Watch: Capitals' Alex Ovechkin Honored After Breaking Goals Record

The NHL made sure to honor and celebrate Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin as the newest all-time leading scorer.

Apr 6, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) is honored with a painting by artist Tony Harris by 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 / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin made history with his 895th career goal, becoming the all-time leader in NHL history. A power play goal from Ovechkin pulled the Capitals to within one of the New York Islanders, but it launched a big celebration from everyone at UBS Arena.

Ovechkin took a face-first dive towards center ice as his Capitals teammates hopped onto the ice to congratulate him. The game was briefly paused for a ceremony to celebrate and honor Ovechkin for his incredible accomplishment.

Ovechkin was joined on the ice by his family, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, and the man he surpassed, Wayne Gretzky.

Bettman, Gretzky, and Ovechkin all took time to speak on the milestone with Ovechkin receiving a commemorative painting to commemorate the moment.

Gretzky opened his time on the microphone by cracking a quick joke for the Islanders faithful.

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

“It’s nice not to be at the Nassau Coliseum,” Gretzky said. “I lost a lot of games there.”

After a loud ovation from the Islanders crowd, Gretzky got on with congratulating Ovechkin for his history making moment.

“I can tell you first-hand, I know how hard it is to get to 894,” Gretzky said. “895 is pretty special. My congratulations to not only Alex… There’s nothing better in the National Hockey League. They say records are made to be broken, but I’m not sure who’s going to get more goals than that.”

Gretzky was appropriately donning a No. 9 pin to honor Gordie Howe, the man he took the goals record from in 1994.

Janet Gretzky also presented Nastya Ovechkin with a gift, just like Colleen Howe did for Janet on that day in 1994.

“The legacy of hockey passes down,” Gretzky said.

Ovechkin spoke for a few minutes and made sure to thank Islanders goalie and fellow Russian native, Ilya Sorokin.

“Thank you for letting me score 895,” Ovechkin said. “I love you brother.”

The record-breaking goal was Ovechkin's first against Sorokin in his entire career.

Each of the Capitals were donning special hats to honor the moment as they surrounded Ovechkin for a memorable team picture.

Make sure you bookmark Breakaway On SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage, and more!

• Penguins Stars Congratulate Alex Ovechkin
• Capitals' Alex Ovechkin Breaks Wayne Gretzky's All-Time Goals Record
• Capitals' Alex Ovechkin Can Break Record With Another Career First
• Canadiens Running Away With Playoff Spot
• Kings Victory Previews Upcoming Playoff Series