- Alex Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s record for most goals in NHL history on Sunday. Ovechkin scored his 895th goal during a power play against the New York Islanders.
- Ovechkin is the NHL’s all-time leader in power-play goals, overtime goals, and game-winning goals.
- In his record pursuit, Ovechkin has raised funds for pediatric cancer research, donating an amount equal to his goal total for every goal scored through the rest of his career.
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Alex Ovechkin has surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s record for most goals in NHL history, netting the 895th of his career Sunday, April 6. The Washington Capitals’ captain achieved the milestone during a power play against the New York Islanders by beating fellow Russian Ilya Sorokin in the second period. Ovechkin had never scored on Sorokin before, making him the 183rd different goaltender he has bested.
With Gretzky and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in attendance, the game paused as players and fans celebrated the historic achievement. Ovechkin tied Gretzky’s record Friday, April 4, with two goals in a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Opting not to chase a hat trick after the Blackhawks pulled their goalie late in the third period, Ovechkin said, “I don’t want an empty net” when he sets the record.
Other records
Ovechkin is also the NHL’s all-time leader in power-play goals and overtime goals. He surpassed Jaromír Jágr for the most game-winning goals with his 136th on Friday. He has scored 50 more power-play goals than Hall of Famer Dave Andreychuk, who is second on the list.
Gretzky breaks record in 1994
Gretzky set the goals record on March 23, 1994, as a member of the Los Angeles Kings, when his 802nd goal surpassed Gordie Howe’s career mark.
In his pursuit of the record, Ovechkin has used his platform to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. He is donating an amount equal to his goal total for every goal he scores through the rest of his career and is encouraging fans to contribute on a per-goal basis.