Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals became the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer on April 6, 2025, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s mark of 894 goals with a power-play tally against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. The historic goal, scored at 7:26 of the second period in his 1,487th career game, capped a 20-year pursuit and cemented Ovechkin’s legacy as one of hockey’s greatest players.
The milestone came when Ovechkin, 39, fired a wrist shot past Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin from the left circle, assisted by Tom Wilson and Dylan Strome. The Capitals lost 4-1, but the focus remained on Ovechkin’s achievement. Gretzky, present at the game, watched as Ovechkin eclipsed his record, set over 31 years ago. The celebration paused play for 20 minutes as teammates, family, and league officials honored him on the ice.
Ovechkin’s 895th goal followed a rapid climb this season, with six goals in his last five games, including two on April 4 that tied Gretzky’s mark. “When I was tying the record, I still can’t believe it,” Ovechkin said. “It was so emotional, and it was such a great night; it’s something crazy. I’m probably going to need a couple more days or a couple of weeks to realize what does it mean to be No. 1.” He expressed pride in his family, teammates, and coaches for their support.
Wilson, who assisted on the record-breaking goal, said, “I don’t know if it’s really sunk in yet. It’s incredible. It’s the biggest goal in the history of the NHL, and to be in here with all our best friends and a great captain, I’m just so proud of him.” Strome added, “I think he’s the greatest goal scorer of all time. I think everyone would agree with that now.”
The NHL presented Ovechkin with an oil painting by artist Tony Harris, featuring him with the Stanley Cup and Gretzky in an Oilers uniform. Harris, who has painted Ovechkin five times before, included details like the names of Ovechkin’s wife, Nastya, and sons, Sergei and Ilya, on the Cup. “We really liked the idea of him holding the Stanley Cup because it’s still a team thing,” Harris said, per NHL.com.
Ovechkin’s journey began on April 6, 2004, when the Capitals won the draft lottery, securing the right to select him first overall in June 2004. Now, 21 years later, he has transformed the franchise and the sport. His 42 goals this season put him two shy of Gordie Howe’s record for most goals by a player 39 or older, with five games left to chase 900.
Teammates past and present, including Nicklas Backstrom and TJ Oshie, joined the celebration. “As soon as I saw Nicky, I just want to cry,” Ovechkin said of hugging Backstrom, a longtime linemate. Backstrom replied, “It’s a very special night and it means a lot.” Gretzky, who scored 894 goals in 1,487 games, offered mentorship, wearing a pin honoring Howe, whose record he broke in 1994.
Despite the loss, the locker room buzzed with joy. Ovechkin collected Sorokin’s stick as a memento, joking, “I tell him right away; I need that stick.” Coach Spencer Carbery praised Ovechkin’s determination: “At 39 years old, I’m just thrilled for him and his family.” The Capitals’ leadership, including owner Ted Leonsis and GM Brian MacLellan, witnessed a milestone decades in the making.
Ovechkin’s durability and scoring prowess at this age remain unmatched, per ESPN stats. His record may stand for years, as he continues to redefine hockey history.
