Alex Ovechkin ties Maurice Richard with 544 goals (Video)

Watch as Alex Ovechkin scores his 544th career goal, tying him with Montreal Canadiens legend Maurice Richard. 

Goal scoring is become increasingly hard to do in the NHL. Despite this, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin keeps on scoring goals. He’s like the Energizer Bunny, except he keeps scoring.

Ovechkin plays in an era defined by the lack of goal scoring. Maurice Richard of the Montreal Canadiens was the NHL’s first elite goal scorer. It’s only appropriate Ovechkin tied the goal scoring legend with his 544th career goal in Montreal.

With his 544th goal out of the way, the Capitals captain will get a few chances to advance past Richard and get his 1,000th point (he’s at 999) at home. On Wednesday, Ovechkin will face the Pittsburgh Penguins on national television. Considering his flair for the dramatic, it would surprise no one if he gets both marks on Wednesday.

It took Ovechkin 99 fewer games than Richard to get to 544 goals, though it’s worth noting Ovi has modern technology (better sticks, better skates, better equipment) at his disposal. On the other hand, Richard did his scoring during a rather primitive era of goaltending. He certainly never had to go against Henrik Lundqvist or Carey Price.

Both players should be respected and admired for what they’ve given to the game. Richard was under immense scrutiny his entire career and had to be a part of a political battle he never wanted to be a part of. He also lost some of his best years due to war.

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On the other hand, Ovechkin has led the league in goals six times. Only Bobby Hull has done so more times, and he’s only done it seven times. Ovechkin has immense respect for Richard, so perhaps it’s for the best he tied him in Montreal.