This is a ridiculous analysis. What makes Ovi one of a kind is that he has been ELITE for so long. Lots of flashes in the pan: lots of elite players for spurts. Fewer that can Austin it for a decade. And none that have sustained it for as long as he has.

He is also remarkably durable.

Not to mention he did it when a big chuck of his career was when league scoring was down.

Not to mention he has had to deal with multiple lockouts and a pandemic.

Will someone someday pass Ovis 900 plus goals? Yes. Could it be Matthews? Sure. Is it likely to be Matthews…not even close. The probability is much much higher that Ovis record stands longer than Gretzkys than it is that Matthews passes him.
- Dahlmanyotes

You are counting your chickens before they hatch. Ovi still has ways to go before hitting 894 goals. He will be 37 in September. Doesnt matter how durable he is, players eventually decline and we dont know when that will happen. It could happen next season or maybe well into his 40s. Point is he is not guaranteed to beat Gretzky. Matthews is not either but hes scoring at a rate that could allow him to beat the record if healthy.

What I take out of your stat comparisons, is that OV is a much more well rounded player than I gave him credit for. For all those who have critiqued him as being one dimensional, what does that make Matthews?

I can't see Matthews ever catching OV's totals, just due to OV's exceptional durability. That said, I never thought anyone would touch Gretzky's totals either.

Maybe. Maybe not. Who knows?

Maybe. Maybe not. Who knows?
- HonkyTonkMan

More like who cares.

Is this thread for real? Matthews will be lucky to score 60% of the goals that Ovechkin scores in his career.

My god some of these Toronto people are nuts.

One thing with this scoring race debate, Ovi scores a ton of his goals from the same old predictable place. Why team defense ignores the fact that that's where he is going is beyond me.
You would think players would have it figured out and would cut his chances down which would limit his scoring. Mathews at least scores in any way possible, not overly predictable.
Also, while I credit Ovi's strength and drive for his age, it may change A LOT in the next couple years, add-in a possible tough injury or two, which is not unlikely as you get older, it's just life. He may slow down enough to give Mathews a chance.
Either way, it will be fun to watch what happens the next few seasons.

It is unclear whether Auston Matthews will finish his career with more goals the Ovechkin. But one thing is for sure, Auston Matthews will never support a racist regime lead by a murderous leader.
It is sad to think this truthful post will be pulled down and my account suspended but one day, just like Abramovich, justice will prevail.
Too busy touting baseless rooomers (e4, dominos and other nonsense).

More like who cares.
- Cptmjl

If this is an interesting question in 10 years I’ll be surprised.