Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky was an eyewitness to history on Friday night, watching from a suite as Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin scored twice to tie his all-time NHL record of 894 career goals. The moment marked a milestone in hockey history, equaling a mark that had stood unchallenged for 31 years.
Gretzky, who has closely followed Ovechkin’s illustrious career, has publicly committed to being present when the Capitals forward nets goal No. 895, the one that would officially crown him as the top scorer in NHL history.
Reflecting on his own experience, Gretzky recalled the night he broke Gordie Howe’s record of 801 goals on March 23, 1994. “My dad told me that same night, ‘Be as proud of the guy that breaks your record,’” Gretzky shared. His respect for Ovechkin was evident as he spoke shortly after the Russian star scored his 893rd goal.
Grezky: The importance of tradition and integrity
Gretzky explained that his presence is not only personal but symbolic of the sport’s traditions. “The integrity of the game,” he told NHL.com. “When I was breaking Gordie Howe’s record, he was there. And I said two years ago that if Alex gets close to my record, I’ll be here. That’s the National Hockey League, right? (Jean) Béliveau to Howe, (Bobby) Orr, (Mario) Lemieux, (Mark) Messier—you pass it down. If somebody breaks Alex’s record, I hope Alex is there to shake his hand. But right now, I hope Alex enjoys it. He deserves all the credit and accolades he’s getting.”
Wayne Gretzky and Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals speak with the media following the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena on April 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Gretzky’s praise for Ovechkin’s legacy
“Alex has been so great for the city of Washington,” Gretzky said after the game. “He’s been so great for the National Hockey League. And he’s inspired so many kids in his home country of Russia to play the sport of hockey. He’s been nothing but a champion, and I’m so proud that we’re tied. I can live with that for 24 more hours—I can still say I’m tied for the most.”
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Gretzky also praised Ovechkin’s consistency, particularly his ability to maintain elite scoring levels well into his late 30s. Scoring 40 goals in a season at this stage of a career, he noted, is nothing short of extraordinary.
All eyes on the next Ovechkin’s game
The anticipation surrounding Ovechkin’s next goal is electric. Gretzky reiterated that he will be in attendance when it happens. “Two years ago when people asked me, ‘Do you think Alex is going to break the record?’ I said, ‘It’s not a matter of if—it’s a matter of when,’” he said. “And when he does, I’m going to be there. So here I am.”
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With the Capitals set to face the New York Islanders in their next game, all eyes will be on Ovechkin as he chases the goal that will make him the NHL’s undisputed scoring king.
