"The Magnificent Eight" stands alongside "The Greatest of All Time," and is ready to achieve a new 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 goal-scoring list.
The tying goal, which equaled a record, was scored midway through the final period against the Chicago Blackhawks. He received the puck as he skated swiftly down the left wing and managed to shoot 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 the celebration of this landmark goal. Meanwhile, a throng of red-dressed supporters filling the stadium erupted into cheers.
The Capitals' forward achieved his 894th goal in five less 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 something similar ages 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 country, Russia, as well... It fills me with pride seeing everything he’s achieved... I’m immensely proud of him and 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 game against the New York Islanders on Sunday afternoon.
The team leader of the Capitals apparently had the chance to play later in 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 mentioned to reporters, "He aims to set a new record with a goalie in the net, and I respect that decision." 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.
What a night. Wayne and Alex—are 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 objective remains—to stand solo atop the pinnacle. Wayne outshines all as the greatest player ever—and the most elegant gentleman—the game recognizes true greatness.
Ovechkin has been on fire 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 ordinary existence," John Carlson, who set up Ovechkin's goal, told journalists following the match. "Only a select few seem able to achieve this. It appeared as though it was bound to happen.
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 being made, tune into TNT at noon thirty on April sixth to catch the Capitals playing against the Islanders.
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