Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
In a momentous achievement for the sport, Alex Ovechkin equaled Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing NHL record by scoring both the 893rd and 894th goals of his career. The second goal was a decisive game-winner as the Washington Capitals triumphed over the Chicago Blackhawks with a score of 5-3.
Ovechkin netted his 894th goal during a power play with just under 14 minutes remaining in regulation, giving Washington the lead after Dylan Strome had tied the game earlier in the third period. The 39-year-old forward also contributed to the scoreboard early on, marking his 893rd goal less than four minutes into the match.
This landmark occasion was made even more special with Gretzky present at the game, making it his first appearance during Ovechkin’s pursuit of the record. The Capitals captain will have another opportunity to break the record on Sunday against the New York Islanders, where Gretzky is expected to be in attendance once again.
Explore Alex Ovechkin’s career goals.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Ovechkin equated the record, and he acknowledged his family in attendance by blowing kisses toward them. Following the next game stoppage, fans were treated to a highlight reel showcasing Ovechkin’s journey leading up to this historic moment.
After the final horn sounded, teammates formed a jubilant huddle around Ovechkin to celebrate, while Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno extended his congratulations to the Capitals’ star before leaving the ice. Ovechkin took a victory lap around the rink, pounding his chest and soaking in the adoration from the fans.
“It means a lot,” Ovechkin shared during the postgame broadcast. “Right now, I’m so emotional. You never expect to reach such a milestone.”
During the game’s first intermission, Gretzky addressed the audience, paying homage to the Capitals’ forward. He expressed his pride in attending the matchup, mentioning a conversation he had with the NHL commissioner prior, where Ovechkin had humorously suggested that Gretzky should hold off on attending until he scored twice. Gretzky quipped, “When he scored four minutes in, I thought, ‘Oh my God, we might be able to leave after the first period.’”
Regarded as the greatest hockey player ever, Gretzky held the previous record for 31 years, having set it in March 1994 when he scored his 802nd goal against the Vancouver Canucks. In his illustrious 20-season career, it took Gretzky 1,487 games to reach 894 goals; Ovechkin did so in his 1,486th game.
Despite approaching the age of 40, Ovechkin continues to excel as a top scorer in the league. Before this game, only two players—Leon Draisaitl of Edmonton, who had 52 goals, and William Nylander from Toronto, with 42—had surpassed the 40-goal mark this season. Now, Ovechkin has joined their ranks, achieving this feat while having played just 60 games this season, following a period of absence due to a broken leg.
Source
www.theguardian.com