Alex Ovechkin has surpassed Wayne Gretzky`s legendary NHL record for career goals. Immediately after scoring his 895th goal, Ovechkin was met on the ice by Wayne Gretzky, who was among the first to congratulate the Washington Capitals star.
Ovechkin achieved the record-breaking goal with his 325th power play goal, celebrating with a slide across the ice. During the subsequent on-ice ceremony at UBS Arena, Gretzky descended from his seat to address the audience and personally congratulate Ovechkin on his monumental achievement.
Gretzky extended his congratulations to Ovechkin`s family, fulfilling a promise to be present and among the first to shake Ovechkin`s hand upon reaching this milestone.
Gretzky, while honoring Ovechkin`s accomplishment, wore a Gordie Howe pin, recalling Howe`s presence when Gretzky himself broke the all-time goals record of 801. This memory inspired Gretzky to be present for Ovechkin`s historic moment.
“When I broke Gordie Howe`s record, he was there,” Gretzky stated. “I said a couple of years ago that if Alex got close to my record, I would be here. That`s what the National Hockey League is all about. … You pass it down. I hope when someone breaks Alex`s record, Alex will be there to shake his hand.”
Reflecting on the future, Gretzky expressed uncertainty about whether anyone will ever surpass Ovechkin`s final goal count, acknowledging the immense difficulty of reaching such numbers.
“I can tell you from experience, I know how incredibly challenging it is to reach 894 goals, making 895 truly extraordinary,” Gretzky remarked. “My sincere congratulations go out to Alex, his parents, his family, his wife, and children. … They say records are meant to be broken, but I`m not sure anyone will score more goals than Alex.”
Elton Marrow