Alex Ovechkin has etched his name into NHL history, becoming the league`s all-time leading goal scorer. On Sunday, Ovechkin netted his 895th career goal against the New York Islanders, surpassing the legendary Wayne Gretzky for the top spot.
During the second period, while the Washington Capitals were on a power play, Ovechkin received a pass from Tom Wilson and fired a powerful wrist shot past Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin. The crowd at UBS Arena, including opposing fans, erupted in cheers as Ovechkin celebrated his historic goal.
An on-ice ceremony followed, featuring speeches from both Gretzky and Ovechkin, and a video tribute from prominent figures in the sports world.
After the game, Ovechkin addressed reporters, sharing his feelings about surpassing `The Great One.` He also spoke about the significance of having former teammates present and the relief of achieving this long-awaited record.
Here’s what Ovechkin said in the postgame press conference after breaking Gretzky`s record:
On breaking Wayne Gretzky`s record:
“Honestly, when I was approaching the record, it felt surreal. It was incredibly emotional. But this… this is even more unbelievable. I think it will take me days, maybe weeks, to truly grasp what it means to be number one.”
“I am immensely proud of myself, my family, my teammates who have supported me, and all my coaches. This is a monumental, incredible moment.”
On the pressure being lifted:
“Yes, finally, no more questions about `when will you break it?` It`s done. Now you can think of new questions! For me and the team, it’s a joyous occasion. So many people came from around the world to witness this. It’s truly special.”
On Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin giving him his stick:
“I told him immediately, `I need that stick.` He didn`t ask for anything in return.”
On his celebratory slide after the goal:
“The ice wasn`t great today. I just fell, but I think it made for a cool moment. It’s cool.”
On the attention he brings to hockey:
“It`s fantastic. It`s great for the sport, for D.C., for Washington, for all of us to be part of this. I’m sure D.C. is going wild right now. And back home in Russia, people are celebrating. They’re happy. I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
On former teammates Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie attending:
“When I saw Nicky, I almost cried. He has been such a crucial part of my success. We’ve grown up together, played together, been through so much. To have him and Oshie here in this moment, it means the world. Their support has always been there. I told them, `Without you, I wouldn’t have reached this.`”
On Sorokin congratulating him:
“Before the game, Dylan Strome and I were talking about how I had never scored on him. I think I’ve only played him twice. It`s kind of a historical moment, a Russian scoring on a Russian to break the record. It’s pretty cool. He’s a great guy. My kids love him. It’s a tremendous moment, a tremendous day for hockey.”
On Tom Wilson`s assist:
“He’s incredible. He can do anything – fight, handle any situation. I’m so happy for him and for Strome. Strome is probably the happiest guy because he’s obsessed with stats and history, and he wanted to be part of this.”
On his mindset during the power play:
“Throughout the first period, we had chances. Sorokin made great saves. It’s just about taking it game by game, shift by shift, and seeing what happens. Tom made a great pass, I shot, and it went in.”
On the congratulatory video from stars like LeBron James and Michael Jordan:
“It’s such an amazing moment to receive a video from legends. It’s something I will cherish forever. I’m so grateful to them for the video. I’m happy, and I can’t wait to get home.”
Elton Marrow