Latest news with #WayneGretzky
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Despite Alex Ovechkin and Brad Marchand in spotlight, NHL faces major scoring drop and viewership crash in 2024-25
NHL's 2024-25 season fell short on goals and viewers (Image via: Getty Images) The 2024-25 NHL season delivered big moments from Alex Ovechkin's chase for Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record to Brad Marchand's dramatic shift to the Florida Panthers after 16 years with the Boston Bruins. Yet, while stars were shining, the league's deeper numbers told a more troubling story. 2024-25 NHL season sees significant decline in goal scoring For a league that has worked hard to move past the low-scoring 'Dead Puck Era,' the latest stats raise alarms. Only 7,978 goals were scored league-wide this season—down from 8,168 in 2024 and 8,343 in 2023. Powerplay opportunities also dropped sharply, with 816 fewer powerplays than in 2024 and nearly 1,000 fewer than in 2023. Naturally, this has impacted scoring, especially in 5-on-5 situations where goals have noticeably dipped. The number of elite point producers also declined. In 2023, 11 players hit the 100-point mark; in 2025, only six reached that milestone. The 90+ point club also shrunk from 19 players in 2023 to just 12 this past season. These numbers suggest a significant drop in offensive output across the league. FREEFALL: NHL Playoff Viewership CRASHES 27% While NBA Ratings SOAR, Hockey MISSED A Golden Chance! How back-to-back games and fewer penalties are hurting NHL scoring One major factor cited by analysts like Jason Gregor is the performance of teams in the second half of back-to-back games. Western Conference teams had just a .401 win percentage in those situations, compared to .434 for Eastern Conference clubs. Seattle Kraken stood out, losing all 12 of their second-half back-to-back matchups. Less rest, more travel, and fewer penalties being called may have all contributed to slower play and lower scoring. The lack of enforcement on infractions has arguably taken away many of the powerplay chances that fuel goal production. FAQs Why did NHL scoring drop in the 2024-25 season? NHL scoring declined due to a combination of factors, including fewer powerplay opportunities, tired teams in back-to-back games, and less aggressive officiating. These changes reduced high-scoring chances and affected overall offensive output. Which teams were most affected by the scoring slump? Teams like the Seattle Kraken struggled significantly, especially in the second game of back-to-backs. Only 11 teams finished with a .500 or better record in those matchups, showing a league-wide trend of fatigue and lower scoring. How bad was the NHL's viewership decline in 2024-25? TV ratings dropped noticeably, even for marquee matchups. A key example was the Capitals vs. Hurricanes game in April, which averaged just 186,000 viewers despite Alex Ovechkin's historic chase. NHL suffers significant TV viewership decline during 2024-25 season Perhaps even more concerning than the on-ice stats is the dip in fan engagement. Major markets like Chicago and New York saw local TV ratings fall, despite strong narratives like Ovechkin's historic pursuit. A much-anticipated Washington vs. Carolina game in April drew just 186,000 average viewers on TNT and truTV—well below expectations for a high-profile matchup. Also Read: TJ Oshie puts $9.85M D.C. home up for sale, fueling retirement uncertainty and Capitals exit rumors There were some bright spots—teams like the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks saw improved viewership—but overall, the league struggled to keep fans watching. As the NHL looks ahead to 2025-26, addressing these concerns will be critical to maintaining momentum both on the ice and in the stands. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Japan Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Japan Times
Ovechkin calls for Russian return to global sports
Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, called for Russian athletes to be allowed to compete at the world's top sporting events again, as he was greeted by hundreds of adoring fans during a visit to Moscow on Saturday. The Washington Capitals superstar received a jubilant reception during his first trip home since scoring his 895th goal last April to overtake the previous record held by Canadian legend Wayne Gretzky. "I hope that in the near future we will be allowed to participate and the guys will be able to take part in Olympiads and world championships to represent their country," he said. Surrounded by swarms of journalists and ecstatic fans, he walked along a high-end street in Moscow which had been decked out with "Ovechkin 8" hockey jerseys and signs reading "eternal record." Russians have had little opportunity to celebrate international sporting success over the past three years, having been kicked out of a host of competitions over the Kremlin's war in Ukraine. But Ovechkin's triumph offered them a rare chance to do so. Hundreds of fans lined up for an autograph at an outdoor ice rink, which serves as a soccer pitch during warm months. This