History was made as Alex Ovechkin finally claimed the all-time goal record from Wayne Gretzky. He scored goal No. 895 on the power play midway through the second period, assisted by Tom Wilson and Dylan Strome.
The celebrations for the occasion started with a bang as Ovechkin slid to center ice on his stomach after he ripped the puck past New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin.
His teammates surrounded him, jumping up and down in excitement. Ovechkin then saluted the crowd at UBS Arena, filled with plenty of Washington Capitals fans.
GOAL NO. 895 FOR ALEX OVECHKIN 🚨👑 pic.twitter.com/miN550EEg1
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 6, 2025
Throughout the ceremony and aftermath of the goal, Ovechkin expressed his gratitude for those who helped him get to where he is. He skated to the Capitals bench and thanked every member of the team’s staff.
While Ovechkin thanked his loved ones, the tribute video on the jumbotron played a compilation of his best goals as well as special messages, including ones from big-time celebrities.
Michael Phelps, LeBron James, Simone Biles and Derek Jeter and more were among those who congratulated the new all-time leading goal scorer.
The retired Mark Messier and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews toasted him on his accomplishment. He also received recognition from Pittsburgh Penguins stars Sidney Crosby and his fellow countryman, Evgeni Malkin.
Following the handshake line with the Islanders, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Gretzky were called to the carpet, where Bettman was booed as usual, and Gretzky received a roar of cheers.
The two joined the team at ice level to begin the ceremony. Ovechkin stood at center ice with his family, including his mother, wife, two sons and father-in-law.
Bettman made the opening statement, “We have all just witnessed history in front of greatness. Wayne, you'll always be the Great One, and you had a record that nobody ever thought could be broken. But Alex, you did it!”
The Great One was next on the mic, and it was all class. He paid his respects and recognition to the Islanders franchise and even made a joke about how he struggled at Nassau Coliseum, their old arena.
“They say records are made to be broken, but I’m not sure who is going to get more goals than that,” Gretzky said. Ovechkin was given a painting featuring both Ovechkin and Gretzky, while the Gretzky family provided a gift for Ovi’s wife, Anastasia.
Wayne Gretzky's speech as he passes the torch to the NHL's newest goals King, Alex Ovechkin 🐐 pic.twitter.com/DrEiRWxZ3O
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 6, 2025
Then it was the 'Great 8's' turn to speak. He wasted no time thanking his teammates, the Capitals organization, staff and, of course, his family for helping him on this journey.
He jokingly thanked Sorokin, who was in net for the goal. It was the first time Ovechkin scored on Sorokin in his career.
Before the restart, Ovechkin took a group photo with his teammates, family, Gretzky and Bettman to cap off a great ceremony.
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