NHL legend Alex Ovechkin surpasses Wayne Gretzky's longstanding career goals record.
🥁🏒 Alex Ovechkin Becomes the NHL's All-Time Leading Goal Scorer 🏒🥁
After an epic 20-year run in the NHL, 39-year-old Alex Ovechkin finally took ownership of the all-time leading goal record, surpassing Wayne Gretzky's iconic mark of 894 goals. The landmark moment took place during the Washington Capitals' game against the New York Islanders on Sunday, as Ovechkin rocketed a power-play wrist shot past goalie Ilya Sorokin at UBS Arena.
Casting a spell on the rival Islanders, Ovechkin secured his 42nd goal of the season, propelling the Capitals to an energized chase with a 2-1 deficit. With Gretzky and his family observing, Ovechkin etched his name into history, masterfully surpassing the arena where he'd targeted the milestone.
As many had anticipated, this season would see Ovechkin shatter the seemingly unreachable record. However, a November blow dealt by a broken fibula briefly slowed his charge. Swiftly recovering, the resilient Ovechkin refocused on his quest.
Remarkably, Ovechkin achieved the feat in his 1,486th game, just one fewer than Gretzky's 1,487, underscoring his relentless pursuit of greatness.
beginning his NHL journey with the Capitals in 2005, Ovechkin emerged as an extraordinary talent, leading the team to its first and only Stanley Cup win in 2018. Additionally, Ovechkin became the only NHL player in history to accumulate 20 goals in 20 straight seasons earlier this year, solidifying his legendary status.
In 2025, Ovechkin joined the exclusive list of players with at least 20 goals in 20 consecutive seasons, sharing the distinction with Hockey legend Gordie Howe. Moreover, he boasts nine seasons with 50+ goals, peaking at a remarkable 65 goals in the 2007-08 season. Ovechkin's awe-inspiring career has been adorned with 12 All-Star appearances, three league MVP titles, and a coveted spot among the NHL's 100 greatest players of all time in 2017.
A year later, Ovechkin hoisted the Stanley Cup for the first time, leading his Capitals to a triumphant five-game series against the expansion Las Vegas Golden Knights.
Stay tuned as we continue to bring you updates on this milestone moment in NHL history. 🏒🥳🔴⚫️🏒
- On the 486th game of his career, Ovechkin, the extraordinary Capitals player, overtook Gretzky's all-time leading goal record, a feat he accomplished while playing against the Islanders.
- Despite a brief halt in his progress due to a broken fibula in November, Ovechkin, who has amassed 20 goals in 20 consecutive seasons, managed to secure his place in history during a game against the Islanders.
- Including his historic goal against the Islanders, Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, has become a member of an elite club, featuring players like Gordie Howe, who have achieved 20 goals in 20 consecutive seasons.
