On April 6th, 2025, Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th goal, and broke the NHL’s all time goal record held by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin has been on the chase after Gretzky, since December 23rd 2022, when he passed Gordie Howe for second all time. Gretzky had held the record since March 23rd 1994, when he broke Gordie Howe’s record. 

After the 2022-2023 NHL season, many doubted Ovechkin’s ability to catch Gretzky. However, Ovechkin seemed to be slowing down. After a rough start to the 2023-2024 season, Ovechkin got hot, and was able to finish with 31 goals on the year. This was a career low for Ovechkin, and many began to wonder if he would ever break the record. However, Ovechkin played excellent in 2024-2025, and going into Friday, April 4th’s game against the Blackhawks, Ovechkin sat at 892 career goals. With Gretzky in attendance, Ovechkin scored two goals and tied the Great One at 894. The Capitals traveled to New York to play the Islanders on Sunday, April 6th, with all eyes on Ovechkin. Wayne Gretzky was once again in attendance, as was Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, and the Ovechkin family. All watched on as with 12:35 left in the second period, Alex Ovechkin scored goal number 895, and became the NHL’s all time leading scorer. 

With true humility, Wayne Gretzky congratulated the Great Eight on this magnificent achievement, saying: “They say records are made to be broken, but I’m not sure who’s going to get more goals than that.” 

Alex Ovechkin’s remarks once he was given the time to speak include the giving of thanks to his loved ones, and in terms of how he felt breaking the record, Ovechkin said: “It’s an unbelievable moment.”