Alex Ovechkin has tied Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal-scoring record, hitting his 894th career goal in a thrilling 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. The Washington Capitals star scored twice in the game, including the game-winning goal, to match Gretzky’s legendary mark. The achievement came during a pivotal moment in Ovechkin’s career, with Gretzky himself present in the arena to witness the historic milestone.
Ovechkin’s first goal of the night, his 893rd, came less than four minutes into the game, giving the Capitals an early lead. The second goal, number 894, came in the third period on the power play, with 13:47 left in regulation. It was a crucial goal that put Washington ahead after Dylan Strome had earlier tied the game for the Blackhawks. As soon as Ovechkin’s second goal hit the back of the net, the home crowd erupted in applause, celebrating the Russian superstar’s tie with the all-time record.
The atmosphere was electric, with fans giving Ovechkin a standing ovation as he acknowledged them by blowing kisses to his family, who were also in attendance. The excitement was palpable, and at the next stoppage of play, video screens in the arena displayed highlights of Ovechkin’s journey toward this monumental achievement. His teammates quickly mobbed him as the final buzzer sounded, marking the end of the game and the beginning of a new chapter in hockey history.
Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno, despite his team’s defeat, led the way in congratulating Ovechkin, showing respect for the Capitals forward’s incredible feat. Ovechkin, visibly emotional, skated around the rink, pounding his chest as he soaked in the adulation from the fans. “It means a lot,” he said during the postgame show. “Right now, I’m so emotional. You never [think] you can reach that milestone.”
Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player in history, had been present at the game to witness the milestone, and he shared a heartfelt tribute to Ovechkin. During the game’s first intermission, Gretzky addressed the crowd, expressing his pride in Ovechkin’s accomplishment. He reflected on the moment, saying he had spoken with the commissioner and had planned to wait until Ovechkin reached two goals. But after Ovechkin’s quick early tally, Gretzky joked about the possibility of leaving after the first period. He expressed his admiration for Ovechkin’s perseverance and dedication to the game.
Gretzky’s record had stood for 31 years. He first set the mark with his 802nd goal in March 1994, surpassing Gordie Howe’s previous record. Gretzky needed 1,487 games to reach his total, a feat that stood unmatched until Ovechkin came along. Remarkably, Ovechkin tied the record in his 1,486th game, underscoring his consistency and longevity as a goal scorer throughout his career.
At 39 years old, Ovechkin remains one of the league’s top scorers. Even as he approaches 40, he continues to defy expectations and maintain a high level of play. As of the game against the Blackhawks, Ovechkin had scored 40 or more goals this season, joining only Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers and William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs in that elite company. Despite missing 16 games earlier in the season due to a broken leg, Ovechkin has managed to stay competitive and produce at an elite level, proving that age is just a number when it comes to his scoring ability.
Ovechkin’s next opportunity to surpass Gretzky’s record will come on Sunday in a game against the New York Islanders, where he will have a chance to take sole possession of the all-time goal-scoring title. With the eyes of the hockey world on him, Ovechkin stands poised to make even more history.
