Ovie has real shot at record: Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky said he believes Alex Ovechkin has “a real legitimate chance” to skate past him for the NHL record in goals.

What’s more, The Great One said he wants a front-row seat to watch The Great Eight should it happen.

While Ovechkin (692 goals) still has a ways to go to catch Gretzky (894), the latter told Nhl.com on Friday he has no issues with his goal-scoring record being broken.

“I’m a big believer that records are made to be broken,” Gretzky said. “What I accomplished, I’m very proud of. It’s hard to do what I did, and it’s really hard to do what he’s doing now. But there’s no question in my mind that he has a real legitimate chance of doing it. The two things that you need: you’ve got to stay healthy, and he’s proven that over his career. He plays hard and he stays healthy. And, secondly, you’ve got to be on a good team — and he plays on a good team.”

Ovechkin, 34, has showed no signs of slowing down this season, as the Washington Capitals captain has recorded a hat trick in each of his last two games to boost his goal total to a team-best 34 on the season.

The three-time Hart Trophy recipient is ninth all-time in goals scored, although he is just two shy of tying Hall-of-famer Mark Messier (694) for eighth place.

Ovechkin might also be in range of catching Mike Gartner (708) and Phil Esposito (717) this season.

Jack Jablonski’s dream of joining an NHL organization was realized Friday, when the Los Angeles Kings had him sign a contract this week, eight-plus years after he was paralyzed in a high school hockey game in Minnesota.

The recent Southern California graduate will use his communications degree as a content co-ordinator, while also being involved in podcasting, radio and television.

“I had always dreamed of signing an NHL contract,” Jablonski tweeted. “Unfortunately, that dream was taken away 8 yrs ago. Today, I’m proud to share that I’ve started a full time job with the @Lakings as a Content Coordinator & working in podcasting, radio and TV! Thank u to all who have helped me.”

Jablonski was playing in a game Dec. 20, 2011, for Benilde-st. Margaret’s of St. Louis Park when he was hit from behind and sent headfirst into the boards. The subsequent spinal-cord injury left him paralyzed. His Twitter bio says he’s a paralyzed hockey player who “won’t be forever,” and that he’s striving to prove doctors wrong.