For over 31 years, Wayne Gretzky, “The Great One,” held the all time record for 894 career goals scored in the NHL (National Hockey League). Alexander Ovechkin, captain of the Washington Capitals, broke that record on April 6, 2025 and continues to surpass Gretzky’s legacy.
On April 4, the Capitals played the Chicago Blackhawks, Ovechkin scored 2 of his 3 remaining goals. Friends in the stands waited patiently for Ovechkin’s third goal but it never came. The list included Wayne Gretzky and T.J. Oshie, former right wing for the Capitals.
On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the following game the Capitals played the New York Islanders and lost 4-1. Although Washington lost, history was made. With 12 minutes and 34 seconds remaining in the second period, Ovechkin scored the record breaking goal against Ilya Sorokin, making it to goal 895, and breaking the record of most goals ever scored in the NHL. Sorokin, who is also a Russian hockey player, has played with the Islanders since he was chosen in the NHL entry draft in 2014. In all the years Ovechkin has played against Sorokin, he had never scored a goal on him until now. Some fans went as far as “driving home from work while watching the game” says an anonymous fan.
ESPN reported that “Wayne Gretzky, the legend whom Ovechkin passed, made his way down; the Hall of Famer graciously followed the 39-year-old from one arena to the next as he closed in on his record, fulfilling a promise to be the first person to shake Ovechkin’s hand afterward — just as Gordie Howe, the previous record holder, had done for Gretzky in 1994.”
Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal was a historic moment in hockey history. Although the Capitals didn’t win the game, this achievement brought many fans of many different teams together to see Ovechkin break the record. Ovechkin’s dedication and talent left a long lasting impact in hockey history and leaves people wondering how they will do in the playoffs after such a great season.
