Ovechkin passes gretzky

Alexander Ovechkin officially completed his chase of Wayne Gretzky’s goal scoring record. Ovechkin netted goal number 895 to become the NHL all time goals leader. The record stood for 31 years. 

The game stopped to commemorate the moment. Both teams stayed on the ice as the ceremony went on. Ovechkin was joined by his wife and two kids, the commissioner, and “the great one” Wayne Gretzky. 

The chase was in doubt earlier this season as Ovechkin broke his leg. He returned to action after only three weeks out. It looked like a long shot, but Ovechkin has scored 25 goals since the beginning of January. 

Ovechkin took 1,487 games to break Gretzky’s record, the same number of games that Gretzky took to set the record. 

Ovechkin has scored 42 goals this season at age 39. He is currently fourth in goals scored this year behind Leon Draisaitl, William Nylander, and Tage Thompson. Not only is Ovechkin dominating, but the Capitals are planted firmly in first place in the Eastern conference with 107 points. 

Ovechkin has not made it clear of any plans to retire after this season. He aims now to be the first player in NHL history to reach the 900 goal mark, as well as lead the capital to their second Stanley cup. 

It will be interesting to see what the final number will be for the goal record once Ovechkin retires. There's no telling when the next generational superstar could come around to challenge his crown for the NHL goal scoring king. 

Mason Garcia

DiSportsPhotoAgency

Associate Writer