Mon Apr 07 03:01:11 UTC 2025: ## Ovechkin Overtakes Gretzky, Becomes NHL’s All-Time Leading Goal Scorer

**UNIONDALE, NY** – Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin etched his name into NHL history on Sunday, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record of 894 career goals. Ovechkin scored his 895th goal in the second period of a 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders, a power-play marker that ignited a celebratory frenzy.

The milestone goal, a wrist shot from the face-off circle, came seven minutes into the second period. The sellout crowd erupted as Ovechkin, after a brief celebration on the ice, was mobbed by his teammates. A ceremony followed featuring NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Gretzky himself, and Ovechkin’s family. Gretzky, on hand for the occasion, graciously acknowledged the record’s fall, stating, “They say records are made to be broken, but I’m not sure who’s going to get more goals than that.”

The Islanders, despite the loss, showed sportsmanship, tapping their sticks in respect before the celebrations began. Marc Gatcomb led the Islanders’ scoring with two goals, while Bo Horvat and Jean-Gabriel Pageau added one apiece. Ilya Sorokin made 28 saves for New York, while Charlie Lindgren stopped 18 shots for Washington.

Ovechkin’s achievement is even more remarkable considering he turned 39 in September and recently returned from a six-week injury layoff. He currently leads the league with 42 goals this season. The record-breaking goal, his 325th power-play goal, likely marks the beginning of a new era in NHL scoring history. Sidney Crosby, with 622 goals, is the closest active player to challenge Ovechkin’s new record.

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