Ovi Ties The Great One: Alex Ovechkin Just Froze Hockey History in Its Tracks

Washington, D.C.

Alex Ovechkin didn’t just score two goals Friday night — he ignited a sports moment that felt ripped straight from a movie script. In front of a roaring home crowd and under the eyes of the legend himself, Wayne Gretzky, Ovechkin lit up the Capital One Arena by tying the NHL’s most iconic record: 894 career goals.

Yes. It finally happened. The unthinkable. The “unreachable.”

Wayne Gretzky’s sacred all-time goals record has officially been matched — and by a player many doubted could ever do it.

This Wasn’t Just a Game — It Was a Coronation

At 39 years old, with the wear and tear of nearly two decades in the league, Ovi still came out swinging. He didn’t just glide into history — he blasted into it.

Goal No. 893 came just minutes into the first period. A classic Ovechkin moment: a hard, cold one-timer from the circle off a crisp Dylan Strome feed. Vintage stuff.

But it was Goal No. 894 that broke the hockey universe.

Six minutes into the third period, a clean dish from John Carlson found Ovechkin’s stick — and in one swift motion, the puck screamed past Chicago’s netminder, tying The Great One.

The game paused. The crowd exploded. The air shifted. Goosebumps.

He saluted the fans. He high-fived his family. He even blew a kiss to Gretzky, who was smiling, clapping, and visibly moved. If you were in the building, you’ll be telling your grandkids about it. If you weren’t? You felt it through the screen.

And in a classy twist? The entire Blackhawks squad stayed on the ice after the game to congratulate him. That’s not hockey etiquette — that’s respect at the highest level.

Still More Than Just a Scorer

Let’s be clear — Ovechkin isn’t padding his stats. He’s breaking molds.

This was his 40th goal of the season, making him the first player in NHL history to hit the 40-goal mark three times after turning 35. That’s not just longevity — that’s legendary.

He’s also a teammate-first guy. With a shot at breaking the record on an empty net late in the game, he passed on the glory and gave the puck to rookie Ryan Leonard for his first career goal. That’s goat behavior. Literally.

“I told coach I didn’t want to take it,” Ovechkin said postgame. “I’m happy for Leo. The kid has a great future.”

This man isn’t just rewriting the record books. He’s shaping the future of hockey — one unselfish shift at a time.

A Record Years in the Making — But Still Controversial

Here’s where it gets spicy. Traditionalists argue Gretzky’s era was tougher. That the game was different. That Ovechkin’s total comes with a giant asterisk.

But let’s get real: 894 goals is 894 goals. Across eras. Across generations. Across doubters.

And Gretzky himself? He’s not only giving Ovi his flowers — he’s cheering him on.

“He’s been nothing but a champion,” Gretzky said after the game. “I’m so proud we’re tied. I can live with that… for another 24 hours.”

Because yes — Ovi’s not done. He’s got six regular season games left. He’s not just tying this thing — he’s about to own it. Alone. Undisputed.

And when that next puck hits twine, the argument dies. The debates end. And the GOAT conversation shifts — permanently.

Next Stop: Immortality

Ovechkin’s next shot at destiny comes Sunday against the Islanders on the road, but fans are already eyeing April 10 — the next home game in D.C. Could that be the night history changes for good?

Will it be on a breakaway? A trademark slapshot from his office? A gritty rebound? Doesn’t matter.

The world will be watching. History will be waiting.

And Ovi? He’s skating straight toward it.