In association with the Washington Capitals Captains Alex Ovechkin And The Washington Capitals, ESPN & The Walt Disney Company will present a one-hour, multi-platform storytelling event titled “GR8TNESS” documenting Ovechkin’s historic goal-scoring achievement and his record-breaking career to date. Ovechkin made history on December 23, 2022, when he scored his 802nd career goal against the Winnipeg Jets at Capital One Arena, passing Gordie Howe for second on the NHL’s all-time goals list. The 60-minute show will air prior to the 2023 NHL All-Star Game on Saturday, February 4 at 2 p.m. on ABC. The show will also be available to watch on ESPN+ after its TV premiere.
“GR8TNESS,” reported by ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, includes historical footage, special access, and a series of exclusive interviews with Ovechkin himself, plus all-time NHL scorer Wayne Gretzky, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, Capitals general manager Brian McClellan, Capitals coach Peter Laviolette , and Ovechkin’s colleagues to provide the basis for football’s perspective on the greatest scorer of a generation. The special also features a roundtable discussion hosted by ESPN’s John Pochegros with ESPN on NHL analyst Rick DiPietro reflecting on the 37-year-old’s career and future.
“We had great access to files Alex Ovechkin Andy Tennant, ESPN Vice President and Executive Producer of Original Content, said this project and I was able to capture him as he continues to strive for a record that no one thought was easy to reach. This is the story of the greatest pure scorer. From his rivalry with the superstar who entered the league that same day, Sidney Crosby, to his relationship with the man in pursuit of him, Wayne Gretzky, to his impressive longevity. Viewers will understand how one of the all-time greats handled his career. And what it takes, game after game, season after season – all the pressure, all the passion.”
The show will premiere on ABC nationwide and will be available on cable and multiple platforms, including ESPN, ESPN+, E60 and Hulu. ESPN produced the show, with additional content provided by Monumental Sports & Entertainment Productions.
“We’re excited to support Alex and partner with ESPN and his award-winning production team to provide our fans with an amazing behind-the-scenes look at our captain as he continues to chase history,” said Zack Leonsis, MSE President of Media. and new companies. “From the moment Alex stepped on the ice, we’ve seen history before our eyes, and we’re confident ESPN and their industry-leading team will bring it to life in this documentary.”
The 37-year-old Ovechkin has scored 32 goals in 52 games this season and is on pace to score 49. If Ovechkin reaches the 50-goal mark, it will be the 10th season of his 50-goal career, passing Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy. for the most in NHL history.
Ovechkin (812) is now only trailing Gretzky (894) for the most goals scored in NHL history. On December 13 against the Chicago Blackhawks, Ovechkin scored his 29th career hat-trick becoming only the third player in NHL history to reach the 800-goal milestone. Ovechkin also holds several other records, including most power-hitting goals, most goals in road games, and most goals with the same team in NHL history.
Ovechkin, who was named to his franchise-record 13th NHL All-Star Game, will appear in his eighth career appearance at the NHL All-Star festivities February 2-4 at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Ovechkin is the only player in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup, Conn Smythe, Calder, Art Ross, Hart, Ted Lindsay, Maurice Richard Trophy.