Cheers fill arena as Alex Ovechkin becomes NHL’s all-time goal scorer

Alex Overchkin became the NHL’s all-time goal leader on Sunday after scoring his 895th goal against New York Islanders in a game in Long Island.

Wayne Gretzky has held the record since scoring his 802nd goal on March 23, 1994, when he passed the record of Gordie Howe.

Cheers rang out in the arena and the crowd chanted “Ovi, Ovi” when Ovechkin scored on a power play in the second period, beating fellow Russian and Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin.

ALEX OVECHKIN IS THE GREATEST GOALSCORER IN NHL HISTORY! #Gr8ness pic.twitter.com/NKef3VvNaJ

— NHL (@NHL) April 6, 2025

“We have just witnessed history,” NHL Commisioner Gary Bettman told the excited crowd. “You have a record that nobody ever thought could be broken, but Alex you did it. You have been amazing.”

Bettman went on to thank Ovechkin for his contribution to the game.

“You have been the consummate player representing the NHL, extraordinary on and off the ice. Thank you for all you have given the game. Greatness starts with players like you.”

Gretzky was also on hand to congratulate Ovechkin.

“I know hard it is to get 894 and 895 is pretty special,” the former record holder said.

“My congratulations to not only Alex, but his mom and dad, his family, his wife and kids. When I broke the record, my two kids were about the age of his boys, so it’s kind of reminiscent for me. They say records are made to be broken but I’m not sure who’s going to get more goals than that.

“It’s the greatest game in the world,” Gretzky told the still cheering crowd.  “I want to congratulate every organization, the commissioner of the league, and the referees who do such a great job. I was John McEnroe a lot when I played, but these guys did an incredible job.”

Ovechkin was humble and obviously moved when he spoke.

“Like I say all the time, it’s a team sport. Without my boys, the whole organization, the fans, trainers and coaches, I would never stand here and obviously I would never pass a great one. So fellas, thank you very much. I love you so much.

“To all of you fans of all the world, Russian boys, to my mom, my family, my beautiful wife, my father-in-law, my beautiful kids, thank you. I love you so much and without you, without your support, I would never stand here,” he said.

Ovechkin tied the record on Friday night in the Washington Capitals’ 5-3 win against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Clearly emotional with the Friday milestone, the 39-year-old superstar skated several laps around centre ice asking for more cheers, then returned to the bench where he blew kisses to members of his family in a suite.

On Friday the Capitals captain scored in a fourth consecutive game, reaching 40 goals for the 14th time in 20 seasons, which is the most in league history.

“The integrity of the game… you know, when I was breaking Gordie Howe’s record he was there. And I said two years ago that if Alex gets close to my record I’ll be here,” Gretzky, who was at Friday’s game, said afterwards.

“I remember I text (sic) Alex at about 798, and he went two games without a goal, and I told him, I said ‘you gotta relax. I said you’re gonna get 900, don’t worry about it.’ Two games to him probably felt like 25 to other players.”

— with files from the Canadian Press