Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates with defenseman Matt Roy (3) after scoring in the during the second period against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. Ovechkin scored the 895th goal of his career, breaking the NHL all-time career goals record previously held by Wayne Gretzky. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Watch: Alex Ovechkin passes Wayne Gretzky for most NHL goals

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Apr 6, 2025 2:07 PM ET

"The GR8 Chase" is officially over. Alex Ovechkin is the greatest goal scorer in NHL history.

The Washington Capitals captain scored his 895th career goal on Sunday against the New York Islanders, beating goalie Ilya Sorokin on a vintage power-play shot from the left faceoff circle, also known as his "office."

A sight we’ve seen 894 times before this and each and every single time has been in a Capitals sweater.

Thank you, O!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/NgDK9EZopG
— x - Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 6, 2025

Ovechkin's teammates mobbed the ice to celebrate with him as he leapt with joy and slid across the playing surface on his belly. Tom Wilson had the honor of notching the assist on the historic moment.

The NHL paused the game for a ceremony to honor Ovechkin's achievement featuring league commissioner Gary Bettman, Gretzky himself and Ovechkin's family and teammates.

"I don't know who's doing to get more goals than that," Gretzky said in his speech at center ice.

Ovechkin's second period strike halved New York's lead to 2-1. It was the first time in his career that he beat Sorokin, a fellow Russian.

With still a year remaining on his contract with Washington, Ovechkin is well on his way to extending his record and becoming the first player in NHL history to score 900 career goals.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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