Alex Ovechkin ties Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goals record

Alex Ovechkin has tied Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goals record by scoring the 894th of his career on Friday night in the Washington Capitals’ 5-3 win against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Ovechkin scored on the power play in the third period, stopping the game while fans rose to their feet to applaud the longtime Capitals captain.

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OVECHKIN AGAIN! GOAL 894!!! 😱

HE'S TIED THE ALL-TIME GOALS RECORD! #Gr8Chase

🇺🇸: @NHLNetwork
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/JZ3OZKTfGn

— NHL (@NHL) April 5, 2025

Clearly emotional he skated several laps around centre ice asking for more cheers, then returned to the bench where he blew kisses to members of his family in a suite.

Scoring in a fourth consecutive game, Ovechkin reached 40 goals for the 14th time in 20 seasons, which is the most in league history.

Gretzky was on hand for the occasion, calling Ovechkin a great ambassador for the sport of hockey, adding that the game makes for a tight knit community.

Gretzky has held the record since scoring his 802nd goal on March 23, 1994, to pass Gordie Howe.

“The integrity of the game… you know, when I was breaking Gordie Howe’s record he was there. And I said two years ago that if Alex gets close to my record I’ll be here,” Gretzky said.

“I remember I text (sic) Alex at about 798, and he went two games without a goal, and I told him, I said ‘you gotta relax. I said you’re gonna get 900, don’t worry about it.’ Two games to him probably felt like 25 to other players.”

Ovechkin can break the Great One’s record tomorrow when the Capitals visit the New York Islanders, when Gretzky is also predicted to be in attendance.

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