Alex Ovechkin was immortalized in an actual record book this week, but I hope they have some whiteout.
The Washington Capitals captain was honored on Friday by the Russian Book of Records, a Moscow-based publication associated with the World Book of Records, which presented him with two framed certificates recognizing him as the NHL’s all-time greatest goal scorer. Ovechkin can be seen posing with the book’s founder and editor-in-chief, Stanislav Konenko, in an Instagram post commemorating the occasion.
“The legendary captain of the Washington Capitals has officially entered the Russian Book of Records for the most goals scored by a player in NHL regular seasons,” the post’s caption reads. “897 goals — a historic achievement that has already become a symbol of perseverance, consistency, and athletic prowess. Alexander Ovechkin didn’t just break Wayne Gretzky’s record — he has already rewritten hockey history on behalf of Russia. These are not just numbers. They are years of training, hundreds of games, thousands of shots, and millions of fans inspired by his play. Alexander Ovechkin has now officially become a part of national history.”
The Russian Book of Records classified Ovechkin’s record as having been set on April 18, 2025, when he notched his 897th career goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The marker was his 44th and final of the 2024-25 regular season.
The occasion was the third time since April 6 that Ovechkin had broken his own goal-scoring record, when he officially passed Gretzky with goal no. 895 against the New York Islanders. He’s likely going to extend that record quite a few times during the 2025-26 NHL season. He’s only three goals shy of becoming the first player in league history to record 900 career goals.
The Russian Book of Records should prepare itself for several reprints and possibly add additional categories in its hockey section. Ovechkin could still catch Gretzky for most NHL goals in the regular season and playoffs combined (1,016), among several other records.
The 39-year-old completed the historic feat this year after successfully recovering from a 40-day stint on injured reserve for a broken fibula suffered earlier in the campaign. Ovechkin, who will turn 40 on September 17, is heading into his 21st season in the NHL.
Ovechkin is expected to return stateside next month after spending time in Russia with his family and participating in a few friendly games like the “Match of the Year” and the Ovi Cup gala match. The 2025-26 season is Ovechkin’s last under contract with the Capitals, and he has not revealed any definitive plans to retire or sign an extension.
