Ovechkin beats legendary Gretzky's NHL goal record

2 days ago 3

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Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals

Russia's Alex Ovechkin has become the National Hockey League's highest all-time scorer by hitting his 895th career goal to surpass the legendary Wayne Gretzky.

Canadian Hall of Famer Gretzky's record has stood for 26 years.

Washington Capitals' Ovechkin scored the historic goal against the New York Islanders on Sunday, with Gretzky in attendance.

The game was paused for players and spectators to acknowledge the historic moment.

Ovechkin's feat is all the more remarkable given that his season was interrupted for a few weeks when he broke his leg in November.

He tied with Gretzky on Friday, during the Capitals' 4-3 win over the Chicago Black Hawks.

Who is Alex Ovechkin?

Alex Ovechkin has been a mainstay for Washington Capitals since making his debut in 2005, helping them to their only Stanley Cup victory in 2017-18.

Having made his NHL debut in October 2005, Ovechkin has become one of the greats.

He has now passed the 40-goal mark in 14 of his 20 NHL seasons, despite missing a month of this campaign with a fractured fibula.

Known for his passionate celebrations and relaxed attitude towards the strict diets expected in the modern game, his face is plastered across the league's marketing material.

But it is the nation's capital where his star truly shines, and with the Capitals having already qualified for the post-season play-offs, he may soon be writing his name in the city's history books once again.

Who previously held the NHL goals record?

Ovechkin is passing an all-time great - indeed, Gretzky was given the rather straightforward nickname of 'The Great One' during his career.

The Canadian played 21 seasons in the NHL between 1979 and 1999 predominantly for the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings.

Gretzky has held the NHL goals record since he scored his 802nd on 23 March 1994, passing the total of post-war icon Gordie Howe, his compatriot and hero.

While he may have lost that record, Gretzky still holds the league record for the most overall points and assists.

Ovechkin may have edged closer, but The Great One remains out ahead on his own.