MANALAPAN, Fla. — As hockey fans eagerly anticipate the conclusion of what’s being dubbed the “Gr8 Chase,” one looming concern haunts NHL officials: Will Alex Ovechkin’s record-setting moment be marred by controversy?

With Ovechkin just seven goals away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record of 894 career goals, the NHL has observed a significant uptick in goal reviews this season, and they are bracing for the challenges that may arise in the pursuit of history. Officials recently held a strategy call to ensure the process of validating Ovechkin's potential 895th goal is seamless, especially if it faces a video review amid all the exuberance surrounding the moment.

Colin Campbell, the NHL senior executive vice president of hockey operations, emphasized the importance of treating the situation with standard protocol: “We’ve got to treat it like any other goal, any other situation. Nothing special. Just do your job and be ready.” However, there’s a palpable fear that an apparent goal could be overturned due to a contentious review, particularly if goaltender interference is involved—an outcome that could lead to outrage from fans and players alike.

Hockey enthusiasts were given a glimpse into the unpredictability of major milestones when Nathan MacKinnon’s potential 1,000th career point was nullified by an offside review just as the entire Colorado Avalanche team leaped off the bench to celebrate. Similar tensions were evident in last year’s PWHL championship when a critical goal that could have secured the Walter Cup was disallowed due to goaltender interference.

Understandably, the pressure on Campbell and his team is immense. He recalls feeling similar anxiety while overseeing recent high-stakes games, expressing, “People weren’t going to look at the result and say, ‘It’s right or wrong’. They’re just going to say, ‘The NHL screwed up on that,’ because of the passion involved.”

While Ovechkin is on the brink of breaking a record that has stood since March 23, 1994, and with both NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Wayne Gretzky expected to attend games as history unfolds, the league is prepared for the inevitable scrutiny that will come with each shot.

Crucially, unlike a tense playoff situation where a team might not get another chance to score, officials believe Ovechkin is destined to eventually claim the record, regardless of any temporary setbacks. Nevertheless, they’ve decided to let the hockey operations department take charge during this historic moment, ensuring no fanfare or extravagant pre-celebrations will occur until they’ve confirmed the goal stands.

As the regular season nears its conclusion, the NHL can do little more than observe as Ovechkin strives to add a remarkable chapter to his legacy. Campbell and his team will be closely monitoring the action from the Toronto Situation Room, ensuring they are ready to react, but without any need for extravagant measures.

In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the ice as Alex Ovechkin inches closer to greatness, with his pursuit of history captivating hockey fans worldwide. Will the “Great 8” achieve his goal without a hitch, or will his record-breaking moment become an unforgettable spectacle of drama and debate? Only time will tell.