Apr 6, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) is honored with a painting by artist Tony Harris by (L-R) Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonis and Commissioner of the NHL Gary Bettman and former Canadian-American ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky after scoring in the during the second period against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. Ovechkin scored the 895th goal of his career, breaking the NHL all-time career goals record previously held by Wayne Gretzky at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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”I’d be the first one to shake your hand when you broke the record.” Wayne Gretzky Honors Alex Ovechkin’s Historic 895th Goal with Heartfelt Speech

Wayne Gretzky Applauds Ovechkin’s 895th Goal, Celebrates the New Goal King with a Heartfelt Speech

On Sunday night, Alex Ovechkin cemented his legacy as the greatest goal scorer in NHL history, netting his record-breaking 895th career goal. The historic moment came against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena, with 12:34 left in the second period, as Ovechkin capitalized on a power play. The milestone goal came in his 1,487th career game, the exact number Wayne Gretzky played during his illustrious career.

The arena erupted as players and fans paused to celebrate the momentous occasion. Among those in attendance were NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Wayne Gretzky, who has long expressed his admiration for Ovechkin’s relentless pursuit of the record.

Gretzky addressed the crowd following the goal, beginning with a lighthearted joke: “It’s nice not to be at the Nassau Coliseum because I lost a lot of games there.” However, he quickly focused on Ovechkin’s dedication and achievement, saying, ”I’d be the first one to shake your hand when you broke the record.” also “I can tell you firsthand, I know how hard it is to get 894. 895 is pretty special.”

Wayne Gretzky's speech as he passes the torch to the NHL's newest goals King, Alex Ovechkin 🐐 pic.twitter.com/DrEiRWxZ3O
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 6, 2025

Calling hockey “the greatest game,” Gretzky took a moment to appreciate the fans, referees, and everyone who makes the sport possible. He then added, “They say records are made to be broken, but I’m not sure who’s gonna get more goals than that.”

Following his goal, Ovechkin shared an emotional celebration with his teammates before taking a lap around the ice, shaking hands with numerous individuals, including every single member of the Islanders. The stadium played a tribute video as Ovechkin was joined by his family, marking a touching end to an unforgettable night in hockey history.

Also Read: Alex Ovechkin Passes Wayne Gretzky with 895th Goal, Becomes NHL’s All-Time Leading Scorer

Ovechkin’s remarkable chase cements his place among the sport’s immortals, and with each additional goal, he further solidifies his legacy. As the torch officially passes from one generational icon to another, the NHL community stands in awe of a record that may stand for decades to come.

Image Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Alex Ovechkin

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Wayne Gretzky

Anamika Shrivastava

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