NHL Prepares for Potential Controversy as Ovechkin Approaches Gretzky’s Goal Record
MANALAPAN, Fla. — The NHL is meticulously preparing for the moment Alex Ovechkin perhaps breaks Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record, acknowledging the possibility of a controversial video review overshadowing the historic achievement.
Goal Review Concerns Loom Over ovechkin’s Record Chase
With Ovechkin nearing the record, sitting just seven goals shy of tying Gretzky’s 894 and eight from surpassing it, the league is hyper-aware of the increased rate of goal challenges this season. NHL officials recently held an internal meeting to strategize how the Hockey Operations Department will confirm goal no. 895 amid the expected fanfare, especially if it’s subject to review.
NHL’s Stance: Treat it Like Any Other Goal
“We’ve got to treat it like any other goal, any other situation,” said Colin Campbell, the NHL’s senior executive vice president of hockey operations. “Nothing special. Just do your job and be ready. I know after the end there’ll be a lot of noise. It’s hard to protect yourself against passion.”
The Specter of a Controversial Call: Goaltender Interference
The NHL fears the impact of nullifying an apparent record-breaking goal due to a lengthy and contentious goaltender interference review. The league wants to avoid deflating the excitement should Ovechkin’s teammates pour off the bench in celebration, only to have the goal disallowed.
past Controversies Highlight Review Challenges
The NHL has experience with similar situations, as seen when Nathan MacKinnon’s apparent 1,000th career point was overturned due to an offside review, and during last year’s PWHL championship series where Minnesota had a potential Walter Cup-clinching goal overturned for goaltender interference. Thes instances underscore the pressure of adjudicating critical reviews under immense scrutiny.
Protecting the Integrity of the Game, Even Amidst History
Campbell emphasized the pressure he felt during high-stakes events like the Canada-U.S. final at the 4 Nations Face-Off and Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.He stressed that the league’s concern is to avoid any perception of bias or mishandling of a crucial call, especially with the intense passion surrounding these events.
Bettman and Gretzky Expected to Attend Capitals Games
Commissioner Gary Bettman and Wayne Gretzky are anticipated to be in attendance at Capitals games once Ovechkin gets close to breaking the record, ready to participate in the official ceremony.
The Plan: Delaying Celebrations Until the Goal is Confirmed
The NHL will hold off on any special on-ice presentations until the window for challenging the potential record-breaking goal has passed and the Hockey Operations Department confirms the score is valid. Campbell and his staff will monitor games from the Toronto-based Situation Room,ensuring all eyes are on the ice. “we’re not doing anything special,” Campbell said. “We’ll have enough people there. We’re not doing anything different, but obviously we’re watching every second.”
* **Q: What are the potential long-term implications for the NHL’s officiating procedures and video review processes if there are any controversial calls surrounding Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal?**
NHL Prepares for Potential Controversy as Ovechkin Approaches Gretzky’s Goal Record – Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s a breakdown of the key questions surrounding Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record:
- Q: How close is Alex Ovechkin to breaking Wayne Gretzky’s goal record?
- A: As of the article, Ovechkin is just seven goals away from tying Gretzky’s 894 goals and eight goals away from breaking the record.
- Q: What specific concerns does the NHL have regarding Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal?
- A: The primary concern is the possibility of a controversial video review,particularly related to goaltender interference,that could overturn a potential record-breaking goal. The league wants to avoid deflating the excitement.
- Q: How is the NHL planning to handle the situation?
- A: The NHL plans to treat the goal like any other, but wiht increased scrutiny. They will delay any on-ice presentations or celebrations untill the Hockey Operations Department confirms the goal’s validity after the challenge window has closed. Colin Campbell and his staff will monitor games from the Toronto-based Situation Room [[1](https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/wayne-gretzky-plans-to-be-in-attendance-when-alex-ovechkin-breaks-his-all-time-goals-record/)]
- Q: Who will be in attendance at the Capitals games when Ovechkin gets close to the Record?
- A: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Wayne Gretzky are expected to be in attendance to witness the record-breaking event and participate in the official ceremony [[1](https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/wayne-gretzky-plans-to-be-in-attendance-when-alex-ovechkin-breaks-his-all-time-goals-record/)]
- Q: What precedents exist for the NHL’s concerns about controversial calls?
- A: The article mentions instances where goals were overturned due to offside reviews (nathan MacKinnon) and goaltender interference (PWHL championship series), highlighting the pressure of these critical reviews.
- Q: What’s the NHL’s main objective in handling this historic moment?
- A: The NHL is focused on protecting the integrity of the game and avoiding any perception of bias or mishandling a crucial call, given the intense passion surrounding the event.
The NHL’s meticulous preparations underscore the magnitude of ovechkin’s pursuit. Stay tuned as history unfolds, and the league navigates the delicate balance between celebrating a monumental achievement and ensuring the game’s integrity.
