Thu Mar 27 12:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Fleury: Ovechkin’s Favorite Target, Six Goals Away From History
**SAINT PAUL, MN** – Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, who has surrendered a league-high 28 goals to Alex Ovechkin, jokingly acknowledged his role in the Washington Capitals captain’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal-scoring record. With six goals remaining to surpass Gretzky’s 894, Ovechkin is on the verge of making history, and Fleury, a 21-season veteran, has inadvertently become a key part of the narrative.
“I think I gave him a bit of a boost,” Fleury told LNH.com. “Ovi scored a lot of goals against me. I’m happy to have played so many games against him.”
Fleury, who is retiring after this season, is unlikely to face Ovechkin when the Wild host the Capitals on Thursday. Backup Filip Gustavsson is expected to start. Despite this, Fleury’s impact on Ovechkin’s career is undeniable. Their rivalry stretches back to 2006, with Ovechkin netting his first goal against Fleury in an 8-1 Penguins victory.
Ovechkin currently sits at 889 goals. His impressive 36 goals in 55 games this season, despite missing time due to a fractured fibula, showcase his continued dominance. Fleury believes Ovechkin will break the record this season, praising the Capitals captain’s hunger and unwavering intensity.
“He’s still as dangerous as ever at 39 years old,” Fleury said. “He’s still on fire.”
The story extends beyond the competitive rivalry. Ovechkin recently sent a signed jersey to former NHL goalie Pascal Leclaire, who allowed Ovechkin’s first two NHL goals, demonstrating a touch of generosity towards those who have contributed to his legendary career. Fleury, amused by the gesture, jokingly admitted he wouldn’t refuse a similar gift. The final chapter in the Ovechkin-Fleury saga remains unwritten, but one thing is certain: Fleury has played a significant, albeit unintentional, part in Ovechkin’s historic pursuit.
First Piper 