Alex Ovechkin becomes the greatest goal scorer in the history of NHL after he broke Wayne Gretzky's long standing record. Ovechkin tallied career goal number 895 on a power play during the second period of the Sunday's game against New York Islanders. He surpassed Gretzky's tally of 894 and etched his name in the history books.
Alex Ovechkin breaks Wayne Gretzky's goal record
Ovechkin took a cross-ice pass from his longtime teammate Tom Wilson and fired a wrist shot past fellow countryman Ilya Sorokin. This was also the first time Ovechkin managed to get past Sorokin in his career. Dylan Strome had the secondary assist and along with Wilson, will be remembered forever as the two to set up the Russian for the biggest goal of his career.
Islanders report Stefen Rosner posted a clip on her X account which showed the moment Ovechkin broke the record at the UBS arena.
Not just this, the NHL even posted a montage on X to celebrate the once in a lifetime moment.
The Great 8 will now be eyeing to notch up 900 career goals before the end of the current 2024-25 regular season. Not just this, Ovechkin will be chasing his second Stanley Cup in two weeks time when the Washington Capitals start their postseason as the likely number one team in the Eastern Conference.
This is Ovechkin's 42nd goal of the season in his 61st game of the campaign. He has 69 points to his name (42 goals and 27 assists) in the 61 games he has played this season. He has one year remaining on his five year contract that he signed with the Capitals way back in 2021.
The Islanders congratulated Alex Ovechkin after the celebration
The New York Islanders lined up and shook Alex Ovechkin's hand in a moment of respect following his record breaking goal.
The NHL commissioner Gary Bettman along with Wayne Gretzky and Ovechkin's family were all present as they joined him and his teammates on the ice in celebration of the massive achievement.