NEW YORK -- In a historic moment for the NHL, Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th career goal on Sunday, April 6, 2025, surpassing the legendary Wayne Gretzky to become the league's all-time leading goal scorer. Ovechkin achieved this milestone during a game against the New York Islanders, netting the record-breaking goal on a power play with 12:34 left in the second period. The goal, which was assisted by longtime teammate Tom Wilson, was a signature one-timer from the top of the left faceoff circle, beating Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin.
The atmosphere at UBS Arena was electric, as the game paused for an official ceremony to celebrate Ovechkin's remarkable achievement. As he belly-flopped onto the ice in sheer joy, the crowd erupted into chants of "Ovi! Ovi!" while his teammates rushed to embrace him. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Gretzky himself were present, marking the occasion with heartfelt words and congratulations.
"Wayne, you’ll always be the ‘Great One’ and you had a record that nobody ever thought would be broken," Bettman said during the ceremony. "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 goal was not only a personal triumph but also a testament to his 20-year career with the Capitals, where he has become an icon of the sport.
Ovechkin tied Gretzky's record just two days prior, on April 4, 2025, when he scored two goals in a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. After that game, he expressed his desire to break the record in a meaningful way, stating, "I don't want an empty net" when he sets the record. This determination paid off as he made history against the Islanders, becoming the first player to score more than 894 goals in the NHL.
Ovechkin's journey to this milestone has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has won the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL's leading goal scorer nine times and has been named the Hart Trophy winner as MVP three times (2008, 2009, 2013). His leadership was pivotal in guiding the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018, where he also captured the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
As he accepted the accolades, Ovechkin took a moment to thank his teammates, coaches, and family, emphasizing the collective effort behind his success. "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.
Nicklas Backstrom, who assisted on more Ovechkin goals than any other teammate from 2007 to 2023, reflected on Ovechkin's impact on the game and the city of Washington. "Sometimes, it just seems like the puck finds him, and he's got that ability to put it in the net like no one else," Backstrom remarked. Ovechkin's presence has transformed the Capitals into a powerhouse, revitalizing interest in hockey in a city that once struggled to fill seats.
Ovechkin's record-breaking goal came in his 1,487th game, matching Gretzky's total appearances in the league. The historic moment was further underscored by the presence of Gretzky, who congratulated Ovechkin with a handshake and shared the ice with him during the ceremony. "They say records are made to be broken, but I’m not sure who’s going to get more goals than that," Gretzky joked, acknowledging the magnitude of Ovechkin's accomplishment.
Despite the challenges, including a broken left fibula that sidelined him for 16 games earlier in the season, Ovechkin has shown remarkable resilience. He entered the season needing 42 goals to pass Gretzky and has consistently delivered, scoring 42 goals this season alone, a testament to his enduring skill and determination.
Ovechkin also holds several NHL records, including the most power-play goals (325) and the most game-winning goals (136), surpassing Jaromir Jagr. His ability to find the back of the net has captivated fans worldwide, making him a beloved figure in the sport.
As the celebration continued, Ovechkin received a portrait commemorating his achievement, and his family was honored on the ice, including a special presentation from Janet Gretzky, who gifted Ovechkin’s wife, Nastya, a token reminiscent of the one given to her in 1994 when Gretzky broke Gordie Howe's record.
Looking ahead, Ovechkin is not just focused on his personal milestones; he is also using his platform to give back. He has pledged to donate an amount equal to his goal total for every goal he scores during the remainder of his career to pediatric cancer research, encouraging fans to contribute as well. This initiative highlights his commitment to making a difference off the ice.
As the NHL season progresses, Ovechkin's pursuit of further milestones will undoubtedly keep fans on the edge of their seats. With the Capitals poised for a playoff run, the excitement surrounding Ovechkin's record chase will only amplify. As he aims for 900 goals, one thing is certain: Alex Ovechkin has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of hockey, forever changing the landscape of the sport.
