Alex Ovechkin just tied Wayne Gretzky for a share of the NHL goals record.
Slapping home a one-timer home from his office, Ovechkin scored his 41st goal of the season and the 894th goal of his career. Ovi did so in one fewer game (1,486) than Gretzky (1,487) played in his career.
Ovechkin received a standing ovation as Washington Capitals players emptied the bench and celebrated with their captain along the corner boards. Once Ovechkin escaped his teammates’ hug, he went over the other side of the ice to high-five his son Sergei through the glass.
Wayne Gretzky and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman gave Ovechkin a standing ovation from the owner’s box. Ovechkin showed his respect to 99 by pointing to him and bowing.
NHL officials and the Chicago Blackhawks applauded and saluted Ovechkin for his incredible accomplishment on the ice as the crowd continued to roar. Oveckin’s wife Nastya and mom Tatyana emotionally applauded from the stands. Ovechkin blew kisses to his family from the bench.
Ovechkin’s tally gave the Capitals a 4-3 lead six minutes and 13 seconds into the third period. John Carlson and Andrew Mangiapane received the assists on the play.
The goal was Ovechkin’s second goal of the night. He scored career goal no. 893 at even strength during the first period.
Shortly after the goal, Gretzky spoke to Monumental Sports Network’s Al Koken from the owner’s box.
Al Koken: Wayne, you’ve got some company now.
Wayne Gretzky: That’s okay. That’s what my dad told Gordie Howe way back when, right? This is what the game is all about. Alex has been great for the game, great for Washington, great for his own country. It’s wonderful. I’m very proud of him. I’m proud of what I accomplished and that’s what makes our game so wonderful is the great athletes that we have but more importantly the great people that they are.
Al Koken: He seems to love these big moments doesn’t he?
Wayne Gretzky: Yeah, that’s what makes him a superstar, right? He’s special. When Messier retired and Gordie Howe retired and Lemieux retired and Bobby Orr retired, we thought, ‘Okay, what’s going to happen to our game now?’ And then along came Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin and now we’ve got McDavid, MacKinnon, Matthews. Our game just gets better all the time and that’s what’s so special.
Al Koken: And now he’s looking for one more.
Wayne Gretzky: I hope it happens tonight. It’d be fun. He deserves to do it in front of their fans.
What a moment. What a time to be alive. What an honor to watch this guy play.
