Alex Ovechkin’s reacts with one word after scoring 895th career goal to break Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record

The NHL’s all-time scoring list now reads Alex Ovechkin above Wayne Gretzky—a sight few ever thought they’d live to witness. After Ovechkin netted his record-setting 895th NHL career goal during the Washington Capitals’ 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders, the 39-year-old star had a powerful, one-word reaction that perfectly summed up the moment.

Though less than four years have passed since UBS Arena opened in 2021, one of the NHL’s newest barns has already hosted perhaps the most memorable day in the league’s 21st-century history.

Ovechkin fired a brilliant wrist shot from distance to beat fellow countryman Ilya Sorokin and register his record-breaking 895th NHL goal, surpassing Gretzky and etching his name atop a pinnacle few believe he’ll ever be dethroned from.

The roof blew off after the puck hit the net, and everyone in attendance celebrated—regardless of which team’s sweater they were wearing. It was a goal for the Capitals, but a milestone for hockey fans across the NHL.

Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals poses with former NFL player Wayne Gretzky and the puck used during his 895th career goal in the second period against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on April 06, 2025 in Elmont, New York.

Ovechkin certainly understood the magnitude of his accomplishment, celebrating his goal with a headfirst sliding dive. When longtime teammate Tom Wilson approached him for a big hug, Ovechkin shouted one word that perfectly described the moment. “History,” he declared with excitement amid the frenzy on the ice at Belmont Park.

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Sports-wide acclaim

Gretzky said it best during the celebratory speeches at UBS Arena. “What a great day, not just for hockey, for sports,” Oilers legend Wayne Gretzky stated. Ovechkin’s record-setting afternoon in Long Island made waves all over sports, as big personalities sent powerful messages to the Capitals’ captain.

All-time greats like LeBron James, Michael Phelps, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, and Simone Biles chimed in to address Ovechkin’s accomplishment. Lakers star LeBron James experienced a similar milestone as he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most points in NBA history.

“Alex, congratulations on being the NHL’s all time leading goalscorer, man,” James stated on a video posted by @NHL on X. “It’s an unbelievable accomplishment, and I know when reaching any type of goal, it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, and you’re a byproduct of that.”