One year ago today, one of the greatest games in Washington Capitals history was played at Capital One Arena.
Against the Chicago Blackhawks on April 4, 2025, Alex Ovechkin finished his long-thought-impossible goals chase and reached the mountaintop, tying the game’s greatest player, Wayne Gretzky, in career goals.
The Great One was in attendance to see the moment live, too, sitting in Ted Leonsis’s owner’s box.
Goal 893
Ovechkin started the night off by scoring on a one-timer from the slot 3:52 into the first period. After taking a slick pass from Dylan Strome behind the net, Ovechkin sent a shot that hit off the far post but then ricocheted off Knight and in. Strome and John Carlson were awarded the assists.
“ALEX OVECHKIN HAS WAYNE GRETZKY DEAD AHEAD,” yelled Joe Beninati as Capital One Arena went berserk.
Goal 894
Ovechkin then tied Gretzky’s career mark in one fewer game, hammering home a one-timer for his 324th career power-play goal. Carlson and Strome got the assists.
“THE GREAT 8 STANDS SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE GREAT ONE,” said Beninati.
Capitals players emptied the bench and celebrated with Ovechkin in the corner.
Once Ovechkin emerged from the pig pile, he located Gretzky in the crowd and bowed to him from ice level, showing respect to his past accomplishments.
Ovechkin would have an opportunity for the hat trick and break Gretzky’s record as Chicago pulled Knight late in the game for an extra attacker. But Ovechkin would ultimately choose to stay on the bench. Ryan Leonard then scored his first career NHL goal.
While conducting an interview with Al Koken after the game, Ovechkin began tearing up and replied, “I’m happy I did it here.”
The Capitals then celebrated Ovechkin’s milestone with a beer bath inside the locker room. Two days later, he’d sit atop the mountaintop alone.
RMNB coverage of 894
- Alex Ovechkin ties Wayne Gretzky for the most goals in NHL history with 894
- Alex Ovechkin tears up in interview after scoring 894th goal and tying Wayne Gretzky: ‘I’m happy I did it here’
- TJ Oshie and Capitals’ Stanley Cup champions didn’t see Alex Ovechkin’s 894th career goal: ‘I can’t believe we missed it’
- Alex Ovechkin gets beer bath from Capitals teammates after scoring 894th career goal: ‘Best shower of my life’
- Alex Ovechkin passes Jaromir Jagr for most game-winning goals in NHL history
- Alex Ovechkin reached career goal no. 894 in one fewer game than Wayne Gretzky played
- Sidney Crosby on Alex Ovechkin’s record-tying goal: ‘For anyone who is a fan of the game and appreciates what he’s doing, it’s pretty cool to see’
- Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight congratulates Alex Ovechkin after scoring 894th goal, thanks Ovi for not scoring record-breaking goal on him
- Zdeno Chara congratulates Alex Ovechkin on tying Wayne Gretzky for all-time goals record: ‘I am still in awe and can’t describe how amazing this is’
- Why Alex Ovechkin bowed to Wayne Gretzky after tying the NHL goals record: ‘It’s history’
- Pat Maroon on witnessing Alex Ovechkin’s 893rd career goal from the ice: ‘It was a moment that I’ll remember for the rest of my life’
- Ryan Leonard scores first NHL goal on same night Alex Ovechkin ties Wayne Gretzky for all-time goals record
- Ryan Leonard congratulated by Wayne Gretzky on first NHL goal in Capitals locker room
