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The Daily: Ovechkin vs. Gretzky NHL Record Chase Starting Now

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Pittsburgh Hockey Now: As Mike Sullivan spoke, Kris Letang was cleared from protocol and began his cardio tests to return to the lineup. PHN raced out to get video (which you may have seen on WTAE). Letang could rejoin the team on Wednesday. Maybe. 

When you see an NHL player with nine goals in his first nine games of the season, you are almost obligated to say, “Well it’s not like he is going to score 82 goals in 82 games this season.”

But you are less sure of that when you’re talking about Washington Capitals’ player Alex Ovechkin.

Ovechkin has put up nine goals and six assists in his first nine games to get people around the NHL believing it’s inevitable he will pass Wayne Gretzky to become the No. 1 scorer in league history. Ovechkin, 36, is enjoying one of the best starts of his NHL career.

He has this season and four more left on his new contract. He now needs 155 goals to tie Gretzky’s mark. His game Monday against Tampa Bay marked the first time this season he didn’t register a point.

Around the NHL

Detroit: The Red Wings have no right to view the Montreal Canadiens as a team struggling.

Chicago: Chicago Sun-Times reported Marc-Andre Fleury’s discouragement about the month of October, “it’s hard to smile…”

Boston: The Boston Bruins were Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for Halloween.

New York Islanders: Coach Barry Trotz isn’t happy about the team’s inconsistent start and wants a lot more from his team.

Washington: The Capitals jumped on Tampa Bay early but couldn’t beat the Bolts as Vasilevskiy shut the door, 3-2.

Florida: Interim coach Andrew Brunette is doing what he can to keep the Panthers focused in light of Joel Quenneville’s resignation.

Pittsburgh: Defenseman Kris Letang was cleared from  Covid-19 protocol. He may rejoin the team on Wednesday. Maybe. 

After three consecutive losses, Coach Mike Sullivan moved Kasperi Kapanen to the fourth line. And he moved defenseman Brian Dumoulin to the right side. Sullivan may be setting the table for big changes.  Facts from the Pittsburgh Penguins practice.

Vancouver: Travis Hamonic finally reported to the Canucks after resolving what he considered a “sensitive personal matter.” It was speculated his failure to report was about vaccinating, but Hamonic had one shot and soon will be fully vaccinated. Rob Simpson tells the Hamonic tale and offers praise for those who withheld criticism before learning the facts

Montreal: The struggling Habs practiced with Jonathan Drouin at center.