hockey in very different ways—Gretzky with grace and precision, Ovechkin with force and determination. One holds the points record, the other the goals record. Both are the embodiment of the entire range of offensive greatness in NHL history. Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India , including match schedules , team squads , points table and IPL live score for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Don't miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap .
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alex Ovechkin ties Wayne Gretzky for NHL's all-time scoring record
Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals celebrates with teammates after scoring his 894th career goal in the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena on April 04, 2025. Ovechkin's goal ties him with Wayne Gretzky for the all-time goal scoring record. Alex Ovechkin ties Wayne Gretzky for NHL's all-time scoring record originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston The Great One has company. Alex Ovechkin tied Wayne Gretzky for the most goals scored in NHL history, netting his 894th career goal in the third period of the Washington Capitals' home game against the Chicago Blackhawks Friday night. Advertisement The record-tying goal, which was Ovi's second of the game, gave the Caps a 4-3 lead with 13:47 left in regulation. They went on to win 5-3 after Ryan Leonard scored on an empty net for the first goal of his career. Capitals players stayed on the ice after the game to celebrate with their star as fans chanted, 'Ovi! Ovi! Ovi!' Ovechkin's pursuit of the career goals record — which continues Sunday when the Capitals play on the road against the New York Islanders — has been dubbed 'The GR8 Chase.' Ovechkin reached 894 goals in his 1,486th game. Gretzky finished with 894 in 1,487 games. Gretzky was in the building with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to witness the historic moment by the 39-year-old Ovechkin. Advertisement Gretzky had held the scoring record since 1994 when he tallied his 802nd goal to pass Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe. Gretzky, who played primarily for the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings, scored his 894th and final goal came on March 29, 1999 as a member of the New York Rangers. He retired three weeks later at the age of 38, concluding a historic 20-year NHL career. His scoring record had stood since — with Jaromir Jagr scoring 766 goals before retiring in 2018 and Brett Hull netting 741 goals before closing his 19-year career in 2006. Then came Ovechkin, who after being selected first overall in the 2004 draft, scored 52 goals as a rookie, including two in his debut on October 5, 2005. That was nearly 20 years and 892 goals ago. Advertisement Ovechkin scored a career best 65 goals during his third season in 2007-2008. He has recorded nine 50-plus goal seasons, matching the record shared by Gretzky and New York Islanders legend Mike Bossy. He has scored 40 or more goals in a season 14 times, which topped Gretzky's record of 12. Along the way, Ovechkin won nine Rocket Richard Trophies for most goals scored in a season, three Hart Trophies as most valuable player, and the 2017 Stanley Cup, which was the first in Capitals' franchise history. Ovechkin entered his 20th NHL season in October needing 42 goals to top a record once believed to be unbreakable. He missed 16 games earlier this season with a fractured left fibula, pushing the record pursuit closer to the end of the season. Ovechkin scored No. 893 less than four minutes into Friday's game, setting the stage for the record-tying goal in front of the Washington fans. Advertisement He now shares the league's hallowed scoring record with the sport's most revered player. 'Alex has been exceptional for our game,' Gretzky told CNBC earlier this season. 'I hope I'm the first guy to shake his hand when he does break the record.'
