As the NHL season reaches its climax, all eyes are on Alex Ovechkin, who stands just one goal away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record. On Friday, April 4, 2025, Ovechkin tied the legendary Gretzky in a thrilling match in Washington D.C., netting his 894th career goal. Now, he heads to Long Island, where he hopes to surpass Gretzky and claim the record with his 895th goal during a highly anticipated game against the New York Islanders on Sunday afternoon, April 6, 2025.
Ovechkin's pursuit of history will not come easy, as he faces a formidable opponent in Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin. The young Russian netminder has proven to be a tough challenge for Ovechkin in their previous encounters, having stopped all four shots he faced from the Capitals' captain in three career games. Sorokin is among a select group of just 29 NHL goalies who have faced Ovechkin and have yet to concede a goal to him. Should Ovechkin score, Sorokin would become the 183rd goalie on Ovechkin's impressive list of scored-upon opponents.
In his storied career, Ovechkin has made a name for himself by scoring against a record 179 different goalies, a milestone he achieved earlier this season when he scored an overtime winner against Ottawa's Leevi Merilainen on January 16, 2025. In 71 career games against the Islanders, Ovechkin has found the back of the net 44 times, showcasing his scoring prowess against this division rival. However, he missed the only matchup between the two teams this season due to a leg injury sustained in late November 2024.
Despite the Islanders' struggles this season, with only four wins in their last ten games, they managed to secure a victory against the Minnesota Wild on Friday, April 4, 2025, thanks to Sorokin's stellar performance. The goaltender made 27 saves on 28 shots, snapping a personal four-game losing streak and improving his season record to 28-23-6. Sorokin's stats this year include a 2.76 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage, ranking him 21st among all NHL goalies in goals saved above expected, with an impressive 12.6.
Head Coach Patrick Roy has expressed confidence in Sorokin's abilities as he prepares for the showdown against Ovechkin and the Capitals. "It could certainly be a great moment for the game of hockey," Roy commented. "But the focus is about playing our game. We won't make it easy on him, but if [Ovechkin] does [score], we'll raise our hat to him." Sorokin's focus, according to Roy, is on securing a win rather than becoming part of the highlight reel. "I don't know how Ilya thinks, but if I were in his position, I'd be more concerned about winning a hockey game than being a part of the highlights," he added.
On the other side of the ice, the Capitals will likely turn to Charlie Lindgren as their starting goaltender. Lindgren, who has a season record of 18-12-3, boasts a .898 save percentage and a 2.67 goals-against average. He has faced the Islanders twice in his career, winning one of those matchups.
As the puck drops at UBS Arena for this critical game, the stakes couldn't be higher for Ovechkin. A goal would not only secure his place in the history books but also provide a significant boost for a Capitals team eager to solidify its playoff positioning. With the Capitals averaging an impressive 3.62 goals per game this season, the offense will be looking to capitalize on any opportunities presented by Sorokin.
Fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation for the game, as Ovechkin's pursuit of greatness has captivated the hockey world. Will he finally break the record against a goaltender who has historically kept him at bay? Or will Sorokin continue his streak of stopping Ovechkin's shots and help lead the Islanders to victory? The excitement is palpable as both teams prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable afternoon of hockey.
With the game still ahead, all eyes will be on the ice as Ovechkin aims to etch his name further into the annals of NHL history. The matchup between the Capitals and Islanders not only serves as a backdrop for Ovechkin's record chase but also highlights the competitive spirit and unpredictability that define the game of hockey.
