Alex Ovechkin Matches Gretzky’s Historic NHL Goal Record at 894 Goals [WATCH]

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin officially tied Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal record on Friday night, scoring his 894th career goal in a 5–3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena.

As reported by The New York Post, Ovechkin scored twice in the game, notching goal No. 893 in the first period before scoring the tying goal at 6:13 in the third.

The historic goal came on a power play with the Capitals pressing in the offensive zone. Defenseman John Carlson sent a pass to Ovechkin, who set up in his usual position in the left circle and fired a snap shot past Chicago goaltender Spencer Knight.

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“I’m still a little shaking and still can’t believe it,” Ovechkin said after the game, sitting beside Gretzky.

“It’s history. It’s great for the game. It’s great to do it here. It’s special.”

Gretzky, in attendance for the milestone moment, offered congratulations during a televised interview.

“Alex’s been great for the game, great for Washington, great for his own country [Russia] — it’s wonderful. I’m proud of him, I’m proud of what I accomplished. That’s what makes our game so wonderful.”

“I hope he does it tonight… He deserves to do it in front of these fans.” ❤️

Wayne Gretzky couldn’t be happier for Alex Ovechkin tying his record. #Gr8Chase

: @NHLNetwork
: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/KdVBvtwpxz

— NHL (@NHL) April 5, 2025

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Ovechkin’s first goal of the night came earlier in the game, also during a power play, setting the stage for what would become a record-tying performance. He has now scored 894 goals in 1,486 career games, all with the Capitals since debuting in the 2005–06 season after being selected first overall in the 2004 NHL Draft.

Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said Ovechkin made his intentions clear regarding how he wants to set the record-breaking goal.

“He wants to break the record with a goaltender in the crease, which I appreciate,” Carbery said.

“He told me that on the bench, and I just wanted to confirm that he didn’t want to go out. And it’s hard for us as coaches because I just wanted to make sure in that moment: hat trick, at home. And he didn’t want to go out and score on an empty net to break the record. We have six games left, and he wants to break the record and have that moment where he’s shooting the puck past a goalie.”

Ovi told Spencer Carberry he didn’t want to break the record on an empty net
pic.twitter.com/1yVryqN5aA

— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) April 5, 2025

Capitals owner Ted Leonsis posted a message of support on X, writing, “Loyal, consistent, dependable, and the definition of class. Alex has tied a record very few people believed would ever be broken. DC believed in him all along, and @ovi8 has delivered. Next stop: 895!”

ALEX OVECHKIN!!!! #8 REACHES 894

Loyal, consistent, dependable, and the definition of class… Alex has tied a record very few people believed would ever be broken. DC believed in him all along, and @ovi8 has delivered.

Next stop: 895 ! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/CBVwx2PrXw

— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) April 5, 2025

Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight acknowledged the moment but expressed relief that the record-breaking goal wasn’t scored on him.

“I just guess I’m glad he didn’t get the last one,” Knight said. “But, yeah, it’s cool to see, it’s great for the sport.”

Ovechkin inched closer to the record earlier in the week when he scored his 892nd goal in Carolina on April 2, the same city where the 2004 NHL Draft took place.

Gretzky, along with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, has been traveling to Capitals games since then in anticipation of the milestone.

“It’s just a matter of time, whether it’s late this year, early next year, whenever,” Gretzky told NHL.com earlier in the season. “I mean, he’s a great player. He’s a great goal scorer.”

EIGHT. NINETY. FOUR.

WE ARE WITNESSING GR8NESS. pic.twitter.com/6ia09pU2OF

— x – Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 5, 2025

Ovechkin will have his next opportunity to surpass Gretzky and claim the all-time goal-scoring record outright on Sunday afternoon when the Capitals face the New York Islanders at UBS Arena.

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