Celebrated athlete extols Ovechkin on his birthday milestone
In a historic moment for the National Hockey League (NHL), Russian superstar Alexander Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky's long-standing record for the most goals in the NHL regular season. Ovechkin's 895th goal, scored during a power-play against the New York Islanders on April 6, 2025, at the UBS Arena, cemented his place as the all-time leading goal scorer in the NHL regular season.
The milestone goal came at 7:26 in the second period of the game, making the score 1:2 in favour of the Washington Capitals. Assists on the goal were provided by Tom Wilson and Dylan Strome.
The achievement was celebrated by many, including three-time world hockey champion Alexei Tereshchenko, who personally congratulated Ovechkin before his 40th birthday on September 17, 2023. Tereshchenko's congratulations were shared during an interview conducted by Vprognoze.
Ovechkin's record-breaking season saw him end with 897 goals in the regular season, a testament to his consistent brilliance on the ice. The 2024/25 season was also significant as it marked the beginning of the end of Ovechkin's illustrious career with the Washington Capitals, with the 2025/26 season being his last with the team.
The Washington Capitals' first game of the 2025/26 season will be against the Boston Bruins on October 9. The NHL regular season for the 2025/26 season is scheduled to begin on October 4.
As Ovechkin prepares to hang up his skates, his legacy as one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history is secure. His dedication, skill, and unyielding passion for the sport have left an indelible mark on the game, and his record-breaking achievements will continue to inspire future generations of hockey players.