Alexander Ovechkin has officially become the greatest goal scorer in NHL history.
He scored his 895th career goal during the Washington Capitals’ game against the New York Islanders, passing the long-standing record held by Wayne Gretzky.
Ovechkin’s record-breaking moment happened in the second period, even though the Capitals lost 4–1. The goal was also his 325th scored on a power play, another NHL record. Fans cheered loudly as he fired a wrist shot into the net after a pass from teammate Tom Wilson.
The crowd of 17,250, many wearing Capitals jerseys, erupted as Ovechkin celebrated by diving onto the ice. He reached this milestone in his 1,487th NHL game—the same number Gretzky played.
During a special ceremony, Gretzky congratulated him, saying, “Records are made to be broken, but I’m not sure who’s going to get more goals than that.”
Ovechkin’s family joined him on the ice as a video tribute played on the scoreboard, featuring messages from his wife, children, and mother. The Islanders players stayed on the ice to honour him with stick taps and handshakes.
At 39 years old, Ovechkin continues to impress. He has scored 42 goals this season, even after missing six weeks with a broken leg.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summed it up: “We have all witnessed history.”
