"The Magnificent 8" stands alongside "The Greatest of All Time," and is ready to achieve a new landmark.
As Wayne Gretzky looked on from a box at the Capital One Arena, Alexander Ovechkin moved nearer to making history by scoring his 893rd and 894th career goals, tying him for the top spot on the NHL’s all-time list.
The tying goal, which equaled a historic record, was scored midway through the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks. He received the puck as he skated swiftly down the left wing and managed to score it past the goaltender during a Capitals power play.
As Ovechkin fell to his knees, the Capitals' bench rushed onto the ice to join in celebrating this milestone goal, while an ocean of red-clad supporters filling the arena erupted into cheers.
The Capitals forward reached his 894th goal in five fewer games compared to Gretzky.
"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 long ago. This is exactly what our sport is meant for.”
This is exactly what this sport is all about... Alex has really made a difference for the Washington Capitals... His contributions extend to his home nation, Russia, as well... I feel incredibly proud of him... It’s his achievements that make 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 game 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 right here at their 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, "He aims to set a new record with a goalie in the net, and I respect his determination." He further mentioned, "He informed me of this on the sidelines, so I simply needed to ensure that he wasn’t looking to leave voluntarily."
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.
Only one more goal away from being solo at the pinnacle. Wayne is undoubtedly the greatest player ever—and the most dignified gentleman—the game has ever seen.
Ovechkin has been on fire recently as he pursues the esteemed record, scoring goals in five out of his last six matches to position himself for making history.
Some players truly embody living legends,” John Carlson, who set up Ovechkin's goal, told journalists 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 in to TNT at 12:30 p.m. on April 6 to catch the Capitals playing against the Islanders.
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