It didn’t take long for Alex Ovechkin to find the back of the net with Wayne Gretzky in attendance at Capital One Arena.
On his second shift, Ovechkin fired a one-timer past Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight, giving the Capitals a 1-0 lead 3:52 into the first period.
The goal marked Ovi’s 893rd career goal, putting the legendary Russian one away from tying The Great One for the most goals in NHL history. It also marked Ovechkin’s fourteenth career 40-goal season.
Ovi found paydirt after taking a pass from Dylan Strome skating around the net. The Capitals’ captain’s initial shot hit the back bar but then ricocheted off Knight and in. Strome and John Carlson were awarded the assists.
“Great pass, obviously Carly do great job keep puck in the zone, put it behind the net,” Ovechkin said during the first intermission to Monumental Sports Network’s Al Koken. “I think Stromer knows right away that I’m over there so it’s a good flat pass and, you know, I get lucky. Off the post and went in.”
Gretzky could be seen clapping from the owner’s box, where he sat beside FBI director Kash Patel and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. Bettman was also at Wednesday’s Capitals game against the Carolina Hurricanes.
During the next TV timeout, Capitals PA announcer Wes Johnson announced Gretzky to the crowd, and he received a standing ovation.
“Mr. Bettman and I talk about this a lot: it’s great for hockey,” Gretzky said during the first intermission. “I’m so happy for the league and so proud of Alex. When I broke Gordie’s record, my dad told me that same night that he would be as proud of the guy that breaks your record.”
Ovechkin is now on pace to tie Gretzky’s record on Long Island against the New York Islanders this Sunday and pass him on April 12 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Ovechkin also managed some history in the process, becoming the first player in NHL history with at least three 40-goal seasons at age 35 or older.
