On the day Wayne Gretzky broke Gordie Howe’s previous goal record of 801, he cemented himself as potentially the greatest goal-scorer of all time. Gretzky continued past 802 and finished his career with a dominant 894 goals. He himself has spoken about how hard it would be for anyone to break the record. However, on April 6, 2025, 39-year-old Alex Ovechkin, with Gretzky in attendance, scored his 895th, etching his name in the record books.
Ovechkin tied Gretzky’s record Friday night, with his 893rd and 894th goals coming against the Chicago Blackhawks. On Sunday night, Ovechkin and the Washington (DC) Capitals were trailing by two goals against the New York Islanders when he skated with authority and crossed the blue line on a power play. Tom Wilson received the puck from Dylan Strome and fed it to Ovechkin as he entered the faceoff zone. Ovechkin ripped a classic wrist shot into the left side of the goal as UBS Arena erupted in celebration.
Immediately after the shot hit the back of the net, Ovechkin belly-flopped on the ice as his teammates mobbed him. Both Gretzky and Ovechkin’s families were in attendance to witness history. Ovechkin hugged each of his teammates as the entire opposing team joined them on the ice to show respect for the historic moment. After a standing ovation, Ovechkin stood on the Islanders’ logo, pumping his fist toward the sky, smiling proudly. He then embraced each of his coaches—and even some Islander players. During the game, a blue carpet was rolled out on the ice, where Ovechkin, his family, and Wayne Gretzky gathered for a celebration. A tribute video played on the scoreboard, honoring Ovechkin with praise from those closest to him.
After an emotional video compilation, Ovechkin’s family, the NHL commissioner, Gretzky, and his wife walked down the carpet. Gretzky delivered a short speech, praising Ovechkin for his impact on the sport and the impressive nature of his achievement. After the two families embraced, Ovechkin addressed the crowd before taking pictures with his entire team and family. The game was paused for over ten minutes.
Following the Capitals’ home game on Thursday, fans in attendance will receive an “Ovi” rally towel and witness a pregame ceremony. Though the greatest player in NHL history may still be Wayne Gretzky, Alex Ovechkin now stands alone with the NHL goal record—and when he’s done playing, it might not even be close.