For 20 seasons, Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin has dominated the NHL as one of the most talented goal scorers in hockey. On April 6, 2025, Ovechkin officially proved that he is not just talented, but the best goal scorer as he managed to break the NHL’s all time goal record at 895 goals previously held by Wayne Gretzky. This record breaking achievement came two days after Ovechkin tied the record in an impressive two goal performance against the Chicago Blackhawks on April 4. Just years before this amazing accomplishment, Ovechkin himself believed that breaking the record would be impossible but he has officially proved himself and all doubters wrong.
As Ovechkin neared the goal record, Wayne Gretzky announced that he would be traveling city to city with the Washington Capitals in order to be in attendance when the record was broken. Ovechkin’s journey to break the record was given the name the “Gr8 Chase” in reference to the number eight that he has worn on his jersey throughout his career. When facing off against the Chicago Blackhawks on April 4, the Washington crowd was roaring with anticipation that the record would be broken. The excitement only grew once Ovechkin tied the record as he recorded two goals in the game, leading many to believe he would break the record with a hat trick goal. The desire for Ovechkin to accomplish this was evident as there was a visible increase in the amount of passes made to Ovechkin as well as a chaotic crowd reaction to Ovechkin narrowly missing a goal on a breakaway chance. As the game neared its end, Ovechkin openly refused to step onto the ice as the Blackhawks had pulled their goalie which Ovechkin had stated he wished to not break the record with an empty net goal.
Two days later in New York, the stage was set for a possibly historic game between the Capitals and the New York Islanders. With Gretzky and Ovechkin’s family and former teammates in attendance, Ovechkin finally achieved the great accomplishment. While on a rush into the offensive zone, Ovechkin received a pass and scored on a wrist shot from his signature spot on the ice, the left faceoff circle. The crowd erupted as Ovechkin celebrated by sliding across the ice on his stomach. To commemorate the record being broken, the game was paused in order to hold a short on-ice ceremony to celebrate the moment. As Gretzky, the family of Ovechkin, and other notable figures were brought onto the ice, Ovechkin was seen on the bench removing his jersey in order for it to be taken for memorabilia purposes. Ovechkin gave a heartfelt speech where he thanked his family and friends for their support and his teammates for helping him score on the ice for so many years.
Ovechkin has recently stated that the 2026 season will be his last in the NHL before he retires and joins his former KHL team in Moscow. After breaking the record however, Ovechkin has become open to consideration to extend his retirement in order to attempt to become the first NHL player to reach 1,000 goals. This moment was historic for the NHL and the hockey community and celebrities and athletes across the world congratulated Ovechkin. The NHL looks forward to the future of Ovechkin’s record and who the next person to break the record might be.
