ELMONT, N.Y. (Reuters) - In a historic moment for the National Hockey League, Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th career goal on Sunday, April 6, 2025, breaking the legendary Wayne Gretzky's long-standing all-time record that many believed would never be surpassed. The moment unfolded during the second period of the Capitals' matchup against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena, where Ovechkin unleashed a powerful shot from distance that found the back of the net, igniting an eruption of cheers from the crowd.
As Ovechkin celebrated by diving onto the ice, his teammates rushed to join him in a jubilant embrace, marking a scene of sheer elation. Among the spectators was Gretzky himself, who smiled widely and joined in the standing ovation for the man who had just eclipsed his monumental achievement. The game was paused for several minutes to honor Ovechkin's remarkable feat, highlighting the significance of the moment not just for him, but for the sport as a whole.
“895 is pretty special,” Gretzky remarked, acknowledging the weight of the record. He expressed doubt that anyone would surpass the milestone, saying, “They say records are made to be broken but I’m not sure if anyone’s going to get more goals than that.” Ovechkin's accomplishment is a testament to his enduring talent and determination, and it undoubtedly cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in NHL history.
The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with a sea of Capitals red filling the stands as fans had traveled to Long Island in hopes of witnessing history. They began chanting “Ovi! Ovi!” the moment their captain stepped onto the ice, displaying unwavering support even as the Islanders took an early lead with first-period goals from Bo Horvat and Kyle MacLean.
Ovechkin's journey to this historic goal included a near miss early in the second period, where his shot ricocheted off Islanders’ goaltender Ilya Sorokin’s stick. However, just moments later, he found the back of the net to secure his place in the record books. The celebration was not only a personal triumph for Ovechkin but also a family affair, as his wife Nastasiya and their two young sons, Ilya and Sergei, cheered him on from the crowd.
“To my mom, my family, my beautiful wife,” Ovechkin said during the post-game celebrations. “Without your support I would never stand here.” His heartfelt words resonated with fans and players alike, emphasizing the importance of family and teamwork in achieving such monumental success.
In a special on-ice ceremony following the goal, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman presented Ovechkin with a painting by renowned Canadian artist Tony Harris, commemorating this milestone. Bettman praised Ovechkin as “an unstoppable force,” noting his unique combination of personality, physicality, and extraordinary skill. “Greatness is now a part of your name,” Bettman added, highlighting the significance of Ovechkin's achievement.
This particular painting marked the sixth time Harris had been commissioned to create art featuring Ovechkin, showcasing the forward's impact on the game and his stature within it. The excitement surrounding Ovechkin's record-breaking achievement was palpable, with fans and players alike recognizing the historical significance of the moment.
Ovechkin's journey to this point has been filled with remarkable achievements, including scoring his 894th career goal just two days prior against the Chicago Blackhawks, where Gretzky was also present. Reflecting on the significance of Ovechkin's pursuit of his record, Gretzky had previously stated, “I said two years ago that when Alex gets close to my record, I’ll be here.” He expressed his hopes that Ovechkin would enjoy the moment and receive the accolades he so richly deserves.
Ovechkin's family has been a constant presence in his career, with Nastasiya and their sons regularly attending games to support him. The couple has previously shared that while their son Sergei shows an interest in hockey, they will not pressure him to follow in his father's footsteps. “We never forced him to play,” Nastasiya explained, emphasizing the importance of allowing their children to explore their own interests.
As the Capitals continue their season, Ovechkin's record-breaking goal will be remembered not only as a personal milestone but also as a defining moment in NHL history. The legacy of Wayne Gretzky has now been joined by the remarkable achievements of Alex Ovechkin, who has proven that records are indeed made to be broken.
With the Capitals still in the thick of the playoff race, the excitement surrounding Ovechkin's achievement adds an extra layer of motivation for the team as they push forward. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what other milestones Ovechkin may achieve in the future, as he continues to rewrite the record books.
