• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 16, 2025

Alex Ovechkin Breaks NHL All-Time Scoring Record, Netting 895th Goal

In his 20th NHL season, the Capitals’ superstar ended the GR8 Chase by downing the record held by Wayne Gretzky since 1994, a mark once widely considered untouchable.

Apr 6, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; former Canadian-American ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky and Comissioner of the NHL Gary Bettman congratulates Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) after scoring a goal in the 2nd period against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. The goal is the 895th of Ovechkin’s career, breaking the NHL all-time career goals record previously held by Wayne Gretzky.at UBS Arena
Geoff Burke/Imagn Images

The GR8 Chase is over. Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin tallied his 895th goal on Sunday, making him the top scorer in National Hockey League history and new owner of one of the most hallowed records in sports.

With a second-period power play snipe against the Islanders at UBS Arena, Ovechkin broke the NHL record of 894 goals, held by Wayne Gretzky since 1994 and long considered an impossible bar to clear.

The 39-year-old Ovechkin pursued the mark in a relentless, steady fashion, posting 14 seasons with at least 40 goals over a 20-year career. Even in this current season, Ovechkin ranks third in the league with 42 goals—despite being one of the league’s oldest players and missing more than a month of games with a broken fibula. Ovechkin is also the all-time leader in power play goals.

Following the record-setting goal, play paused with a celebration on the ice, with both the Capitals and Islanders lining up to congratulate Ovechkin. Chants of “Ovi, Ovi” rang out in the packed house as a video celebration of Ovechkin’s career highlights played. In a center-ice ceremony, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, Gretzky, and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis joined Ovechkin.

“What a day, eh?” Ovechkin said. “We did it, boys!” He also thanked fellow Russian Ilya Sorokin for letting in the shot.

On Friday night, the Moscow-born Ovechkin tied the all-time record on home ice with two goals against the Blackhawks in what was his 1,486th regular-season NHL game—one fewer than Gretzky took to notch 894 goals. Secondary-market ticket prices subsequently shot up for Sunday’s game, spiking above $1,000 in some instances, a normally unheard-of sum for a regular-season NHL game.

The GR8 Chase has been a major late-season storyline for the league, which was already riding a resurgent wave of fan interest following the highly successful 4 Nations Face-Off in February. Ovechkin’s pursuit of the record has prompted a series of broadcast shifts to give the Capitals additional national exposure. 

The team’s ownership group, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, also struck a recent agreement with the NHL to allow its regional sports network, Monumental Sports Network, and longtime Capitals play-by-play broadcaster Joe Beninati to call the historic goal—despite Sunday’s game appearing on TNT. Monumental immediately shared a highlight of Beninati’s call across its digital and social platforms, and a full, local production of the game will be replayed later.

Oveckin’s pursuit of history, meanwhile, has added to a historic campaign for the Capitals in which the franchise is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season. The team is also pursuing the Presidents’ Trophy, and entered Sunday’s game just one point behind the league-leading Jets.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NHL Raises Concerns Over 2026 Olympic Arena’s Delayed Construction

The commissioner says construction progress in Italy remains a deep concern.

Bears Hit Another Speed Bump for New $5B Stadium in Suburbs

A new state bill would impose several conditions on the NFL team.
Cody Campbell

Texas Tech Booster Cody Campbell Slams Conference PE Deals

Campbell said the concept goes against “all the laws of finance.”

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links GC sits during a break in their TGL golf match against Atlanta Drive GC at SoFi Center on March 4, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Latest Tiger Woods Surgery Bad News for TGL, PGA Tour Champions

Woods is recovering from his seventh back surgery in 11 years.
Bucks
October 7, 2025

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.
Nov 28, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (20) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit:
October 9, 2025

Hockey Canada Trial’s Michael McLeod Signs Outside NHL

Fans in Carolina protested the team’s interest in the Hockey Canada 5.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Napheesa Collier
October 5, 2025

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Caitlin Clark
October 3, 2025

Cathy Engelbert Denies Saying Caitlin Clark Should Be ‘Grateful’ For WNBA

“Obviously I did not make those comments.”
Caitlin Clark
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.
Caitlin Clark
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Backs Napheesa Collier in Fight With WNBA

Clark had her exit interview on Thursday after an injury-riddled season.