NEW YORK (AP) — In a historic moment for the NHL, Alex Ovechkin has officially broken Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record for the most career goals in league history by scoring his 895th goal. Ovechkin achieved this monumental feat on Sunday, April 6, 2025, during a game against the New York Islanders, beating fellow Russian goaltender Ilya Sorokin on a power play in the second period.
With 12:34 left in the second period, Ovechkin received a perfect cross-ice pass from his longtime teammate Tom Wilson. He unleashed his signature one-timer, a shot that has defined his remarkable career, sending a laser past Sorokin, who became the 183rd different goaltender Ovechkin has scored against. This goal not only marked a personal achievement for the 39-year-old captain of the Washington Capitals but also ended a record that had stood for 31 years.
As the puck hit the net, a wave of excitement swept through the arena. Capitals fans erupted in cheers, chanting “Ovi! Ovi!” as Ovechkin celebrated by diving onto the ice. His teammates quickly joined him, mobbing him in celebration of this historic accomplishment.
“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 after the game. This sentiment echoed the feelings of many who have followed his illustrious career, acknowledging the support system that has been pivotal in his journey.
The NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was present for the post-game ceremony, emphasizing the significance of Ovechkin’s achievement. “Wayne, you’ll always be the ‘Great One’ and you had a record that nobody ever thought would be broken,” Bettman stated. “But Alex, you did it. You’ve been amazing. You have been the consummate player representing the NHL extraordinary on or off the ice. Thank you for all you have given the game.”
Ovechkin's journey to this historic moment was not without challenges. He entered the 2024-2025 season needing 42 goals to surpass Gretzky's previous record of 894. However, a broken left leg sustained in a collision in November sidelined him for 16 games, raising questions about whether he could achieve this milestone. Yet, Ovechkin’s resilience shone through as he returned to the ice and continued his pursuit.
This season, he has once again demonstrated his scoring prowess, surpassing 40 goals for the 14th time in his career, a feat that also leads the league. Ovechkin now holds the NHL records for power-play goals, shots on goal, and the most goalies scored against, further solidifying his legacy.
Ovechkin's historic goal came in his 1,487th game, matching the number of games Gretzky played before retiring. Gretzky himself congratulated Ovechkin, 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 acknowledgment from the man whose record Ovechkin has just shattered speaks volumes about the magnitude of this achievement.
In addition to his goal-scoring record, Ovechkin has also become one of only six players in NHL history to achieve 700 goals and 700 assists, joining an elite group that includes Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Jaromir Jagr, Marcel Dionne, and Phil Esposito. His ability to consistently find the back of the net, coupled with his playmaking skills, has made him a dual threat on the ice.
The chase for the record captured the attention of fans not just in North America but also in Ovechkin’s native Russia, where billboards and goal counters celebrated his pursuit. As he continues to play at a high level, there is speculation about his future, including the possibility of returning to Russia to play in front of family and friends. Ovechkin has one season left on his five-year, $47.5 million contract, which he signed in 2021, allowing him time to chase records and further solidify his legacy.
As the Capitals continue their season, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if Ovechkin can reach the 900-goal mark, a milestone that would further enhance his status as one of the greatest goal scorers in the history of the sport. With the momentum he has built, the excitement surrounding his games is palpable, and his drive to succeed remains as strong as ever.
As Ovechkin celebrated his record-breaking goal, he took a moment to thank his family, coaches, and teammates, emphasizing the importance of their support. “We did it, boys. We did it,” he exclaimed, expressing gratitude to his wife, mother, and children who were present for this historic moment. The atmosphere was electric, filled with chants of “Ovi!” as fans and players alike celebrated this significant milestone.
In a league where records often seem unbreakable, Ovechkin has proven that with determination and skill, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. His legacy will not only be defined by the records he holds but also by the impact he has had on the game of hockey and the inspiration he provides to future generations of players.
