[09-Jan-2016] #OviWatch

With 543 career goals, Alex Ovechkin is one goal short of tying the late, great, Maurice "Rocket" Richard for 29th on the all-time goal-scorer's list. If he accomplishes this tonight, in Montreal, he will do it in 99 fewer games than it took Richard to accomplish his 544 goals. 

Maurice Richard was born August 4, 1921 in Montreal, Quebec. He played 18 seasons for his hometown Habs, and after the 1943-44 season, wore uniform #9 to match the birth weight of his daughter, Huguette Richard. 

A series of injuries kept Richard from serving in the Canadian military during the Second World War, and forced him to change his skating style to compensate for a deformed left ankle, the result of a break that had not properly healed. 

Richard was the first NHL player to score 50 goals in 50 games, a feat unmatched until the 1980-81 season, when Mike Bossy (21st all-time) would duplicate it. The trophy for most goals in a regular season is named for Maurice Richard; Ovi has the distinction of winning that trophy six times, including the last four seasons in a row. 

Maurice Richard passed away on May 27, 2000 at the age of 78. He was honored with a state funeral. 

Maurice Richard - One of the 100 Greatest Players in NHL History

#20.....Mark Recchi..........577 G..........1652 GP

#21.....Mike Bossy...........573 G...........752 GP

#22.....Mats Sundin..........564 G..........1346 GP

#23.....Joe Nieuwendyk.......564 G..........1257 GP

#24.....Mike Modano..........561 G..........1499 GP

#25.....Guy Lafleur..........560 G..........1126 GP

#26.....John Bucyk...........556 G..........1540 GP

#27.....Ron Francis..........549 G..........1731 GP

#28.....Michel Goulet........548 G..........1089 GP

#29.....Maurice Richard......544 G...........978 GP

#30.....Alex Ovechkin........543 G...........878 GP

#31.....Stan Mikita..........541 G..........1394 GP

#32.....Keith Tkachuk........538 G..........1201 GP