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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman unveils plans for Alexander Ovechkin's tribute
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Following last night's game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Alexander Ovechkin inched close to Wayne Gretzky's all-time scoring record, burying his 892nd career goal. That said, the NHL is preparing for the historic milestone, with Commissioner Gary Bettman offering a glimpse into the league's plans to honour the Capitals captain.
Although the Washington Capitals fell to the Carolina Hurricanes 5-1, the team has a massive shot at redemption at redemption tomorrow night against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Chicago Blackhawks sit at 31st in the NHL, presenting a golden opportunity for Alexander Ovechkin to rack up goals and secure a crucial win.
Alexander Ovechkin is just one hat-trick away from making history, and there's a real possibility he could reach that milestone tomorrow.
That said, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman shared some insight into the celebration planned if Ovechkin makes it happen tomorrow night.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman reveals Alexander Ovechkin ceremony plans
Gary Bettman will do right by Alexander Ovechkin and plans to pull out all the stops.
According to Bettman, he will attend the remaining Capitals game until the record fall, accompanied by a travelling party.
Sources reveal that the party includes Bettman, Capitals chairman Ted Leonsis, Oveckhin's family, and the Great One himself. Bettman said Wayne Gretzky will attend the rest of the Capitals' games this year, starting on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks.
"We want to make sure we're here when magic happens. We want to ensure that this moment gets the attention and the respect that it deserves. When you think about, for example our trophies, in particular the Stanley Cup, it is the most magnificent trophy and trophy presentation in all of sports. We want to afford this that kind of respect."
-Gary Bettman
-Gary Bettman
Steve Mayer, president of NHL contents also chimed in, emphasizing the significance of this historic moment.
"We've traveled camera crews from all over," Mayer said. "It's the crews that do all the all-access shows. We're micing up like everyone. We're working with the networks with mics and additional cameras. You have reporters from networks traveling. People are treating it almost like a Stanley Cup Final game.»
-Steve Mayer
-Steve Mayer
It was recently determined that Alexander Ovechkin's ceremony will be limited to just seven minutes, but Commissioner Gary Bettman seems confident it will moment to remember.
Will Gary Bettman give Alexander Ovechkin the respect he deserves? Time will tell.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 3 | 94 ANSWERS NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman unveils plans for Alexander Ovechkin's tribute Do you think Alexander Ovechkin's tribute should be longer than 7 minutes? | ||
| Yes | 74 | 78.7 % |
| No | 20 | 21.3 % |
| List of polls | ||