Ovechkin Breaks Gretzky's Record in Historic Capitals vs Islanders Clash
What a day in hockey history. I still can’t quite believe it—Alex Ovechkin has officially become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing the legendary Wayne Gretzky with goal number 895. It happened during Sunday’s game between the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders, a game that will be remembered far beyond its final score. And let me tell you, it wasn’t just another goal—it was a milestone that reshaped the history books right before our eyes.
Midway through the second period, Ovechkin fired a classic power-play wrist shot, ripping the puck past Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin. That moment froze time. It was his 895th career goal, finally nudging him one above Gretzky’s long-standing record of 894. The arena erupted. Even though the game was at UBS Arena in New York—enemy territory, technically—the gravity of the achievement transcended team loyalties. Everyone stood in recognition of history being made.
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What followed was pure class. Ovechkin didn’t just celebrate the record with his teammates—he shared the moment with Sorokin, the very goalie he beat. In a heartwarming gesture, Sorokin handed Ovechkin his goalie stick after the game at Ovi’s request. No trade, no hesitation—just respect. The two Russians posed with Wayne Gretzky himself, who was in attendance, holding the puck and stick that sealed the record. It was a surreal image: three generations of hockey royalty in one frame.
What’s even more incredible is the personal connection between Ovechkin and Sorokin. They’ve been friends for years, teammates at the 2023 All-Star Game, and apparently Sorokin is Ovi Jr.’s favorite babysitter. So when Ovi finally scored on Sorokin—after going blank in three previous matchups—it wasn’t just any goal. It was almost poetic. Russian scoring on Russian to rewrite the NHL’s most sacred record.
Despite the Capitals losing 4-1, this was Ovechkin’s night through and through. He gave a speech on the ice, thanked Sorokin with a smile and a "love you, brother," and was mobbed by teammates and staff alike. Even legends outside the rink chimed in—Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Tom Brady all sent their congratulations. It felt like the entire sports world paused to salute "The Great 8."
Ovechkin plans to enshrine all these historic mementos—pucks, sticks, jerseys—in a museum in Moscow. And honestly, why not? His journey from draft day to this moment has been nothing short of cinematic. Every one of those 895 goals tells a story, but this one, against the Islanders and his friend Sorokin, might be the most powerful of them all.
Hockey may never see another scorer like him. And for those of us lucky enough to witness it live, even just on screen, this was a once-in-a-lifetime moment we’ll be telling stories about for years.
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