A historic moment in the world of hockey: Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin has become the greatest goal scorer in the 108-year history of the NHL, surpassing the achievement of the legendary Wayne Gretzky.
On Monday night, in a game against the New York Islanders, Ovechkin scored his 895th goal, breaking Gretzky’s seemingly unbreakable record of 894. This goal was more than symbolic — it changed the course of hockey history.
After the record-setting goal, the referees stopped the game. As the league had previously announced, the celebration was limited to seven minutes, but that was enough for the crowd in the arena, millions of fans around the world, and Wayne Gretzky himself — who attended the game in person — to congratulate Ovechkin. The Canadian legend came onto the ice to shake hands with the new record-holder.
Ovechkin joined the NHL in 2005 and has never changed teams — he’s played all 20 seasons for the Washington Capitals, becoming not only the symbol of the franchise but one of the defining figures of modern hockey. He brought championships, scored in the most difficult games, and now has reached a peak no one else has ever climbed.
Despite being 39 years old, Ovechkin continues to perform at a high level. If his health allows, he might well push his goal tally even further — possibly to 900 or even 1,000 goals.
Moreover, the Washington Capitals are currently leading the regular season and are strong contenders for the Stanley Cup.
This record is not just a personal achievement. It’s a milestone in sports history — proof that the boundaries of the possible can be pushed when you have talent, determination, and love for the game.
Alexander Ovechkin is the new king of hockey.
