Alexander Ovechkin started the match with a goal directly in the first period – to deafening cheers and applause from the fans at home.
The goal fest continued when he early in the third period sent in his second goal of the match, and the 894th overall in his career.
An visibly moved Alexander Ovechkin skated several laps around the rink and threw kisses to his family, while the audience stood up to applaud the achievement.
To do it at home, in front of our fans, family, friends, and also win. It's a great honor, he says when interviewed on the ice directly after the match.
Gretzky in attendance
While teammates flooded the ice to congratulate Alexander Ovechkin after the last goal, he skated up to his son Sergey in the audience and gave him a high-five.
It means so much.
This means that the 39-year-old Russian has now scored as many goals in the NHL as Wayne Gretzky, who scored his 894th and final goal in 1999 during his 21st NHL season. The hockey legend himself was in the stands to witness it all.
When I broke Gordie Howe's previous record, my dad told me that I should be just as proud of the next guy who breaks my record, Gretzky said during the break between the first and second periods.
When I broke Gordie Howe's record, he was there. And I said two years ago that if Alex gets close to my record, then I'll be here.
"So proud"
He praises Ovechkin's performance.
It doesn't matter which decade you played: the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s. It's so hard to score goals, said the hockey legend.
Alexander Ovechkin has scored 41 goals so far this season. If he scores one more, he will be the sole record holder and surpass Gretzky.
I'm so proud of Alex. This is so great for hockey, says Gretzky.
Washington won over Chicago with 5–3.
