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‘Alex, You Did It!’: Teammates, Family, Gretzky And Bettman Celebrate Ovechkin’s Record-Breaking Goal

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Alex Ovechkin is honored with a painting by artist Tony Harris by Wayne Gretzky after scoring his 895th career goal. (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

History was made as Alex Ovechkin finally claimed the all-time goal record from Wayne Gretzky. He scored goal No. 895 on the power play midway through the second period, assisted by Tom Wilson and Dylan Strome.

The celebrations for the occasion started with a bang as Ovechkin slid to center ice on his stomach after he ripped the puck past New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin. 

His teammates surrounded him, jumping up and down in excitement. Ovechkin then saluted the crowd at UBS Arena, filled with plenty of Washington Capitals fans. 

Throughout the ceremony and aftermath of the goal, Ovechkin expressed his gratitude for those who helped him get to where he is. He skated to the Capitals bench and thanked every member of the team’s staff.

While Ovechkin thanked his loved ones, the tribute video on the jumbotron played a compilation of his best goals as well as special messages, including ones from big-time celebrities. 

Michael Phelps, LeBron James, Simone Biles and Derek Jeter and more were among those who congratulated the new all-time leading goal scorer. 

The retired Mark Messier and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews toasted him on his accomplishment. He also received recognition from Pittsburgh Penguins stars Sidney Crosby and his fellow countryman, Evgeni Malkin. 

Following the handshake line with the Islanders, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Gretzky were called to the carpet, where Bettman was booed as usual, and Gretzky received a roar of cheers.

The two joined the team at ice level to begin the ceremony. Ovechkin stood at center ice with his family, including his mother, wife, two sons and father-in-law.

Bettman made the opening statement, “We have all just witnessed history in front of greatness. Wayne, you'll always be the Great One, and you had a record that nobody ever thought could be broken. But Alex, you did it!”

The Great One was next on the mic, and it was all class. He paid his respects and recognition to the Islanders franchise and even made a joke about how he struggled at Nassau Coliseum, their old arena.

“They say records are made to be broken, but I’m not sure who is going to get more goals than that,” Gretzky said. Ovechkin was given a painting featuring both Ovechkin and Gretzky, while the Gretzky family provided a gift for Ovi’s wife, Anastasia.

Then it was the 'Great 8's' turn to speak. He wasted no time thanking his teammates, the Capitals organization, staff and, of course, his family for helping him on this journey. 

He jokingly thanked Sorokin, who was in net for the goal. It was the first time Ovechkin scored on Sorokin in his career.

Before the restart, Ovechkin took a group photo with his teammates, family, Gretzky and Bettman to cap off a great ceremony.

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3 Takeaways From Penguins Epic Win Over Stars

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Sidney Crosby - Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Penguins played one of their best games of the 2024-25 season on Saturday against the Dallas Stars. They overcame one of the Western Conference's top teams in a thrilling 5-3 victory powered by a Sidney Crosby hat trick.

Let's discuss the latest Penguins triumph. 

Everyone Hits a Milestone 

Crosby opened the scoring, giving the visiting Penguins a 1-0 lead before Evgenii Dadonov collected two of his three to provide Dallas with a 2-1 lead through two periods.

However, Crosby tied things just 20 seconds into the third before capping off his four-point afternoon with an empty net goal for his first hat trick this season.

Penguins' Crosby Becomes 19th NHL Player To Record Multiple Hat Tricks After Age 36Penguins' Crosby Becomes 19th NHL Player To Record Multiple Hat Tricks After Age 36Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby recorded his 17th career hat trick on Saturday afternoon against the Dallas Stars.

In a news cycle where everyone talks about Alex Ovechkin, Crosby quietly secured his 13th 30-goal season and is one of the hottest players in the league, with 20 points in his past 12 games.

Meanwhile, Bryan Rust scored to make it 3-3 earlier in the third. His lamplighter tied a career-high that he established last season. Additionally, that goal was the 200th of his career. 

