On Sunday, hockey history was made, as Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th career goal, officially breaking Wayne Gretzky’s legendary record for most goals in National Hockey League history.

Ovechkin, 39, now sits on top of a record once thought unbeatable. Gretzky’s record of 894 goals stood for over three decades and was often seen as one of the toughest to break in professional sports.  

For a long time, fans and analysts wondered if Ovechkin could remain healthy and consistent enough to catch “The Great One.” As of April 6, 2025, that question has been answered. 

“It’s an unbelievable honor,” Ovechkin said. “Wayne Gretzky is the greatest of all time. To break his record; I’m still trying to process it.”

Selected first overall in the 2004 NHL Draft, Ovechkin has built a reputation as one of the league’s all-time elite goal scorers. 

Known for his strength, consistency and scoring instinct, he has recorded 30 or more goals in 18 of his 20 seasons and holds the record for the most Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies with nine.

Gretzky, who retired in 1999 with a then-NHL-record 894 goals and an unmatched 2,857 career points, offered his congratulations to Ovechkin through a heartfelt video message played at Capital One Arena. 

“Alex, I’ve watched your career with admiration. What you’ve done for the game is incredible,” Gretzky said in the video. “They say records are supposed to be broken, but I don’t know who’s going to get more goals than that.”

Jamie First is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].