Alex Ovechkin has etched his name atop National Hockey League history, becoming the league’s all-time leading goal scorer with his 895th career goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s 31-year-old record.
The Washington Capitals forward struck the historic goal against the New York Islanders on Sunday, with Gretzky in attendance at Capital One Arena. The match was paused for nearly 20 minutes as the crowd and players paid tribute to the momentous achievement.
“Records are made to be broken, but I’m not sure who’s going to get more goals than that,” said Canadian Hall of Famer Gretzky, who previously held the record since 1994. “I know how hard it is to get 894 — so 895 is pretty special.”
Ovechkin, 38, celebrated with teammates and completed a lap of the rink before shaking hands with opposing players and being joined by his family on the ice. “What a moment for hockey, what a moment for myself,” he said. “Finally no one’s going to ask me ‘when are you going to do it.’ It’s over right now.”
The achievement was widely celebrated in his native Russia, with congratulations coming from the Russian Olympic Committee and Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev.
The goal came just two days after Ovechkin equalled Gretzky’s mark in a 4-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. His record-setting campaign is all the more notable considering he missed several weeks earlier this season due to a fractured fibula.
Ovechkin made his NHL debut in 2005 and has remained with the Capitals throughout his career, guiding the franchise to its only Stanley Cup in 2018. He has scored 40 or more goals in 14 of his 20 seasons, a consistency that has helped fuel his rise to the top of the scoring charts.
Known for his charismatic celebrations and laid-back demeanour, Ovechkin has become the face of the franchise and one of the league’s most marketable stars. With Washington already qualified for the post-season, his chapter in Capitals’ history may not yet be complete.
All-time NHL Goal Leaders:
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Alex Ovechkin (Russia, 2005–) – 895
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Wayne Gretzky (Canada, 1979–99) – 894
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Gordie Howe (Canada, 1946–80) – 801
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Jaromír Jágr (Czech Republic, 1990–2018) – 766
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Brett Hull (USA, 1986–2006) – 741
Gretzky, often referred to as “The Great One,” still holds the NHL records for total points and assists, while Ovechkin now stands alone as the league’s most prolific goal scorer.
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