Alex Ovechkin Becomes NHL’s All-Time Leading Goal Scorer, Surpassing Wayne Gretzky with 895th Career Goal
Alexander Ovechkin made hockey history by becoming the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing Wayne Gretzky with his 895th career goal during the second period of the Washington Capitals’ 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders.
“They say records are made to be broken,” Gretzky said during an emotional on-ice ceremony. “But I’m not sure who’s going to score more goals than that.”
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Marc Gatcomb notched the first two-goal game of his career, while Bo Horvat and Jean-Gabriel Pageau also found the net for the Islanders, who secured their second consecutive win.
Goaltender Ilya Sorokin was in fine form, saving 28 of 29 shots—Ovechkin’s being the only one to beat him—for the Isles, who remain five points behind the Canadiens in the Eastern Conference wild-card race.
Charlie Lindgren made 18 saves for the Capitals, who remain at the top of the Eastern Conference despite losing five of their last seven games.
Still, the spotlight belonged to Ovech
A sellout crowd of 17,250 packed the arena, many dressed in red Capitals jerseys, and erupted when Ovechkin hit the ice following a tripping penalty on Casey Cizikas seven minutes into the second period.
After a TV timeout, anticipation built. Ovechkin skated up the left wing, took a slick feed from longtime teammate Tom Wilson, and rifled a wrist shot from the circle past Sorokin’s blocker.
Ovechkin raised his arms in triumph, glided forward, and belly-flopped onto the ice in celebration. He reached the milestone in his 1,487th NHL game—the same number as Gretzky played.
“We’ve all witnessed history,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
The Capitals bench cleared as teammates swarmed Ovechkin at center ice while the scoreboard lit up with:
“895 NHL ALL-TIME GOALS LEADER – ALEX OVECHKIN”
Alex Ovechkin celebrates his historic 895th goal with teammates on the ice.
Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals is surrounded by teammates after setting the all-time NHL goal-scoring record during the second period against the New York Islanders [Sarah Stier/Getty Images via AFP]
Celebration of a Milestone
A video montage played showing key moments from Ovechkin’s scoring journey as a blue carpet was laid on the ice alongside a painting of “The Great 8” lifting the Stanley Cup in 2018.
The tribute ended with touching video messages from his wife Anastasia, their two children, and his mother Tatyana. Ovechkin’s family joined him on the ice during the celebration.
Islanders players stayed on the ice to tap their sticks in respect as Ovechkin shook hands with players and hugged goalie Ilya Sorokin. He also embraced Islanders coach Patrick Roy, a former NHL wins record holder.
Wayne Gretzky and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman delivered speeches, after which Gretzky and his wife, Janet, presented a gift to Anastasia. A similar tradition occurred when Gretzky surpassed Gordie Howe in 1994.
Ovechkin hugged and kissed his family, then took the mic—decorated with “895”—and said with a smile:
“What a day, huh?”
The milestone capped a remarkable season for the 39-year-old, who has scored 42 goals despite missing nearly six weeks with a broken leg. He’s tallied 32 goals in his last 45 games, including at least one in five straight matches.
With the record now his, Ovechkin ends Gretzky’s 31-year reign as the NHL’s leading goal scorer and begins a new era atop the record books.
Among active players, Sidney Crosby is second to Ovechkin with 622 career goals, entering Sunday’s game. At 37 years old, he remains far behind Ovechkin’s pace.