Does Ovechkin Pass Gordie Howe in all-time greatness if he breaks the goal record?

[gtrower]

I’d offer this as I have in a few other related threats - I assume this question is asking about when he breaks it / retires soon after. But this might be a different question with a more nuanced answer when we’re as far from Ovi’s career as we are from Howe’s career right now. Ovi’s resumé is going to age extremely well over the years.

 

[Griff Tannen]

Hockey isn’t going to exist in 2070

 

[SannywithoutCompy]

Gordie was obviously a beast in his time but it was also a time when there were 6 teams and very few, if any, Europeans. I think he probably still edges it but that aspect isn't irrelevant.

 

[The Macho King]

I don't see why scoring 3 more goals does anything to appreciably change Ovis standing. He just changes to an answer to a trivia question, but the majority of his career value has already been established.

Now a strong playoff? Could actually move him up a bit.

 

[wetcoast]

I’d offer this as I have in a few other related threats - I assume this question is asking about when he breaks it / retires soon after. But this might be a different question with a more nuanced answer when we’re as far from Ovi’s career as we are from Howe’s career right now.

Ovi’s resumé is going to age extremely well over the years.

I think this is fair among causal fans who will look at the goals record and not much else.

But true legacy survives critical anyaslsis and that's where the case for Ovechkin versus Howe falls apart.

Maybe if Ovi has more art Ross trophies or top 3/5 point finishes, doesn't have a couple of down years and a better playoff resume this would be a different answer but the poll is fairly accurate and actually unfair to Howe as there simply isn't even a "maybe" case of Ovechkin being better than Howe all time, unless on thinks many other modern players are as well and that's a different question.

 

[spiny norman]

Lopsided result.