Ovechkin’s Historic Goal: A Night to Remember
NEW YORK — The night was electric, the anticipation palpable, as Alex Ovechkin skated onto the ice. The Washington Capitals’ captain was on the brink of history, and the world was watching. When Ovechkin scored his NHL record-breaking 895th goal, it was a moment that will be etched in the annals of hockey history. The goal, scored in classic Ovechkin style from his “office” with a wrist shot, was followed by an unplanned celebration. Ovechkin skated to center ice and belly flopped, later explaining with a grin, “Ice was bad today. I fell.”
The game between the Capitals and the New York Islanders paused for a 25-minute on-ice ceremony. Wayne Gretzky, the legend whose record Ovechkin surpassed, was there to congratulate him, fulfilling a promise to be the first to shake Ovechkin’s hand, just as Gordie Howe had done for Gretzky in 1994. As the league set up carpet on the ice, Ovechkin was busy hugging his teammates and searching for his family in the stands. “Without them, it’s basically, I don’t know if I can reach this milestone,” he said.
A video tribute played on the videoboard at UBS Arena, featuring a who’s who of sports legends congratulating Ovechkin: Roger Federer, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Sidney Crosby, Derek Jeter, Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, and Katie Ledecky. “To be honest with you, I didn’t see it,” Ovechkin admitted. “But the boys told me that lots of great people, great athletes support me and congratulate me. It’s huge.”
Teammate Tom Wilson summed up the moment, saying, “To try to think about what he’s going through, the pressure, the entire game of hockey is on his shoulders right now. It’s bigger than hockey. And for him to handle that, to perform, to lead the top team in the league and still be such a fun teammate, it’s really remarkable.”
Breaking Records and Making History
When Gretzky eclipsed Howe’s mark 31 years ago, many believed it was a record that would stand the test of time. Gretzky’s career was legendary, with a stat line so outlandish that even without his final goal total, he’d still be the league’s all-time leader in points. Yet, Ovechkin, a surefire talent from the moment the Capitals selected him No. 1 overall in 2004, has always been different. He scored two goals in his first NHL game and finished his rookie season with 52 goals.
The “Alex Ovechkin Effect” in Washington D.C. is undeniable. Since his rookie season, hockey players in the Potomac Valley region have increased by 71%, according to USA Hockey statistics. The Capitals have helped build or refurbish 14 outdoor inline rinks to meet the growing demand. Ovechkin has also used his platform for charity, pledging a dollar amount equal to his career goal total to pediatric cancer for every goal he scores for the rest of his career.
- Logan Cooley, born in Pittsburgh, cites Ovechkin as his favorite player growing up.
- Patrik Laine from Finland idolized the Russian winger.
- Minnesota defenseman Brock Faber admits he owned Ovechkin jerseys growing up.
Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews said, “Ever since I was a young kid playing hockey, he was always one of my favorite players to watch.”
The Journey to 895
Ovechkin’s journey to breaking the record was not without its challenges. He got off to a torrid start this season, scoring 15 goals through his first 18 games. However, a broken left fibula in a game against Utah threatened to derail his pursuit. It was the first time in Ovechkin’s 20-year career that he broke a bone. But as he famously declared after avoiding injury from an errant puck in 2006: “I’m OK, Russian machine never breaks.”
Within two days of the injury, Ovechkin rid himself of the walking boot and was soon back on the ice. He returned just after Christmas, scoring in each of his first two games back. Ovechkin’s unorthodox habits, such as his pregame meal of chicken parm and creamy alfredo from Mamma Lucia’s, have become legendary. “At this point in his career, he knows exactly what he needs to do to get himself ready,” said his locker mate Nic Dowd.
The Future of Ovechkin’s Record
As for whether anyone will come for Ovechkin’s record, it’s a question that remains to be answered. Should Ovechkin play next season and then retire, ESPN Research projects he will finish with 937 career goals. At his current goals pace, it would take Auston Matthews 11 seasons to surpass him, while Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid would need 13 and 14 seasons, respectively.
For now, the record belongs to Ovechkin. “This is something crazy. I’m probably going to need a couple more days. Maybe a couple weeks to realize what it means to be No. 1,” Ovechkin said. “All I can say I’m very proud. I’m very proud for myself. I’m really proud for my family, for all my teammates, that helped me to reach that milestone, and for all my coaches. It’s huge. It’s an unbelievable moment.”
Originally Written by: Emily Kaplan
