This legend will make the Chicago Blackhawks worth watching

The Chicago Blackhawks are not having a good year but it is by design. They clearly have their sights set on rebuilding and that includes having a top-five pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. There have been some entertaining moments this year but everyone knows what the goal is.

At 7-15-4, the Hawks are in 31st place out of 32. Only the Anaheim Ducks are below them with one less point. It is a lot of losing but there is a lot to look forward to. If everything goes according to Kyle Davidson’s plan, they will be good again soon enough.

For now, we have to keep finding reasons to watch. When it comes to the current roster, there isn’t much. The prospects playing around the world are much more fun to think about. However, every now and again, an opponent comes in with a reason to watch them.

The Washington Capitals are a team that is overall on the decline but they are still one of the biggest stories in the NHL. That is because of their captain Alex Ovechkin who is closing in on some big-time NHL history.

Alex Ovechkin will play the Chicago Blackhawks with history on his mind.

Ovechkin comes into this game with 797 career goals. He is three away from becoming just the third NHL player in history to reach the 800 career goal mark. When he reaches that point, it is going to be a big moment for the sport and its history.

One goal later (801), he will tie Gordie Howe for the second most in NHL history. Following that, he will look to get into sole possession of second place and only trail Wayne Gretzky.

Now, Ovechkin would have to get a hat trick at the United Center in order to get to 800 on Tuesday night which is unlikely. However, seeing him up close as he chases history is really fun.

If he were to pull off something like that, however, not a single person should be surprised. It isn’t like the Hawks have this awesome defense that is going to be able to fully contain Ovechkin for most of the game. If he plays well, he will have a field day with this Blackhawks team.

We all know that Ovechkin has caused a lot of damage from his “office” on the power play. He stands there waiting for one of Washington’s great playmakers to find him for a big one-time shot. His wrist shot from that spot is elite as well.

At this point, no matter who you root for, you just have to cheer on greatness when it is right in front of you. Ovechkin is one of the six or seven greatest players ever. As mentioned before, once he breaks 100 and passes Howe, passing Gretzky is the final boss for him.