Alexander Ovechkin has achieved what Ilya Kovalchuk was expected to accomplish
Having started following hockey just a few years prior to the debuts of Ovechkin and Crosby, the most anticipated player back then was the sharpshooting Russian, Ilya Kovalchuk.
There was genuine belief that he could ascend to become the most prolific goal-scorer the league had witnessed, potentially leading the Atlanta Thrashers to a Stanley Cup victory. He maintained an impressive pace, achieving 40 and 50-goal seasons, but then Ovechkin emerged as the league’s dominant force, claiming the throne.
After a disappointing Finals appearance, Kovalchuk returned to Russia for a more lucrative contract, cutting short his impressive NHL prime. In contrast, Ovechkin pursued and achieved ultimate success, nearing Gretzky’s legendary record.
