With two strikes against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, Alex Ovechkin made history and tied Wayne Gretzky for the NHL goals record of 894. Gretzky was at Capital One Arena, sitting in the Capitals owner’s box with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to see it happen live.
The Capitals’ bench emptied to mob Ovechkin along the corner boards as Capitals fans roared. Eventually, Ovechkin made his way out of the morass to high-five his son Sergei through the glass. He then skated to center ice, where he found Gretzky in the stands. In a powerful moment, Ovechkin bowed to the goals king of the last 31 years — Gretzky passed Gordie Howe on March 23, 1994 — and waved.
Video taken by Brad Lefkowitz and submitted by Stephanie Litos
Gretzky returned the respectful gesture with a thumbs up and a salute.
“Just seeing him skate over and bow down to Wayne’s box, it was just shivers,” Tom Wilson said post-game. “It was just something that everyone dreams of being a part of, and to have a front-row seat and see him, I’m just so proud of him and so happy for him. As far as the game of hockey, it’s something when I get old I’m sure I’ll be telling that story over and over and over.”
Ovechkin admitted during a joint press conference with The Great One that he still had jitters, grappling with what he had just accomplished.
“I’m still a little shaking and still can’t believe it,” Ovechkin said looking at his hand. “It’s nice that my family here, my mom, my wife, my kids, father-in-law, lots of friends came from lots of different cities. It’s history. It’s great for the game. It’s great to do it here. It’s special.”
Gretzky felt it was important to be there to celebrate the moment, not only because he’s developed a personal relationship with Ovi but for the integrity of the game. He came down to the Capitals’ locker room afterward to take photos with Ovechkin holding the milestone 894th goal puck and with the rest of the team.
“When I was breaking Gordie Howe’s record, he was there,” Gretzky said. “And I said two years ago that if Alex gets close to my record, I’ll be here. That’s the National Hockey League, right? Beliveau to Howe, Orr, Lemieux, Messier, you pass it down. And I hope, and you guys might not believe me, if somebody breaks Alex’s record, I hope Alex is there to shake his hand.
“But right now, I hope Alex enjoys it, and he deserves all the credit and accolades he’s getting,” he continued. “But the game is my life, right? I’m a Canadian lucky enough to play in the NHL. And everything I have in my life, from my family to my friends to my memories, is because of the National Hockey League. And I tell kids who get drafted all the time, work hard. Gordie Howe told me to have fun and you’re gonna love it, there’s no better job in life than to play in the National Hockey League.”
Gretzky knew his record was in trouble “a long time ago” and did not find it a “big surprise.” He wasn’t bitter at all.
“Not one bit,” Gretzky said. “Happy for Alex. My grandfather was Russian, he’d be really happy that a Russian broke my record. So good for Alex.”
As for the reception the Canadian hockey great received both from Ovechkin and Capitals fans, Gretzky was over the moon about the kindness he received.
“Washington fans are nice. Hockey fans are nice, right?” Gretzky said. “I can’t say enough good things. Two years ago, when people said to me, ‘Do you think Alex is gonna break the record?’ I said it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when, and when he does, I’m gonna be there. And so I’m here.”
