GDT: GM 57: Caps to Oil the machine in B2B afternoon games

[Maruk moustache]

He's the first player in history to score 200+ goals in three different decades. And he started the 2000's in 2005, while this decade is barely into 2025. That to me is the most insane stat. We all know Wayne's best seasons were the best ever, but over time, Ovechkin has actually climbed even with him in GpG. Its just the incredible consistency over 20 years that no one else can even come close to.

In fact there are only 6 players with a higher GpG than Ovi/99, but none of them played more than 915 games (Mario) and the leader, Bossy, only played 752. Metaphysical fact that none of them could sustain their higher GpG over 20 full years like Ovi did. Wayne couldn't even do that. Wayne's last 6 years GpG was .25. Ovi even has a higher GpG this year than his career average, he's at .70 right now.

Its not even comprehendible. Its insane! He's the GOAT!

I don’t know what to make of comparing Ovi’s GPG to those who played before the turn of the millennium. I’m sure there’s some stat that tries to adjust for that, and on whatever that stat is, adjusted goals per game I guess, Ovi’s probably #1 at that. I see this site has a list of those with just the most adjusted goals period, not per game, and Ovi is already well in the lead in that stat: NHL & WHA Career Leaders and Records for Adjusted Goals | Hockey-Reference.com

Saw an old game where Mario was playing just the other day. Brief career, but I’m pretty sure that’s the most talented overall forward who has ever played, like in terms of per season actually played, I guess. He was ridiculous, when he was around, though I wish we knew what would’ve happened had he played 20 years or so. Pretty sure Wayne himself at some point acknowledged Mario was a more talented player.

Pretty play is fun to watch, but to win, someone’s got to put the puck in the net, one way or another. If I’m drafting for like an expansion team or something, and I need a forward, I’m probably gonna worry first about getting the guy that can put the puck into the net better than anyone else available, and then I’ll worry about finding some people to pass it to him. I believe it is not unreasonable to argue, given the longevity, the era, etc., that Ovi is the most overall valuable forward ever, despite his flaws. I know a lot of people disagree with that. He’s not a pretty player. He is an extraordinarily valuable player though.