Ovechkin Breaks Gretzky's Record with 895th NHL Goal

Earlier in the week, Ovetjkin touched Gretzky's record, which had stood for 26 years.

The Canadian legend scored his 894th and final NHL regular season goal for New York Rangers, against the Islanders, on March 29, 1999. The goal came in his 1,487th match.

But now he no longer holds the record.

In the away game against New York Islanders, Washington's Ovetjkin scored his 895th NHL goal in his career. In his 1,487th match. Right in front of Gretzky's eyes.

The goal came in the second period, and the Russian waited patiently for the team's first power play of the match. A game form that he certainly enjoys. 07.26 into the period, the opportunity arose from the left side, and the 39-year-old did what he has done so many times before.

Goal.

"I love you guys so much"

A wild celebration erupted, despite Washington being the away team, and the players threw themselves over Ovetjkin on the ice.

After the goal, the game was interrupted, and a planned celebration took place on the ice, where family members, big NHL legends, and others hailed the star.

Ovetjkin also got to hold a speech.

What a day, huh? As I've always said, all the time, it's a team sport. Without my guys, the whole organization, the fans, and the coaches, I would never have stood here and I would never have passed "The Great One" (Gretzky's nickname). So guys, thanks so much, I love you guys so much, he says and continues:

And the most important thing. To my mom, my family, and my beautiful wife, my father-in-law, and my wonderful kids. Thanks for everything, I love you guys so much and without you, I would never have stood here.

The superstar also took the opportunity to thank a certain person in the opposing team.

Thanks to Ilja Sorokin (Islanders goalkeeper) for letting me score my 895th. I love you, bro.

The goal was assisted by John Carlson, who has been one of Ovetjkin's radar partners throughout almost his entire career.

However, there is one person who has assisted more goals than Carlson has.

Thanked Bäckström

No one has assisted more of Ovetjkin's 895 goals than Swedish Nicklas Bäckström, who was present during the evening. And he was also thanked by the superstar in his speech.

I know that Nicklas Bäckström is here and TJ Oshie (teammate). I love you guys. We did it, you hear me. We fixed it.

"Bäckis" has played forward to 279 of the superstar's goals.

The match between Washington and New York Islanders ended 1–4.

Born: September 17, 1985, in Moscow.

NHL draft: Selected as number 1 by Washington in 2004.

NHL career: 20 seasons, 1,487 regular season matches, 895 goals, 724 assists, 1,619 points, all with Washington.

Main merits: Stanley Cup champion 2018, three World Championship golds, three times NHL MVP, nine-time goal scorer, one-time point scorer.

Source: eliteprospects.com.

1. Alexander Ovetjkin, Russia, 895 goals (1,487 regular season matches).

2. Wayne Gretzky, Canada, 894 (1,487).

3. Gordie Howe, Canada, 801 (1,767).

4. Jaromir Jagr, Czech Republic, 766 (1,733).

5. Brett Hull, USA, 741 (1,269).

6. Mats Sundin, Sweden, 564 (1,346).

The statistics apply to matches up to and including April 6, 2025.

Source: quanthockey.com.