Alexandr Ovechkin scored five goals in two games last week to blow right by the fifty goal plateau. At 54 goals he's on course to become the first 60 goal scorer in the NHL in twelve years. Up to and including 1996 there were 35 players who had reached 60 goals including a member of the Washington Capitals; the forgotten Dennis Maruk. Maruk had the misfortune of scoring his 60 goals the same year Wayne Gretzky scored 92.
The question is, "Why has it taken 12 years to produce another 60 goal scorer?"
Part of the problem was that dreadful era of hooking and holding that preceded the lockout.
The goaltender equipment issue is reaching critical mass and will be addressed again by the league this summer. The "trap" employed especially by some of the less-talented teams has become a choke point for offenses in the league.
Still, in my opinion the quality of hockey in the NHL has never been better.
In recent years we've witnessed the advent of the 40-second shift and the all-out skating that it has produced. Players simply can't afford to coast even a single shift in today's game.
All things considered, reaching 60 goals is an incredible feat. It is another reason why it is insanity to try to compare statistical accomplishments from era to era. Rocket Richard was the king-of-hockey with 50-in-50 in 1945. Esposito shook the establishment with 76 goals in 1971.
Gretzky with his incredible 92 goal season in 1992. All of them would have been great goalscorers if through some sort of time warp they could be transplanted to 2008. And in all likelihood they would be battling Alexandr Ovechkin for the goalscoring lead at somewhere around 60 goals. Great players remain great players. Only the times and the context change.
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