Moreover, Tristan Jarry secured his 150th win, becoming only the third netminder in franchise history to reach the plateau behind Marc-Andre Fleury and Tom Barrasso.

It Wasn't Pretty, But Jarry Saved the Day

Jarry gave up some soft goals to Dadonov, providing the forward with his second career hat trick, both against the Penguins. He finished the contest with a .875 SV% with 21 saves. 

Ultimately, he had to watch his old partner Casey DeSmith put on a goaltending clinic at the other end. DeSmith made 35 game-saving saves, with his best occurring without a stick.

Unfortunately, no one knows which version of Jarry will show up nightly, and the Penguins got a little mixture of both good and bad on Saturday, but he persevered and secured a much-needed win.

Penguins Can't Decide Where They Want to Finish

Penguins fans want this season's team to tank and get a top-5 pick while the players themselves are still playing with their backs against the wall. 

Pittsburgh Penguins Schedule: Remaining Games & Statistical NotesPittsburgh Penguins Schedule: Remaining Games & Statistical NotesThe Pittsburgh Penguins are winding down their 2024-25 season and on pace to miss the Stanley Cup playoffs for the third consecutive season, a first in Sidney Crosby's 20-year career. However, there is plenty to play for in the final weeks of the regular season. 

Pittsburgh are not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs now, but they must win every game and hope the rest of the pack stumbles in the season's final week and a half.

Winning out and missing the playoffs by a couple of points hurts their upcoming draft position, but does it matter? The club has an absurd number of draft picks in the upcoming drafts, so no one can be upset where they finish. 

As professional athletes, they have never been out of the race, and outside of playing for personal milestones, qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs is always a skater's main goal every season.

Hockey News

Golden Knights In Search Of Win Over Canucks As Pacific Division Race Remains Tight

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Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) shoots against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen (32) in front of Vancouver Canucks defenseman Marcus Pettersson (29) during the third period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The Vegas Golden Knights are searching for their 47th win of the season tonight against the Vancouver Canucks, but more importantly, they are looking to extend their Pacific Division lead. 

The Golden Knights defeated the Calgary Flames in overtime on Saturday, thanks to Reilly Smith's two goals. Pavel Dorofeyev recorded his 33rd of the season, but the Golden Knights blew a two-goal lead. In overtime, Smith banked a pass off of a Flames defender, which found its way into the net. 

Tonight's opponents, the Canucks, are in a weird situation. They are technically still in the playoff hunt but have little to no margin of error. With injuries to multiple key contributors, their chances of making a late push are slim. 

Despite that, the Golden Knights need to play with high intensity. The Los Angeles Kings are just three points behind the Golden Knights with six games to play. Avoiding a first-round matchup against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers is imperative. 

Akira Schmid picked up the win in his first Golden Knights start against the Flames, which means Adin Hill will retake his job as the starting goaltender. He'll duel Kevin Lankinen, set to make his 46th start of the season. 

Puck drop is at 7:00 PM PST at Rogers Arena. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

Hockey News, The Hockey News

Ovechkin's 10 Best Goals On His Record-Breaking Journey

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Alex Ovechkin celebrates after scoring his 895th career goal in the second period against the New York Islanders. (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Washington Capitals winger Alexander Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s career goal mark of 894 goals on Sunday against the New York Islanders after tying the Great One in a 5-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.

The 39-year-old reached the 40-goal mark for the 14th time in his 20-year career, with his record-breaking goal against the Islanders being No. 41.

Ovechkin’s career is littered with goals from his favorite spot at the top of the faceoff circle – exactly where he scored his record-breaking 895th career goal – but a number of his efforts show how versatile a talent he is. 

Here are 10 of the 'Great 8’s' most impressive goals: 

Playoff Game Winner Against Pittsburgh – May 2, 2018

The Capitals and Penguins battled in the Metropolitan Division for years, with Sidney Crosby winning out most of the time, but the Caps finally got past the Pens in the second round in 2018, with Ovechkin scoring the game-winner past Matt Murray late in Game 3.

