History was made in New York on Sunday, April 6 as Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin scored career goal 895, passing Wayne Gretzky for the most goals all-time in NHL history.
ALEX OVECHKIN IS THE GREATEST GOALSCORER IN NHL HISTORY! 馃毃馃毃馃毃
鈥� NHL (@NHL)
The goal came on the power play at the 7:26 mark of the second period against the New York Islanders. It was also his 42nd goal of the season.
After the goal, the whole Capitals team celebrated with Ovechkin. The game paused for a ceremony to honour the NHL record, with Gretzky, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, and Ovechkin's family present.
Nothing but respect for The Great 8 as he makes history 馃
鈥� NHL (@NHL)
鈥淎lex Ovechkin has been an unstoppable force from the moment he entered the NHL in 2005 鈥� a unique package of effervescent personality, dynamic physicality and other-worldly talent for shooting the puck," said Bettman in a press release from the league. "His passion for winning is matched only by his incredible ability to score goals. And today, he stands alone. Having completed his relentless pursuit of a record most thought unbreakable, Alex makes hockey history 鈥� succeeding Wayne Gretzky, who had eclipsed Gordie Howe, who had surpassed Maurice Richard 鈥� as the National Hockey League鈥檚 all-time goals leader. The NHL salutes Alex Ovechkin for this astounding achievement.鈥�
鈥�It was my honour to hold the National Hockey League goals record for the last three decades. I now am delighted to pass that honour to a man who truly was born to put the puck in the net and who has played our game with remarkable passion and power," said Gretzky. "I forever will be grateful for the way my idol, Gordie Howe, congratulated me upon breaking his record in 1994. And I am thrilled that I could be in attendance to share this moment with you, Alex, as you now are the leading goal-scorer in NHL history.鈥�
鈥淎lex, congratulations from the Howe family 鈥� especially Gordie and Colleen. You are an amazing goal-scorer," said Mark Howe, son of Gordie. "I鈥檝e watched you for years and admired your skill and your competitiveness. To reach this milestone and pass Wayne Gretzky, which is something nobody thought possible, truly is special. It鈥檚 great for you, great for your family and great for the National Hockey League.鈥�
鈥淥n behalf of the Richard family, I would like to congratulate Alex Ovechkin for achieving what everybody thought was impossible: beating Wayne Gretzky鈥檚 record of 894 goals," said Maurice Richard Jr.
