Gretzky, Ovechkin to talk goals record, more on '#HockeyAtHome'

Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's NHL record of 894 goals has been on hold since the League paused the 2019-20 season March 12 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus.

That hasn't diminished Gretzky's belief that the Washington Capitals forward can break his record.

"I don't think there's any doubt in my mind that he has a great chance to do that," Gretzky said during the latest episode of the NHL series "#HockeyAtHome," which premieres Monday at 5 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network, SN, NHL.com and the NHL Facebook, IGTV and YouTube platforms.

Gretzky and Ovechkin sat down at their homes to discuss Gretzky's record and much more with host Kathryn Tappen of NBCSN in a video chat. They cover a variety of topics, including the advice Ovechkin sought from Gretzky when they had dinner together in 2016, the gift Gretzky promised Ovechkin if he won the Stanley Cup (and how long it took for him to deliver it after the Capitals won in 2018), their best hockey memories, family life, and what would have happened if they played on the same line.

"It's an unbelievable honor for me to talk with Wayne on the phone and be with him," Ovechkin said. "We have a really good relationship. He's always supported me and it's a huge honor for me."

Gretzky and Ovechkin have scored 1,600 NHL goals. Ovechkin, who is tied with David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins for the NHL lead with 48 this season, is eighth in NHL history with 706 in 15 seasons.

That leaves the 34-year-old 188 behind Gretzky's record, which he set during 20 seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers before retiring in 1999.

"I think it's great for hockey," Gretzky said. "I think it's wonderful for Washington and the Capitals, I think it's outstanding for Alex and his family, and I'm rooting for him as hard as anybody."