Alex Ovechkin Makes NHL History: Breaking Wayne Gretzky’s All-Time Goals Record with No. 895

Alex Ovechkin Etches His Name in NHL History

Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin made hockey history on Sunday by scoring his 895th career goal, officially surpassing Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. The monumental moment came during a power-play tally in the second period against the New York Islanders, solidifying his place among the sport’s legendary players.

The Journey to Greatness

• Ovechkin tied Gretzky’s record (894 goals) just two nights earlier with a two-goal performance against the Chicago Blackhawks.
• Gretzky set his legendary mark back in 1994 while playing for the Los Angeles Kings.
• Ovechkin reached 895 goals in 1,487 games—matching Gretzky’s career game count, adding to the historic symmetry of the achievement.

Reactions from Legends and the Sports World

A flood of tributes poured in from NBA icons LeBron James and Michael Jordan, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, and fellow NHL franchises:

• Nike: "EIGHT NINETY-FIVE, ALL CAPS. Congrats to Alexander Ovechkin on breaking the NHL all-time goal-scoring record."
• Washington Commanders: "The #Gr8Chase is complete!"
• Detroit Red Wings: "From 88 to 8. Congrats, Ovi!"
• Boston Bruins: "An achievement for all-time."

The Legacy of ‘The Great 8’

Ovechkin’s powerful shot and relentless drive have defined his career, earning him three Hart Trophies (NHL MVP) and leading the Capitals to a 2018 Stanley Cup. His latest milestone cements his status as one of hockey’s greatest pure goal scorers.

Will Ovechkin push his new record even further? With no signs of slowing down, hockey fans eagerly await his next chapter.