Eric Lindros predicts an extremely early timeline for Alex Ovechkin to beat Wayne Gretzky's all-time scoring record

Former NHL star Eric Lindors has shared his thoughts on when Alex Ovechkin might break Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record.

Ovechkin, in his 20th season, is having an impressive campaign, having scored 10 goals, bringing his career total to 863. He needs just 31 more strikes to surpass Gretzky's record of 894.

Lindros predicted that Alex Ovechkin could break the record as early as late February (via NHL.com):

“So it's possible that it’s this year. I don't know, he might do it in like, late February. “I think he might hit it this year, right? Like, if you look at his pace here, he's ripping them and he's scoring them in bunches.

"That's regular Alex, right?” Lindros said. “You know, he'll miss a game, and he'll come back and he'll bang in two," he added.

Ovechkin has been on a scoring tear, netting five goals in his last five games. Should he maintain the same pace, he's projected to end the season with around 59-60 goals.

This impressive performance would not only make him the leading scorer in the NHL but also make him the first to breach the 900-goal mark, but the projections remain speculative.

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"He's a great goal scorer": Wayne Gretzky hails Alex Ovechkin

"The Great One" expressed confidence in Ovechkin's ability to break his all-time goal record, indicating that it's only a matter of time before Ovi reaches the milestone.

"Oh yeah, of course," Gretzky said last month. "It's just a matter of time, whether it's late this year, early next year, whenever. I mean, he's a great player. He's a great goal scorer."

Alex Ovechkin has expressed how much it means to have Wayne Gretzky's support as he pursues the record. He values Gretzky's encouragement and has stated that he hopes to be present when he finally breaks the record.

"If that kind of person is rooting for me, it's pretty cool stuff," Ovechkin said. "He's the best player out there, and he's a great human. He supports me, and it's a pretty cool thing."

Ovechkin was drafted first overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2004 NHL draft and has been a single franchise player since then. He will be in action against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. ET.