rink in a typical Moscow suburb is where the 39-year-old left-winger took the first steps toward his illustrious career. The rink stands out from the gray high-rise apartment blocks surrounding it, after having been carefully renovated by a sponsor, replete with a massive sign reading "eternal record 895" freshly painted on its surface. Antonina Mikhailova, an IT manager wearing Ovechkin's jersey, said: "Whatever happens in the world, sport has no borders." "That would be epic, we must do that!" insisted Fyodor Troshin, an amateur hockey player also waiting for Ovechkin, of the prospect of Russian athletes returning to international sport events. "People like Alexander Ovechkin are bringing Russian sport closer to (international) leagues," the 40-year-old added. Despite his prowess on the ice, Ovechkin's politics and Russian connections have stoked some controversy, as he has been a prominent supporter of Vladimir Putin's 25-year rule, even after troops were sent to Ukraine. In a political balancing act, Ovechkin has not denounced Moscow's Ukraine offensive, but he has also carefully veered away from supporting it — despite knowing such a move would be welcomed by Putin. "I felt proud of what we achieved," Ovechkin said of breaking Gretzky's mark.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Wayne Gretzky's daughter Paulina Gretzky's Hollywood dreams and massive net worth show she's more than just the NHL legend's daughter
Paulina Gretzky lives a pretty happy life away from the world of NHL.(Image via) Wayne Gretzky, the NHL legend, keeps himself away from the media but his children, especially his older daughter, Paulina Gretzky has become a fan favourite in the last couple of years. Paulina Gretzky might not have entered a career of professional sports like her father and husband, Dustin Johnson, but the mother of two still has a massive net worth. Wayne Gretzky's daughter, Paulina Gretzky, initially wanted to pursue a different career than acting in Hollywood As per Celebrity Net Worth, Wayne Gretzky's oldest child, Paulina Gretzky has a net worth of a whopping $5 million. Paulina Gretzky has been pretty close to her parents, Wayne Gretzky and his wife, Janet Jones, but she has built a different career for herself, away from her family's influence. Paulina Gretzky was born in 1988 while her father, Wayne Gretzky, had already proved his worth on the ice. Initially, Wayne Gretzky's older daughter, Paulina Gretzky wanted to pursue a career in ballet and was even granted entry into the renowned American School of Ballet. But it seems Paulina Gretzky did not want to pursue a career in ballet professionally and quickly changed to modelling. For her stunning looks, it did not take long for Wayne Gretzky's daughter, Paulina Gretzky to be noticed by producers and she landed a role in a few movies, including 2009 Fame remake, Guns, Girls and Gambling and Grown Ups 2. Paulina Gretzky's fairytale love story and exploring different career paths While her career in Hollywood had taken off, Paulina Gretzky did not limit herself and soon explored a career as a singer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo A few years ago, Wayne Gretzky's daughter, Paulina Gretzky released her original song 'Collecting Dust,' which was on MTV's Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. Paulina Gretzky still continues to sing and make music and posts a lot about her career on social media. Apart from this, she has also turned into a social media influencer and does collaborate with a few brands. In her personal life, Paulina Gretzky seems to be really happy and content after she tied the knot with her long term fiance, Dustin Johnson, in 2022. The two share two sons and met in 2013 and their love story has been nothing short of a fairytale. FAQs H ow many siblings does Paulina Gretzky have? Paulina Gretzky has 3 other siblings Who is Paulina Gretzky married to? Paulina Gretzky is married to pro golfer Dustin Johnson Also Read: 'I'd just go home if I see him': Connor McDavid's surprise appearance at a recent game sparks panic among fans as his future with the Oilers remains unclear Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Toronto Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
NHL all-time record scorer Ovechkin calls for Russian return to global sports
Russian NHL star Alexander Ovechkin was honoured in his native Moscow after his 895th goal in April broke Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record. Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / AFP MOSCOW — NHL all-time record goal scorer Alexander Ovechkin called for Russian athletes to be allowed to compete at the world's top sporting events again, as he was greeted by hundreds of adoring fans during a visit to Moscow on Saturday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Washington Capitals ace received a jubilant reception during his first trip home since scoring his 895th goal last April to overtake the previous all-time record held by Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. 