The One-Handed Goal – Feb. 4, 2010

One of the best examples of the 'Great 8’s' incredible strength is when he goes through the legs of Michal Rozsival and one-hands an alley-oop shot over Henrik Lundqvist. 

Follow The Bouncing Puck – Jan. 25, 2014

Ovechkin has always been known for his incredible one-timer and powerful shot, but his hand-eye coordination is just as spectacular, as this goal against Carey Price shows.  

Nearly End To End  – March 1, 2011

A brilliant dash by Ovechkin after picking up the puck in his own zone, he blows by Frans Nielsen and backhands it by Nathan Lawson for the overtime winner. 

Dangling Against The Devils – Dec. 20, 2014

A phenomenal toe drag move that burns New Jersey defenseman Jon Merrill and beats Corey Schneider. 

From His Knees – May 2, 2015

Another jaw-dropping effort by Ovechkin who splits the Rangers defense in Game 2 of their second round series and fires the puck past Lundqvist. 

Weaving Through The Rangers – April 24, 2009

One of the best individual efforts you will ever see, as Ovechkin picks up the puck in the neutral zone, cuts to the middle, gets by two Rangers, and beats Lundqvist. 

Banking It To Himself – Feb. 18, 2009

Scoring in all sorts of ways is why Ovechkin is the best goal scorer in NHL history. This one is incredible, where he banks the puck to himself to get by Roman Hamrlik and then scores while sliding past Price. 

The Great 8 Surpasses The Great One – April 6, 2025

This was the one the hockey world had been waiting for. Midway through the second period, Ovi gets the puck in his favorite spot at the top of the faceoff circle and rips a powerful wrister past Ilya Sorokin, cementing himself as the greatest NHL goal scorer.

Ovi On His Back – Jan. 16, 2006

It may be fitting that Ovechkin’s most spectacular goal came against the team that Wayne Gretzky coached, as he scores from his back by shoveling the puck past Phoenix goalie Brian Boucher. 

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Hockey News

Alex Ovechkin Breaks Wayne Gretzky's All-Time Goals Record

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Alex Ovechkin salutes the crowd after scoring his record-breaking goal. (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

There it is.

The moment the whole NHL season has been leading up to finally happened on Sunday afternoon, when Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th goal to break Edmonton Oilers legend Wayne Gretzky's all-time record.

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. 

He did it in the most Ovechkin way possible, with an absolute laser from the top of the faceoff circle on the powerplay. Ovi has always been, above all else, a performer, and he sure put on a performance on Long Island on Saturday.

Gretzky himself was there to witness the record-breaking goal, having followed the Washington Capitals along with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman for the past few games as Ovechkin inched closer to the record.

"Some records are made to be broken, but I'm not sure who's going to get more goals than that," Gretzky said during a mid-game ceremony to celebrate the goal. 

It's hard to disagree with the Great One. Over his 20-year career, Ovechkin has scored an average of 49 goals per 82 games, taking exactly as many games to hit 895 as Gretzky did to score 894.

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Of all his great accomplishments, this season may be Ovechkin's finest. When he broke his leg in November, it seemed to dash any hopes of catching Gretzky this season. At 40 years old, he was slowing down, having scored a career-low 31 goals last season.

But Ovi came back with a vengeance and somehow sits second in the NHL with 42 goals despite missing 16 games this season. He broke the hallowed record by scoring at a 56-goal pace, the third-highest pace of his long and remarkable career.

Ovechkin now stands alone, having broken a record many thought unbreakable. All that's left now is to see how high he can climb.

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Ovechkin beats legend Gretzky's NHL goal record

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Russia's Alex Ovechkin has become the National Hockey League's highest all-time scorer by hitting his 895th career goal to surpass the legendary Wayne Gretzky's 31-year mark.

