"The Magnificent Eight" stands alongside "The Greatest of All Time," and is ready to achieve a significant landmark.
As Wayne Gretzky looked on from a box at Capital One Arena, Alexander Ovechkin moved nearer to making history by scoring his 893rd and 894th goals, tying him for the top spot on the NHL’s all-time list.
The tying goal, which equaled some historic record, was scored midway through the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks. He grabbed the puck and sped towards the net from the left wing during a Capitals power play, managing to get it past the goaltender.
As Ovechkin fell to his knees, the Capitals' bench rushed onto the ice to join in celebrating the milestone score, while an ocean of red-clad supporters filling the stadium erupted into cheers.
The Capitals' forward achieved his 894th goal in a number of games that was one less than Gretzky's.
"It’s fine,” Gretzky stated during an in-game interview when discussing Ovechkin equaling his record. “My father used to tell Gordie Howe those words ages ago. That’s precisely what this sport is all about.”
That’s the essence of this sport... Alex has really made a mark with the Washington Capitals... He’s also done wonders for Russia... I feel incredibly proud of him... His achievements fill me with pride. That’s what makes our game truly special.
Ovechkin currently has six remaining regular-season games to break the record for most goals scored in NHL history, beginning with the match against the New York Islanders on Sunday afternoon.
The team leader of the Capitals apparently had the chance to play towards the end of the match and achieve the record-breaking goal along with a hat-trick in front of their home crowd. However, he informed his coaching staff that he prefers not to secure this record through scoring into an unguarded net.
Coach Spencer Carbery mentioned to journalists, "He aims to set a new record with a goalie in the net, and I respect that." He added, "He informed me of this on the sidelines, so I simply wanted to verify that he wasn’t thinking about giving up."
Even Ted Leonsis, the owner of the Capitals, joined in the celebration after the game, partying with the team and Gretzky in the locker room.
Wow, what a night. Wayne and Alex—they're practically inseparable," Leonsis shared on social media. "Talking about setting goals and surpassing expectations. So much class—dignity and history all in one place.
Only one more goal away from being solo at the pinnacle. Wayne stands as the greatest player ever—and the most elegant gentleman—the game has seen.
Ovechkin has been remarkably consistent recently as he pursues this prestigious milestone, scoring goals in five out of his last six matches, positioning himself to create history.
Some players truly transcend life itself," remarked John Carlson, who set up Ovechkin's goal, to the press following the match. "Only a select few seem able to do so. It appeared almost certain.
The NHL has committed to broadcasting all Capitals games nationwide for the remainder of the season as Ovechkin pursues the top spot in goalscorer rankings.
For those eager to see history unfold, tune into TNT on April 6 at 12:30 p.m. to catch the Capitals playing against the Islanders.
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