Alex Ovechkin breaks Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record by scoring his 895th
History was made at UBS Arena as Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th career NHL goal, officially breaking Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record to become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. Known as the “Great 8,” Ovechkin fired a signature power-play goal in the second period against the New York Islanders, beating goaltender Ilya Sorokin and securing his place in hockey immortality.
🎯 The Goal Heard Around the Hockey World
With 12:34 remaining in the second period, Ovechkin capitalized on a power play opportunity, receiving a cross-ice feed from Tom Wilson before blasting a trademark one-timer past Sorokin. Jakob Chychrun provided the screen, and the puck found the back of the net with sniper-like precision — a shot from the exact spot that has defined Ovechkin’s legendary career.
“The ultimate goal-scorer’s goal for the greatest of all time,” said Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery.
The 39-year-old superstar dropped to the ice in a joyful belly flop as thousands of fans erupted in chants of “Ovi! Ovi!”, and his teammates poured onto the ice to celebrate. Though the Washington Capitals lost the game 4-1, the night belonged to Ovechkin and hockey history.
🏆 A Record That Once Felt Unbreakable
Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 career goals, set in 1994, stood tall for over 31 years and was widely regarded as unbreakable. But Ovechkin, who reached 895 goals in the same number of games (1,487) as Gretzky, proved that greatness evolves.
“Wayne, you’ll always be the ‘Great One,’” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman during the post-goal ceremony. “But Alex, you did it.”
Even Gretzky himself was on hand to congratulate Ovechkin, shaking his hand and acknowledging the magnitude of the feat.
“They say records are made to be broken,” Gretzky said. “But I’m not sure who’s going to get more goals than that.”
Ovechkin breaks Gretzky’s record with 895th goal
Wayne Gretzky’s total of 894 goals had long seemed unbreakable but Alex Ovechkin is now the career leader in goals scored in the National Hockey League.
🇷🇺 A Touching Moment Between Russian Stars
Ovechkin’s historic goal came against fellow Russian Ilya Sorokin, who became the 183rd goaltender Ovechkin has scored against. The two shared a special moment as Ovechkin asked Sorokin for the stick he used to make the save attempt. Sorokin obliged, signing it with “895!” — a keepsake for a record-breaking moment.
“Thank you to Sorokin to let me score 895,” Ovechkin laughed. “I love you, brother.”
🎤 “We Did It, Boys”: Ovechkin Thanks His Family, Teammates, and Fans
After the game, Ovechkin addressed the fans during a ceremony celebrating his achievement, thanking everyone who played a role in his journey — from injured teammates Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie to his wife Nastya, mother, and two sons.
“We did it, boys. We did it,” he said. “To my beautiful family — thank you. Without your support, I would never be here.”
Ovechkin also received a special portrait featuring him and Gretzky, and Janet Gretzky presented a gift to Nastya, echoing a similar gesture made by Colleen Howe to her in 1994 when Gretzky broke Gordie Howe’s record.
📊 The Great 8: Career Milestones & Longevity
The chase to 895 was tracked across North America and Russia, where billboards and goal counters cheered on Ovechkin’s pursuit. His record-breaking moment was a testament not only to skill but to consistency and durability:
- 895 career goals in 1,487 games
- 14 seasons with 40+ goals — a new NHL record
- Scored 42 goals this season, even after missing 16 games with a broken left leg
- Passed Gretzky’s 40-goal seasons (12) and Gordie Howe’s 801 goals
“To do what he’s doing at this age is incredible,” said defenseman John Carlson, who assisted on Ovechkin’s 894th goal. “He missed two months and still might score 50. That’s nuts.”
🧊 Still Chasing More? 900 Goals in Sight
With one year remaining on his 5-year, $47.5 million contract, signed in 2021, Ovechkin is not done yet. The next goal: 900 career goals, a mark once considered fantasy now within reach.
There are even whispers of Ovechkin returning to Russia to play in the KHL one day — he already has 57 goals from his KHL days. But for now, the NHL’s all-time goal king is right where he belongs: on top.
📚 Comparing Legends: Ovechkin vs. Gretzky
While Ovechkin now holds the NHL career goals record, Wayne Gretzky still holds an incredible 54 NHL records, including:
- 2,857 total points
- 1,963 career assists (more than most players have points)
Playoff goals? Gretzky has 122, Ovechkin has 72 — still an ongoing chase.
💬 Final Word: The Great 8 Becomes the Greatest Goal Scorer
In a career filled with Stanley Cups, MVPs, and highlight-reel goals, this moment stands above the rest. Alex Ovechkin, once a teenager from Moscow with a dream, has now become the most prolific goal scorer in NHL history.
And as the crowd roared and fans around the world celebrated, one truth echoed across every arena and every home watching:
“Ovi did it. The Great 8 is now the Greatest of All Time.”