In a historic match on April 5, 2025, Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin scored his 894th goal in the NHL regular season, tying the legendary Wayne Gretzky's record. Ovechkin netted a double against the Chicago Blackhawks, leading the Capitals to a 5-3 victory. This remarkable achievement places Ovechkin in elite company, matching Gretzky's long-standing record for the most goals scored in NHL history.
The game was electric, with Ovechkin's first goal coming in the third period, prompting all Washington players to rush onto the ice to celebrate. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as Ovechkin sent air kisses to his wife, Anastasia Shubskaya, and mother, Tatyana Ovechkina, who were present in the stands. The emotional moment highlighted the significance of the achievement for Ovechkin, who expressed gratitude to his family and fans after the game.
“It was fun. I’m sure everyone is enjoying this moment because it’s something special. Doing it at home, in front of the fans, friends, family, and Wayne being here too, it’s a huge honor, a historic moment—amazing!” Ovechkin said in his post-game interview. He added, “I never thought I would reach this mark. I always said it’s the team, my partners, my family, my mom, my wife who supported me in everything necessary.”
Ovechkin's 894th goal came in 1486 games, one game fewer than it took Gretzky to reach the same milestone. The Russian forward has now scored a total of 966 goals in the NHL, including playoffs, placing him second all-time behind Gretzky's 1016 goals. Ovechkin is also the first Russian player to reach 40 goals in the current NHL season, showcasing his enduring talent and competitiveness at the age of 39.
Wayne Gretzky was in attendance at the game and expressed his admiration for Ovechkin. “Alex is a great player, and I’m very proud of him. He’s a great athlete who is deservedly loved. He’s special, he’s a superstar,” Gretzky commented during the match. After the game, Gretzky visited the Washington locker room to congratulate Ovechkin, who knelt in respect—a gesture that spoke volumes about the camaraderie and respect between the two hockey legends.
Despite the opportunity to further his record by scoring into an empty net late in the game, Ovechkin opted not to capitalize on the situation. Instead, Ryan Leonard scored the fifth goal for Washington. Ovechkin’s decision not to score in that manner speaks to his respect for the game and the legacy of Gretzky, as he stated he did not want to set the record in such a way.
As Ovechkin continues his pursuit of Gretzky's overall goal record, he is set to play again on April 6, 2025, against the New York Islanders. The match will start at 19:30 Moscow time, and it presents another chance for Ovechkin to etch his name further into hockey history. Interestingly, one of the Islanders' goalkeepers is Russian Ilya Sorokin, which could set the stage for a dramatic moment if Ovechkin scores his record-breaking goal against a fellow countryman.
Ovechkin's journey to this historic moment has been filled with challenges, including a recent leg injury that sidelined him for a month. However, his determination and resilience have shone through, allowing him to tie one of the most coveted records in sports. Fans are eagerly anticipating his next performance, hoping to witness history in the making.
“I want to send greetings to everyone in Russia. I’m doing everything to break Gretzky’s record,” Ovechkin stated, highlighting the support he feels from his home country. As he continues to chase this monumental achievement, his influence on the sport remains undeniable.
With each game, Ovechkin not only adds to his personal accolades but also inspires a new generation of hockey players. His nickname, 'Alexander The Gr8,' a clever play on words, reflects both his greatness and the number he wears on his jersey. Fans and analysts alike are closely watching as Ovechkin approaches the next chapter in his storied career, one that may soon see him surpassing the legendary Gretzky.
