Ovechkin Breaks Gretzky’s All-Time NHL Goals Record with 895th Goal

Washington Capitals’ captain Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th career goal today, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s 31-year-old record. The milestone was achieved during a game against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena in New York, with the crowd showing its class by cheering and chanting “Ovie, Ovie” after the monumental goal was scored.

The record-breaking goal occurred on a power play, with Ovechkin finding the net against Islanders’ goaltender Ilya Sorokin. This goal not only set a new benchmark in NHL history but also marked Sorokin as the 183rd different goaltender to concede a goal to Ovechkin. At 39 years old, Ovechkin’s achievement underscores his exceptional durability and consistent scoring ability throughout his two-decade-long career with the Capitals.  

Ovechkin’s pursuit of Gretzky’s record had been a focal point of the NHL season. Entering the 2024-2025 season, he required 42 goals to break the record. Despite a setback in November due to a broken leg that sidelined him for 16 games, Ovechkin returned to the ice and continued his scoring pace, culminating in today’s historic goal.  

The game was paused momentarily to honour Ovechkin’s accomplishment, with attendees including his family, Wayne Gretzky, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. Gretzky, who had previously expressed support for Ovechkin’s pursuit of the record, was present to witness the milestone.  

This achievement adds to Ovechkin’s impressive list of accolades. He already holds the NHL records for most power-play goals and shots on goal. Additionally, he has joined an elite group of players with over 700 goals and 700 assists, further cementing his legacy as one of the game’s greats.   

Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal is a testament to his skill, perseverance, and durability, which will all be necessary if he is to pursue the next milestone: 1000 goals.

GOAL NO. 895 FOR ALEX OVECHKIN 🚨👑 pic.twitter.com/miN550EEg1

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 6, 2025