Apr 6, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) is honored by (L-R) former Canadian-American ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky and Comissioner of the NHL Gary Bettman and Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonis after scoring in the during the second period against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. Ovechkin scored the 895th goal of his career, breaking the NHL all-time career goals record previously held by Wayne Gretzky at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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“Most feared hockey player of all time” : P.K. Subban Comments On Alex Ovechkin’s Latest Feat in NHL History

Subban praises Ovechkin’s dominance, highlighting his unparalleled goal-scoring ability and physical presence in the league.

Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking achievement of surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record with his 895th career goal has drawn praise from hockey legends, analysts, and fans worldwide. Among the many great personalities who congratulated Ovechkin on his historic feat, former NHL defenseman and ESPN analyst P.K. Subban offered exceptionally high praise for the Capitals’ captain, emphasizing his durability, dominance, and sheer impact on the game.

During an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Subban compared Ovechkin’s longevity to that of NBA superstar LeBron James, stating, “Alex Ovechkin has been more durable than LeBron James over his career, go look at the numbers.” He further explained the physical demands of hockey compared to basketball, adding, “We’re playing football on ice, guys, 82 games, 82 games. Alex Ovechkin, 82 games, is getting hit, dishing out hits; LeBron’s not taking those hits, he’s not taking the same abuse.”

"LeBron's great, but he ain't Kobe, he ain't Jordan…yeah I did, I put Kobe ahead of him!" – P.K. Subban joins First Take for some hockey talk pic.twitter.com/2lfYaeS5Pw
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 7, 2025

Subban also made a bold declaration about Ovechkin’s legacy, calling him “the most feared goal scorer, and maybe most feared hockey player, of all time.” His comments underscore Ovechkin’s scoring dominance and the intimidation factor he brings to every game.

The former Norris Trophy winner’s praise adds to the widespread recognition of Ovechkin’s unparalleled ability to perform at an elite level for two decades.

Unlike many of the NHL’s greatest scorers, Ovechkin has maintained his dominance over two decades without slowing down. Even in his late 30s, he continues to be a force on the ice, proving that his impact on the game extends beyond numbers. Subban, who played against Ovechkin multiple times throughout his career, knows firsthand how difficult it is to contain him. His praise reflects the respect that Ovechkin commands from his peers, including those who once lined up against him.

Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal was met with a wave of congratulatory messages from hockey legends, teammates, and even athletes from other sports. His impact on the game is undeniable, and as he continues to build on his legacy, debates about where he ranks among the greatest of all time will only intensify.

Image Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!