NEW YORK -- In a historic moment for the NHL, Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th 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 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders at UBS Arena, netting the record-breaking goal on a power play with 12:34 remaining in the second period. This remarkable feat came in the 1,487th game of Ovechkin's career, matching the total number of games played by Gretzky.
"This is something crazy," Ovechkin said after the game. "I'm probably going to need a couple more days. Maybe a couple weeks to realize what it means to be No. 1. All I can say: I'm very proud. I'm very proud for myself. I'm really proud for my family, for all my teammates, that helped me to reach that milestone, and for all my coaches. It's huge. It's an unbelievable moment."
The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with Gretzky and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in attendance to witness the momentous occasion. As Ovechkin scored, fans erupted in chants of "Ovi! Ovi!" when Casey Cizikas took a tripping penalty seven minutes into the second period. Ovechkin took a powerful shot from the left circle, known as the "Ovi spot," where he has scored many of his career goals. Following the goal, he celebrated by sliding on his belly across the ice, a sight that delighted fans and teammates alike.
After scoring, Ovechkin skated to center ice, where he acknowledged the crowd with applause and pointed skyward in honor of his late father, Mikhail Ovechkin, who passed away in 2023. The celebration continued as players from both teams formed a handshake line to congratulate Ovechkin, while his teammates donned special edition hats to commemorate the moment. A video tribute highlighted Ovechkin's journey, featuring congratulatory messages from hockey legends including Jaromir Jagr, Brett Hull, and Phil Esposito, culminating in a heartfelt message from his mother, Tatyana Ovechkin, who said, "Your dad would be so proud."
Ovechkin's path to this historic moment was filled with determination and resilience. He tied Gretzky's record just two days earlier, on April 4, 2025, during a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, where he scored two goals. Remarkably, Ovechkin chose not to seek a hat trick by scoring on an empty net, stating, "I don't want an empty net" when he sets the record. His pursuit of the all-time goal record has captivated hockey fans and the league alike, with the NHL branding it "The GR8 Chase."
Ovechkin's illustrious career spans 20 seasons, all with the Capitals, where he has consistently demonstrated his scoring prowess. He has won the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL's top goal scorer nine times, and he has also been awarded the Hart Trophy as league MVP three times (2008, 2009, 2013) and the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2018 when he led the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship. He holds several NHL records, including the all-time leader in power-play goals (325) and overtime goals (27), as well as 136 game-winning goals.
Gretzky, who held the goals record since March 23, 1994, expressed his happiness for Ovechkin after the record was broken. "They say records are made to be broken, but I'm not sure who's going to get more goals than that," he remarked during the on-ice ceremony. Gretzky's record stood for an impressive 26 years and 8 days, and he acknowledged the pressure Ovechkin faced during his pursuit of the milestone.
Ovechkin's journey to this point has not been without its challenges. He suffered a broken left fibula on November 18, 2024, against the Utah Jazz, which sidelined him for 16 games. However, true to his nickname, the "Russian Machine," Ovechkin returned ahead of schedule and continued to score at an impressive rate, including 15 goals in his first 18 games of the season, marking the hottest start of his career at 39 years old.
In addition to his on-ice achievements, Ovechkin 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 for pediatric cancer research, encouraging fans to contribute as well. This philanthropic effort adds another layer to his legacy as a player who not only excels on the ice but also cares for the community.
Ovechkin's wife, Nastya (Anastasia Shubskaya), was present at the game, celebrating alongside their two sons, Sergei and Ilya, and his mother. Nastya has garnered attention on social media for her beauty and support of her husband. The couple first met at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and began dating seven years later, eventually marrying in 2016. They now share a beautiful family, and Nastya's presence during this historic moment added to the joy of the occasion.
As Ovechkin continues to break records and redefine the game, one thing is certain: his legacy will be remembered for generations to come. With the support of his family, teammates, and fans, he has etched his name in the annals of hockey history, proving that dreams can indeed come true.
