Alex Ovechkin Becomes NHL All-Time Goal Scoring Leader

NEW YORK -- In a moment that will be etched in NHL history, Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th career goal on Sunday, April 6, 2025, surpassing the legendary Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer. Ovechkin achieved this milestone with a power-play goal against the New York Islanders, finding the back of the net with 12:34 remaining in the second period, during his 1,487th game, the same number Gretzky played in his illustrious career.

With Gretzky and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman present at UBS Arena, the atmosphere was electric as players and fans celebrated the historic achievement. The game paused for a ceremonial tribute, marking a significant moment in hockey history. Just two days prior, on April 4, Ovechkin had tied Gretzky's record by scoring two goals in a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Ovechkin's journey to this record has been remarkable, spanning his entire 20-year career with the Washington Capitals. The 39-year-old has consistently been a dominant force in the league, winning the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL's leading goal scorer nine times and capturing the Hart Trophy as MVP three times (2008, 2009, 2013). In addition, he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2018 when he led the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship.

On Sunday, Ovechkin's record-breaking goal came from his signature spot near the left faceoff circle, a position that has become known as the "Ovi Spot." He received a cross-ice pass from longtime teammate Tom Wilson and unleashed a powerful shot past Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin. This goal marked Ovechkin's 325th power-play goal, further solidifying his status as the all-time leader in that category.

"Like I always said, all the time, it’s a team sport and without my boys — the whole organization, the fans, the trainers, coaches — I would never stand there and obviously I would never pass the ‘Great One,'" Ovechkin said, reflecting on the support he has received throughout his career.

Ovechkin's achievement has been a topic of conversation among fans and analysts alike, particularly given the challenges he faced this season. After breaking his left fibula in a game against Utah on November 18, 2024, Ovechkin missed 16 games but returned to the ice on December 28, scoring immediately upon his comeback. His ability to bounce back from injury and maintain his scoring prowess at an age where many players consider retirement is a testament to his dedication and skill.

Throughout his career, Ovechkin has amassed numerous records, including the all-time leader in overtime goals (27) and game-winning goals (136), surpassing Jaromir Jagr for the latter just days before breaking Gretzky's record. He has scored against 183 different goaltenders, with Sorokin being the latest addition to that list.

In a touching moment after the game, Ovechkin embraced his longtime friend and teammate Nicklas Backstrom, who assisted on 279 of Ovechkin's goals. Backstrom was present in the arena for both the record-tying and record-breaking games, and the emotional weight of the moment was evident as he congratulated Ovechkin in the locker room. "Backy is the guy that helped most assist on my goals," Ovechkin said. "As soon as I see him, I almost cry. Me and him been together since Day 1."

Backstrom, who is currently injured, has been a pivotal figure in Ovechkin's career, and their bond was on full display during the celebration. The Capitals' franchise leader in assists with 762, Backstrom has played a crucial role in Ovechkin's success since the two entered the league together.

Ovechkin's record-breaking moment was also a significant event for the Capitals organization, which won the draft lottery in 2004 to select him first overall. Since then, he has been a cornerstone of the franchise, revitalizing the team and leading them to new heights.

As the game resumed after the ceremony, it was clear that Ovechkin's achievement would resonate far beyond the ice. The excitement surrounding his pursuit of Gretzky's record captured the attention of fans across North America and in his native Russia, where billboards and goal counters tracked his progress.

Gretzky himself acknowledged Ovechkin's accomplishment, saying, "There’s nothing better than the National Hockey League. They say records are made to be broken, but I’m not sure who’s going to get more goals than that." This sentiment echoes the disbelief many had regarding the possibility of anyone surpassing Gretzky's seemingly unbreakable record.

Looking ahead, Ovechkin has one season remaining on his five-year, $47.5 million contract, which gives him ample opportunity to extend his record further. With 42 goals this season, he continues to demonstrate his scoring ability, having reached the 40-goal mark for the 14th time in his career, the most in NHL history.

As fans and players alike celebrate this historic moment, the focus now shifts to how many more goals Ovechkin can add to his tally. The chase for 900 is on, and if history is any guide, Ovechkin will continue to defy expectations and redefine what is possible in the world of hockey.