WASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Ovechkin made history on Friday night, tying Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goals record by scoring his 894th career goal. The Washington Capitals captain’s milestone goal sparked a jubilant celebration among his teammates and the crowd, with chants of “Ovi! Ovi!” reverberating throughout the arena.
Ovechkin’s historic goal came on a power play with 13:46 remaining in the game, bringing the crowd to its feet in a standing ovation. Visibly moved by the moment, Ovechkin skated around the center ice, acknowledging the cheers from the fans. He then made his way back to the bench, blowing kisses to his family members in a suite.
A touching video montage showcasing Ovechkin’s journey to 894 goals played on the arena’s video boards, further highlighting the significance of his accomplishment. With Gretzky present during the game — a rare sight during Ovechkin’s pursuit of the record — the Capitals star did not disappoint, scoring his 893rd goal early in the game with a skillful play.
Following his milestone goal, Ovechkin’s signature goal song, “Shake, Rattle & Roll” by Big Joe Turner, filled the arena as the crowd erupted in celebration. The feat marked Ovechkin’s 40th goal this season, making it the 14th time in his 20-season career that he has reached this milestone, a record in itself. With another goal later in the game, Ovechkin now sits at 41 goals for the season.
Ovechkin’s achievement not only solidifies his place in NHL history but also cements his legacy as one of the greatest goal-scorers of all time. The support and admiration shown by fans, teammates, and even hockey legends like Gretzky serve as a testament to Ovechkin’s remarkable career and impact on the sport.