Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Alexander the Great hits the century mark... 60 goals around the corner


Ovechkin continues on a tear. 58 goals and 102 points.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we'll be seeing our first 60 goal scorer since Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1995-1996 season with 69 goals. That's quite a feat in this day's version of the NHL. Bure came close in 2000-01 and the Cheechoo train had 56 in 05-06 playing like everyday was christmas day with a freshly acquired Joe Thornton serving him up gift after gift. Needless to say he rode that year to a long term contract, but i digress.

An assist and an empty netter makes him the Art Ross leader, and a definite hart trophy candidate leading his team to within 2 points of 8th place in the eastern conference. It's great to see a pure goal scorer with the passion that Ovechkin brings to the game. There's no doubt we'll be seeing legions of kids wearing red #8 jerseys for years to come.