Canadian Hall of Famer Gretzky broke the record previously held by his compatriot Gordie Howe in 1994.

Washington Capitals' Ovechkin scored the historic goal against the New York Islanders on Sunday, with Gretzky in attendance.

The game was paused for almost 20 minutes as players and spectators acknowledged the historic moment.

Ovechkin was joined by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and four-time Stanley Cup winner Gretzky, who said: "I can tell you first hand, I know how hard it is to get 894 - [so] 895 is pretty special.

"They say records are made to be broken but I'm not sure who's gonna get more goals than that."

Ovechkin celebrated with his team-mates, completed a lap of the arena and then shook hands with his Islanders opponents before being joined by his family.

"What a moment for hockey, what a moment for myself," Ovechkin said.

"Finally no-one's gonna ask me about 'when you're gonna do it'. It's over right now."

The achievement was celebrated in Moscow-born Ovechkin's homeland too, with the Russian Olympic Committee and Russian President Vladimir Putin's economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev among those posting on social media.

His feat is all the more remarkable given that his season was interrupted for a few weeks when he broke his leg in November.

Ovechkin tied with Gretzky on Friday, during the Capitals' 4-3 win over the Chicago Black Hawks.

Who is Alex Ovechkin?

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals
Alex Ovechkin made his NHL debut in 2005 [Getty Images]

Ovechkin has been a mainstay for Washington Capitals since his NHL debut in October 2005, helping them to their only Stanley Cup victory in 2017-18, and becoming one of the greats.

He has now passed the 40-goal mark in 14 of his 20 NHL seasons, despite missing a month of this campaign with a fractured fibula.

Known for his passionate celebrations and relaxed attitude towards the strict diets expected in the modern game, his face is plastered across the league's marketing material.

But it is the nation's capital where his star truly shines, and with the Capitals having already qualified for the post-season play-offs, he may soon be writing his name in the city's history books once again.

Who previously held the NHL goals record?

Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe
Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe are the two previous holders of the NHL goals record [Getty Images]

Ovechkin is passing an all-time great - indeed, Gretzky was given the rather straightforward nickname of 'The Great One' during his career.

The Canadian played 21 seasons in the NHL between 1979 and 1999 predominantly for the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings.

Gretzky has held the NHL goals record since he scored his 802nd on 23 March 1994, passing the total of post-war icon Howe, his compatriot and hero.

While he may have lost that record, Gretzky still holds the league record for the most overall points and assists.

Ovechkin may have edged closer, but 'The Great One' remains out on his own.

Who has scored the most goals in the NHL?

1 - Alex Ovechkin (Rus, 2005-) - 895

2 - Wayne Gretzky (Can, 1979-99) - 894

3 - Gordie Howe (Can, 1946-80) - 801

4 - Jaromir Jagr (Cze, 1990-2018) - 766

5 - Brett Hull (US, 1986-2006) - 741

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Alex Ovechkin asked Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin for memento after record-breaking goal

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Alex Ovechkin asked Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin for memento after record-breaking goal originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Alex Ovechkin wanted to keep the hockey stick used when he scored his record-breaking goal.

No, not that stick.

Not the one he used to fire a one-timer past New York Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin for his 895th career goal, breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals scored record during the Washington Capitals’ 4-1 loss Sunday.

He wanted the stick used by Sorokin, his fellow Russian.  

“I tell him right away I need that stick,” Ovechkin said after the game.

So, Sorokin not only gave up a historic goal, but also his stick.

Ovechkin scored the record breaker on the power-play with 12:34 remaining in the second period. He received a pass from Tom Wilson at the top of the left circle and fired past Sorokin for a goal that rewrote the history books.

Ovechkin and Sorokin embraced on the ice when the game was paused for a ceremony.

“Thank you, Ilya Sorokin, for letting me score 895,” Ovechkin said during the ceremony. “I love you, brother.”

Asked about Ovechkin’s comment by reporters after the game, Sorokin joked, “It’s okay. Anytime.”

