"The Magnificent Eight" stands alongside "The Greatest of All Time," and is ready to achieve a new landmark.
With Wayne Gretzky watching from a suite at Capital One Arena, Alexander Ovechkin inched closer to history as he scored the 893rd and 894th goals of his career to tie the all-time NHL record.
The history-tying goal came halfway through the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks when he took the puck racing down the left wing and put it past the goalie during a Capitals power play.
As Ovechkin fell to his knees, the Capitals' bench rushed onto the ice to join in the celebration of this landmark goal. Meanwhile, a throng of spectators dressed in red filled the arena, their cheers echoing loudly.
The Capitals forward scored his 894th goal in one fewer game than Gretzky.
"That's OK," Gretzky said during a mid-game interview regarding Ovechkin tying his record. "That's what my dad told Gordie Howe way back in the day. That's what this game is all about.
"That's what this game is all about ... Alex has been great for Washington (Capitals) ... He's been great for his own country (Russia) ... And I'm very proud of him ... I'm proud of what he accomplished. And that's what makes our game so wonderful.
Ovechkin now has six games left in the regular season to become the leading goal-scorer in history, starting with the New York Islanders on Sunday afternoon.
It’s said that the Capitals team leader might have gotten the chance to play towards the end of the match and achieve the record-breaking goal along with a hat trick right here at their home arena. However, he informed his coaching staff that he prefers not to secure this record through scoring into an unguarded net.
Coach Spencer Carbery stated to journalists, "I admire his intention to set a new record with a goalie in the crease," adding that the player had informed him about this during their time on the bench and he simply needed assurance that the player was not considering quitting.
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.
What a night. Wayne and Alex—they’re inseparable," Leonsis shared on social media. "Talking about setting goals and surpassing expectations. So much class—dignity and history all in one place.
"One more goal to go— to be alone at the top. Wayne is the best player ever— and the classiest man— Game knows Game."
Ovechkin has been on a tear lately as he chases down the hallowed record, notching goals in five of his last six games to set himself up to make history.
“Some guys are larger than life," John Carlson, who assisted Ovechkin's goal, said to reporters after the game. "It just seems like only a few people are capable of it. It seemed inevitable.”
The NHL has pledged to nationally broadcast every Capitals game for the rest of the season as Ovechkin chases the goal scoring title.
Those looking to witness history can watch the Capitals take on the Islanders at 12:30 p.m. on April 6 on TNT.
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