Ovechkin Earns High Praise Howe, Gretzky Rave About AO

Last week it was Gordie Howe. This week it is Wayne Gretzky heaping praise on Alexander Ovechkin, hockey's most exciting superstar today.

On Tuesday night Ovechkin became the first player this season to break the 100 point barrier. He's gunning down the 60 goal mark next, although a playoff spot is the only goal he has in mind right now, I'm sure.

But Wayne Gretzky thinks 60 goals might be a low achievement for AO in the coming years. He thinks AO has a chance to push his record of 92 goals in a season.

"I think he could score 90 in a season," said the Phoenix Coyotes coach. "Ovechkin has the release and hands that (Mike) Bossy had. He's got the quickness that (Jari) Kurri had. And he's got the toughness that (Mark) Messier had. He's the whole package."

Ovechkin has 57 goals this season and 155 his first three campaigns, which puts him third-best all-time. Gretzky had 198 with the Oilers and Mike Bossy 177 with the New York Islanders.
Ovechkin, 22, just passed Pavel Bure for No. 3.

Gretzky also loves Ovechkin's passion.

"He's just loves to score. The thing about scoring goals is some guys enjoy it more than others. That's Ovechkin. It's like he wants to keep the puck for every one of them. He's great for the game. He brings excitement to the game."