Ovechkin Breaks NHL Goals Record, Celebrates Historical Moment with Family and Legends

Alex Ovechkin achieved a milestone by scoring his 895th career goal in the NHL on Sunday, officially surpassing the long-standing all-time record he had shared with Wayne Gretzky.

The Washington Capitals star, who had tied Gretzky’s record from 1997 with two goals on Friday, netted a power play goal early in the second period during a game against the New York Islanders.

At 39 years old, the celebrated Russian player unleashed a powerful shot from distance with 12:34 left in the second period, igniting ecstatic celebrations at the UBS Arena.

Overwhelmed with joy, Ovechkin celebrated by sliding on the ice, before being swarmed by teammates as the audience erupted in applause, honoring his historic achievement.

Wayne Gretzky, often referred to as hockey’s «Great One,» was present at the game along with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to witness Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal, which was met with resounding chants of «Ovi, Ovi.»

Ovechkin also shared the moment with his family—his mother, wife, and children joined him on the ice as the game was paused to commemorate the occasion.

«What a day,» Ovechkin expressed to the fans after play was halted.

“As I always say, this is a team sport. Without my teammates, the entire organization, the fans, and the trainers, I wouldn’t be here today. I could never have surpassed ‘The Great One’,” he reflected.

“Thank you all immensely, I love you all… And a final shoutout to fans worldwide, including those in Russia—We did it, boys!”

Gretzky also expressed his admiration during the event.

«They say records are meant to be broken, but I’m not sure anyone will score more than that,» the Canadian legend remarked to the crowd.

Commissioner Bettman acknowledged Ovechkin’s impact on the sport, praising his professionalism.

«We all just witnessed a historic moment,» Bettman said, recognizing that many had believed Gretzky’s record would never be surpassed.

«But Alex, you did it. You have been phenomenal. You have represented the NHL with excellence both on and off the ice. Thank you for everything you’ve contributed to the game.»

Ovechkin’s milestone goal came at the culmination of a chase that had increasingly seemed attainable as the years passed, given his unwavering scoring ability.

Gretzky had previously expressed confidence in Ovechkin’s potential to break his record, stating in a 2016 interview that it was achievable if Ovechkin managed to maintain his fitness.

«The first 500 goals come easier—it’s the next 500 that become challenging as age and wear set in, with travel and the physical demands of the sport catching up with you,» he said.

As the 2024-2025 season began, Ovechkin was 42 goals away from breaking the record and scored 15 goals in his first 18 games before a broken fibula in November sidelined him for 16 games.

However, he resumed his scoring spree upon return, eventually equaling Gretzky’s record on Friday and surpassing it on Sunday.

«What a moment for hockey, what a moment for me,» Ovechkin stated with relief on Sunday. «Finally, no one will ask me ‘when are you going to do it.’ It’s done now.»

The Russian Olympic Committee praised Ovechkin’s accomplishment, being one of the first to congratulate him.

«The absolute record now belongs to our hockey player… there’s every reason to believe that he will set the bar even higher, as he has a full contract year left with the Capitals,» the committee stated. «We congratulate Alexander and wish him health and continued success! Onward!»

Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s economic envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, noted that Ovechkin’s achievement had the potential to foster unity between Russia and the United States.

«In recent weeks, a true coming together of nations has occurred: as Americans cheered for a Russian hockey player, Russians were rooting for the American Washington Capitals,» Dmitriev wrote on Telegram.

«This is the essence of sport: a force that can unite people, even across vast distances.»