Gretzky believes Ovechkin deserves to win Stanley Cup

The Great One believes the Great Eight deserves a ring.

After Alex Ovechkin notched the 600th goal of his remarkable career Monday night, Wayne Gretzky - one of three players in the history of the game to reach the mark faster than the Russian sniper - said he wants to see Ovi add the one thing that's missing from his resume.

"If there's one guy that hasn't won a Stanley Cup that I think deserves it, I think it's him," Gretzky said, according to Derek Van Diest of NHL.com. "He's worked his rear end off for the game of hockey and the Washington Capitals, and for his country."

Although the Capitals have qualified for the postseason in eight of the last nine seasons, the organization - and particularly Ovechkin - have faced tremendous criticism for never advancing past the second round, all in spite of the captain recording 90 points in 97 career playoff contests.

"I'd love to see him lift the Stanley Cup one day, because I think he's truly put his heart and soul into being a better player and trying to become a champion," Gretzky said.

Ovechkin and the Capitals currently lead the Metropolitan Division, and should have a few more cracks at a championship with him in the fold. Even if they continue to fall short of hockey's ultimate prize, No. 8 can rest on the laurels of 11 All-Star nominations, three MVPs, six Rocket Richards (for now), and one Calder Trophy.

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