Alex Ovechkin is the new all-time goal-scoring leader of the National Hockey League (NHL).
With Ovechkin surging towards Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals over the past month, many were greatly anticipating the day Ovechkin would break it. In Sunday’s game against the New York Islanders, this day became a reality as Ovechkin scored goal No. 895.
The record-breaking goal occurred in a 4-1 loss as a pass from forward Tom Wilson saw Ovechkin rifle the puck into the top corner, beating fellow Russian Ilya Sorokin to put the Capitals on the board.
As Ovechkin got closer to etching his name into hockey history books, several longtime teammates began to take notice. In attendance were center Nicklas Backstrom, forward Devante Smith-Pelly, and forward TJ Oshie. Despite Backstrom and Oshie still being on the Capitals roster, both have yet to suit up this season due to various injuries that could force both to retire at the end of the season.
After the goal was scored, Ovechkin walked over to center ice and began applauding the crowd. He then skated over to the Capitals bench and hugged coaches, staff members and arena workers while carpets were being set up on the ice for a ceremony. Islanders players also made sure to congratulate Ovechkin as they arranged themselves in a handshake line to congratulate him.
Videos were played which saw several people congratulating Ovechkin on the record. Some were NHL legends such as Jaromir Jagr, Brett Hull and Phil Espoisito while other celebrities also offered their congratulations which included the likes of LeBron James, Derek Jeter and Snoop Dogg.
Ovechkin’s goal-scoring rate has always been remarkable. He won the Rocket Richard trophy as the NHL’s regular-season goal-scoring leader nine times. Other achievements include three Hart Trophies as NHL Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Conn Smythe Trophy as he led the Capitals to their first ever Stanley Cup Championship in 2018.
