Alex Ovechkin has cemented his legacy in the hockey world by scoring his 895th career goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL’s all-time leader in goals. The milestone came during a Sunday matchup against the New York Islanders, when Ovechkin fired a signature power play slapshot past fellow Russian goaltender Ilya Sorokin in the second period.
The goal, Ovechkin’s 42nd of the season and 325th on the power play, was met with thunderous applause at UBS Arena. Fans chanted “Ovi!” as the 39-year-old celebrated with a belly-slide across the ice while teammates swarmed him in celebration. The moment paused the game as NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Wayne Gretzky joined Ovechkin on the ice for a tribute ceremony.
“I can tell you firsthand, I know how hard it is to get to 894,” Gretzky said, recalling his own experience when he passed Gordie Howe’s goal record in 1994. “My congratulations to Alex and his entire family. Records may be made to be broken, but I’m not sure who’s going to top this one.”
The on-ice ceremony featured a handshake and hug between the two legends, a touching scene symbolizing the passing of the torch. Gretzky, standing alongside his sons and league officials, applauded Ovechkin’s journey and later joked with Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, saying, “When I set the record, they bought me a Rolls Royce. You’ve got your work cut out.”
Ovechkin, holding back emotion, credited his longtime teammates, coaches, and family for helping him reach this peak. “It’s a team sport. I would never have done this without my boys, the organization, the fans,” he said. “We did it!”
He added a lighthearted jab to Sorokin, saying, “Thank you, Ilya Sorokin, for letting me score 895. I love you, brother.” Sorokin later gave Ovechkin the stick he used in the goal, signing it with “895!”
Ovechkin achieved the milestone in his 1,487th career game—the same number Gretzky played in before retiring. The record-breaking goal capped years of consistent scoring by the Capitals captain, who has registered fourteen 40-goal seasons, more than any player in NHL history.
Though the Capitals lost the game 4–1, the night was a celebration for Ovechkin, his team, and the fans who followed his chase. Teammates, including longtime linemate Nicklas Backstrom and John Carlson, praised Ovechkin’s dedication and longevity, especially as he continues to perform at an elite level well into his late 30s.
With one season remaining on his contract and momentum behind him, Ovechkin now turns to new milestones. The once unimaginable 900-goal mark is within reach, and some even speculate about the possibility of hitting 1,000.
“It’s unbelievable. I’m happy,” Ovechkin said simply. “To be number one in goals—it means everything.”
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