Sorokin later personally delivered the stick to the Capitals’ locker room and posed for a picture with Ovechkin and Gretzky.

Ovechkin was asked what Sorokin asked for in return.

“He didn’t ask me,” Ovechkin said.  

Sorokin didn’t get any mementos, but he did get a victory.

Ovechkin had not scored in three previous games against Sorokin, a 29-year-old in his fifth NHL season. With the record-breaking goal, Ovechkin made his countryman the 183rd different goaltender he has scored on.

“I can say it was the first time in my life we stopped game for how many minutes and stay and play after this,” Sorokin said. “It’s a big moment for all the hockey world. Congrats to Ovi and his family. Big player and it’s an unbelievable achievement.”

And for Ovechkin, who now owns a cherished record, the stick he used to obtain it, and the stick that was unable to prevent it.

“It’s kind of a historical moment,” Ovechkin said. “A Russian scored against a Russian and set the record. It’s pretty cool. He’s such a great kid. My kids love him. It’s a tremendous moment, it’s a tremendous day for hockey, and that’s good.”

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Blue Jackets Won't Have All-Time Goal Record Broken Against Them As Ovechkin Breaks It Against Islanders

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© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Today, hockey history was made.

Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin has officially passed the Great One Wayne Gretzky for the NHL’s all-time goal record, scoring No. 895.

Alex Ovechkin Scores 895 To Become NHL's All-Time Leading Goal ScorerAlex Ovechkin Scores 895 To Become NHL's All-Time Leading Goal ScorerWashington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is the greatest goal scorer in NHL history.

A record that was once seen as untouchable now belongs to Ovechkin.

Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal came in fitting fashion—on the power play, from his signature spot at the top of the left circle. He beat fellow Russian Ilya Sorokin clean, notching his first career goal against the Islanders' netminder in the process.

This goal was originally projected to happen on April 12th against the Columbus Blue Jackets, but it’s no longer something they’ll have to worry about defending. 

The Blue Jackets will face the Capitals on April 12th and 13th in what will be their final back-to-back of the season. But now, they'll be part of the post-record rather than the spotlight of breaking the record itself.

Ovechkin has officially rewritten history—and the NHL has a new all-time goal king.

Blue Jackets Need Win In Second Half Of Back-To-BackBlue Jackets Need Win In Second Half Of Back-To-BackThe Columbus Blue Jackets went into this weekend’s back-to-back against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators hoping to claw their way back into the second wild card spot in the East. Columbus Blue Jackets (77 pts) vs. Ottawa Senators (88 pts) Game PreviewColumbus Blue Jackets (77 pts) vs. Ottawa Senators (88 pts) Game PreviewThe Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators play each other for the second time this season. Today's game will be the first leg of a back-to-back home-and-home situation for the two teams. 
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Alex Ovechkin Breaks Wayne Gretzky's Goal Record vs. Islanders

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Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

ELMONT, NY -- Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin has broken Wayne Gretzky's record for most goals scored in National Hockey League history against the New York Islanders. 

At 7:26 of the second, he beat Ilya Sorokin blocker side on the power play for goal No. 895, sending UBS Arena into a frenzy:

Ovechkin was then joined on the ice by his teammates, Wayne Gretzky, Gary Bettman, and the Islanders players:

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SEE IT: Alex Ovechkin surpasses Wayne Gretzky, becomes NHL's all-time leading goal-scorer

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Hockey history happened on Long Island.

In the second period of the Islanders’ matchup with the Washington Capitals, Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th career goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky for the most ever.

Trailing 2-0, the Capitals found themselves on the power play, allowing Ovechkin, who has the most power-play goals in NHL history, to put his name in the record books as he wristed one past Ilya Sorokin for the record-breaking goal.

With the Islanders’ crowd chanting “Ovi, Ovi,” the games was stopped for a ceremony to allow Ovechkin to fully soak in the moment, as he officially became the greatest goal scorer in NHL history.