'I hope that in the near future we will be allowed to participate and the guys will be able to take part in Olympiads and world championships to represent their country,' the hockey superstar told AFP. Surrounded by swarms of journalists and ecstatic fans, he walked a Moscow high-end street which had been decked out with 'Ovechkin 8' hockey jerseys and signs reading 'eternal record'. Russians have had little opportunity to celebrate international sporting success over the past three years, kicked out of a host of competitions over the Kremlin's Ukraine offensive. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But Ovechkin's triumph offered them a rare chance to do so. 'That would be epic' Hundreds of fans lined up for an autograph at an outdoor ice rink, which serves as a football pitch during warm months. 'Ovi, Ovi,' the fans chanted Ovechkin's American nickname. This rink in a typical Moscow suburb is where the 39-year-old left wing striker took the first steps of his illustrious career. The rink stands out from the grey high-rise apartment blocks surrounding it, after having been carefully renovated by a sponsor, replete with a massive sign reading 'eternal record 895' freshly painted on its surface. Antonina Mikhailova, an IT manager wearing Ovechkin's jersey, told AFP: 'Whatever happens in the world, sport has no borders.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'That would be epic, we must do that!' insisted Fyodor Troshin, an amateur hockey player also waiting for Ovechkin, of the prospect of Russian athletes returning to international sport events. 'People like Alexander Ovechkin are bringing Russian sport closer to (international) leagues,' the 40-year-old added. Despite his prowess on the ice, Ovechkin's politics and Russian connections have stoked some controversy, as he has been a prominent supporter of Vladimir Putin's 25-year rule, even after troops were sent to Ukraine. In a political balancing act, Ovechkin has not denounced Moscow's Ukraine offensive, but he has also carefully veered away from supporting it — despite knowing such a move would be welcomed by Putin. 'I felt proud of what we achieved, of breaking the record,' Ovechkin, who is famously missing a front tooth, told AFP of breaking Gretzky's 26-year mark. MMA World Toronto & GTA Tennis Celebrity
National Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
NHL all-time record scorer Ovechkin calls for Russian return to global sports
MOSCOW — NHL all-time record goal scorer Alexander Ovechkin called for Russian athletes to be allowed to compete at the world's top sporting events again, as he was greeted by hundreds of adoring fans during a visit to Moscow on Saturday. Article content The Washington Capitals ace received a jubilant reception during his first trip home since scoring his 895th goal last April to overtake the previous all-time record held by Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. Article content Article content 'I hope that in the near future we will be allowed to participate and the guys will be able to take part in Olympiads and world championships to represent their country,' the hockey superstar told AFP. Article content Surrounded by swarms of journalists and ecstatic fans, he walked a Moscow high-end street which had been decked out with 'Ovechkin 8' hockey jerseys and signs reading 'eternal record'. Article content Russians have had little opportunity to celebrate international sporting success over the past three years, kicked out of a host of competitions over the Kremlin's Ukraine offensive. Article content But Ovechkin's triumph offered them a rare chance to do so. Article content 'That would be epic' Article content Hundreds of fans lined up for an autograph at an outdoor ice rink, which serves as a football pitch during warm months. Article content 'Ovi, Ovi,' the fans chanted Ovechkin's American nickname. Article content This rink in a typical Moscow suburb is where the 39-year-old left wing striker took the first steps of his illustrious career. Article content The rink stands out from the grey high-rise apartment blocks surrounding it, after having been carefully renovated by a sponsor, replete with a massive sign reading 'eternal record 895' freshly painted on its surface. Article content Article content Antonina Mikhailova, an IT manager wearing Ovechkin's jersey, told AFP: 'Whatever happens in the world, sport has no borders.' Article content 'That would be epic, we must do that!' insisted Fyodor Troshin, an amateur hockey player also waiting for Ovechkin, of the prospect of Russian athletes returning to international sport events. Article content 'People like Alexander Ovechkin are bringing Russian sport closer to (international) leagues,' the 40-year-old added. Article content Despite his prowess on the ice, Ovechkin's politics and Russian connections have stoked some controversy, as he has been a prominent supporter of Vladimir Putin's 25-year rule, even after troops were sent to Ukraine. Article content In a political balancing act, Ovechkin has not denounced Moscow's Ukraine offensive, but he has also carefully veered away from supporting it — despite knowing such a move would be welcomed by Putin. Article content
