Apr 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) waves to the crowd after the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena. Ovechkin scored the 893rd and 894th goals of his career, tying Wayne Gretzky for most all-time goals scored in the NHL. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

nhl

Alex Ovechkin Ties Wayne Gretzky’s NHL Goals Record with 894th Career Goal

Ovechkin equals Gretzky’s legendary record with his 894th goal. See how The Great One reacts to the Capitals star’s historic achievement.

On Friday night, April 4, 2025, Alex Ovechkin etched his name alongside hockey legend Wayne Gretzky by scoring his 894th career goal, tying the NHL’s record. This historic moment unfolded during the Washington Capitals’ 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena. Ovechkin’s first goal came early in the game, a testament to his enduring prowess on the ice. The record-tying goal was classic Ovechkin, a powerful one-timer from his signature spot in the left faceoff circle during a power play in the third period.

The significance of this achievement was underscored by the presence of Wayne Gretzky himself, who attended the game and later joined the Capitals’ locker room to personally congratulate Ovechkin. The mutual respect between the two greats was evident as they shared this monumental moment in hockey history.

High fives for his family. A victory lap. Alex Ovechkin has TIED Wayne Gretzky for the most goals in NHL history ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/EJIm5QvtCT
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 5, 2025

At 39 years old, Ovechkin’s relentless pursuit of the goals record has captivated the hockey world. Despite facing challenges such as a month-long hiatus due to a leg injury earlier in the season, he has demonstrated remarkable resilience and consistency. This season marks his 14th with 40 or more goals, making him the first player in NHL history to achieve at least three 40-goal seasons at the age of 35 or older.

The anticipation now shifts to Sunday, April 6, when the Capitals face the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. Ovechkin stands on the brink of surpassing Gretzky’s record, and fans are eager to witness history in the making. The demand to see this potential milestone has led to a surge in ticket prices, with some premium seats listed as high as $10,078.

The Capitals are enjoying a stellar season, leading the Metropolitan Division with a record of 49-18-9. As they gear up for the playoffs, Ovechkin’s pursuit of the goals record adds an extra layer of excitement and motivation for the team.

Wayne Gretzky Reacts as Ovechkin Hits 894 Career Goals

Alex Ovechkin delivered yet another unforgettable moment in his legendary career, scoring his 894th goal to tie Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record. The milestone goal came on a crucial power play in the third period, breaking a tense 3-3 deadlock against the Chicago Blackhawks. As the puck hit the back of the net, the crowd at Capital One Arena erupted in celebration, fully aware of the historic significance of the moment.

Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, who has been following Ovechkin’s pursuit closely, joined the broadcast immediately after the goal to express his admiration for the Capitals’ captain. Despite falling just short of a hat trick, Ovechkin’s two-goal performance was more than enough to send the arena into a frenzy.

“This is what the game is all about. Alex has been great for the game, great for Washington, great for his own country. It’s wonderful. I’m very proud of him. I’m proud of what I accomplished and that’s what makes our game so wonderful, the great athletes that we have and the wonderful people that they are,” Gretzky said on the broadcast.

Nothing but class and respect from the “Great One” on why he’s on hand to watch Alex Ovechkin break his all-time #NHL goal scoring record. https://t.co/e7j05aOzwd
— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) April 6, 2025

With Gretzky, Ovi's family, and all Caps nation to witness ❤️

Alex Ovechkin is now tied for the most career goals in NHL history with 894 goals! pic.twitter.com/MGTg7itw2q
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 5, 2025

The celebration was nothing short of spectacular. Ovechkin’s teammates stormed the ice, embracing their captain in a moment of pure joy. The Capitals’ bench cleared to salute their leader, while the home crowd chanted his name. But perhaps the most touching moment came when Ovechkin skated over to the glass, acknowledging his family before taking a bow in Gretzky’s direction.

Even in defeat, the Chicago Blackhawks recognized the magnitude of Ovechkin’s achievement, remaining on the ice to offer their congratulations. With six regular-season games left, Ovechkin now stands on the cusp of history. One more goal, and he will surpass Gretzky to become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer.

The countdown to history has officially begun, and the hockey world is watching. Will Ovechkin break the record in the next game? Or will the suspense build even further? One thing is certain: the moment he does, it will be one for the ages.

Image Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Alex Ovechkin

NHL

Wayne Gretzky

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!