Ovechkin Ties Gretzky’s Record with Milestone Goals in Capitals’ Victory
WASHINGTON – Alex Ovechkin scored two goals, including the record-tying goal, as the Washington Capitals defeated the chicago Blackhawks 5-3 Friday night. Ovechkin’s 893rd and 894th career goals put him even with Wayne Gretzky for the most goals in NHL history.
“A Special Moment”: Ovechkin Responds to Gretzky’s Text and Achieves Historic Feat
Ovechkin revealed that Gretzky texted him before the game, saying, “Score three.” The Capitals captain expressed gratitude,stating,“It’s a special moment. It’s great for hockey, great for DC, great for all our fans to do it here in Washington… It’s fun. It’s always a pleasure to be in that category with those names, and thank you Wayne, for your support. It’s great.”
Ovechkin’s pair Propel capitals to Victory Over Blackhawks
Ovechkin opened the scoring in the first period and then tied the game, and Gretzky’s record of 894 goals, with a power-play one-timer in the third period. the goal ultimately served as the game-winner. John carlson, who recorded three assists on the night, including the primary assist on the record-tying goal, emphasized the significance of the moment for the city and the franchise. “There’s so much celebration for so long in this building, from the fans in this city for him and what he’s built here,” Carlson said. “And I think it goes without saying, his place in capitals history, and DC history, and DC sports history; I think he is that pillar.”
How Ovechkin Scored Goal No. 893 to lead Gretzky in first-period goals
With 16:16 remaining in the first period, Ovechkin took to the ice. After Dylan Strome won the faceoff, and after some passing the puck made it’s way to Ovechkin, who ripped a shot to the far corner of the net.
It was also his 242nd career first-period goal; he passed Gretzky (241) for the most in NHL history.
Game Recap: Capitals vs. Blackhawks
Chicago responded to Ovechkin’s opening goal when Tyler Bertuzzi scored to tie the game at 1-1. The Blackhawks then took a 2-1 lead in the 2nd. Martin Fehervary tied the game at 2 as the puck trickled thru the goalie’s five hole and shortly after Philipp Kurashev pounced on a rebound shot to put the Hawks back on top 3-2.
Strome also had a significant night, registering his 50th assist of the season on Ovechkin’s first goal. He is the first Capitals center other than Nicklas Backstrom or Evgeny Kuznetsov to reach that mark since Adam Oates in 2001-02. Strome tied the game in the third on a power play as well.
Ovechkin Scores Goal No. 894,Inches Closer to Gretzky’s Record
WASHINGTON – Alex Ovechkin scored his 894th career goal Tuesday night,continuing his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record. The Washington Capitals defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 5-3, with Ovechkin’s milestone goal igniting a fervent celebration.
A Historic Moment in Washington
The Capitals celebrated Ovechkin’s achievement as a remarkable moment in Washington sports history, especially fitting during the team’s 50th anniversary season.After the goal, the Washington bench emptied as teammates swarmed ovechkin. He then skated to the glass to fist-bump his family.
“I’m still a little shaking and can’t believe it,” Ovechkin said after the game, reflecting on the moment shared with his family.
Game Details: Capitals vs. Blackhawks
The capitals’ power play proved decisive. Connor muphy’s own-goal at 3:46 marked the fourth consecutive game where Washington capitalized with the man advantage. Shortly after, Chicago’s Connor Bedard was penalized, giving washington another power play opportunity.
Ovechkin’s goal, a one-timer from his “office” on the left dot, beat Blackhawks goalie Knight on the short side. ryan Leonard also scored his first NHL goal into an empty net, sealing the 5-3 victory at 18:24 of the third period.
Teammates and Legends React
Longtime teammate Tom Wilson expressed his joy for Ovechkin and his family, emphasizing the significance of the moment. “I’m just really, really happy for him, for [wife] Nastya, his family, his kids,” wilson said. “You try and burn those images into your head for as long as you can remember.”
Wayne Gretzky acknowledged Ovechkin’s impact on hockey, saying, “Alex has been so great for the city of Washington, he’s been so great for the National Hockey League, and he’s encouraged so many kids in his home country of Russia to play the sport of hockey. He’s been nothing but a champion, and I’m so proud that we’re tied. I can live with that for 24 more hours; I can still say I’m tied for the most.”
Looking Ahead
Despite efforts to secure a hat trick for Ovechkin and his 895th goal, Knight denied several attempts late in the game. “It wasn’t meant to be tonight for the record breaker, but we’ve got six games to go, and I’m pretty confident we’re going to find it in those six games,” said Dylan Strome.
Capitals coach Spencer Carbery noted Ovechkin’s flair for the dramatic, adding, “It’s a night that obviously, we all – me, standing behind the bench and watching it – will never forget.”
on April 2nd, 2025, Alex Ovechkin was just 3 goals shy of tying Wayne Gretzky. [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/02/sport/alex-ovechkin-nhl-goals-record-chase-spt/index.html)]
Ovechkin’s Chase for 800: A Historic Milestone Within Reach
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is closing in on another significant milestone in his illustrious career: 800 career regular-season goals. With six games remaining this season, Ovechkin aims to add to his already extraordinary tally and further solidify his place in NHL history.
Ovechkin’s Remarkable April Performance Fuels the Pursuit
Ovechkin is currently on a scoring streak, having netted goals in the last four consecutive games, accumulating five goals in that span. His past performance in April is notable, with 75 goals scored in just 115 April games throughout his career.This consistent late-season surge underscores his enduring skill and determination.
A Special Night Shared with Family and Friends
Reflecting on a recent game,presumably at home,Ovechkin expressed the significance of sharing the moment with loved ones. He remarked on the presence of numerous friends from various cities, emphasizing the historical importance of the event for both himself and the game of hockey.
Capitals’ Schedule and Ovechkin’s opportunity
The Capitals are scheduled to play on Long Island on Sunday afternoon, followed by a home game against Carolina on Thursday. These remaining games present Ovechkin with the opportunity to continue his pursuit of scoring milestones and contribute to his team’s success.
What is Ovechkin aiming for after tying Gretzky’s record?
Ovechkin Ties Gretzky’s Record with Milestone Goals in Capitals’ Victory and his Pursuit of 800 Goals
Q&A: Ovechkin’s Historic Feat and Pursuit
Q: Who did Alex Ovechkin tie for the most goals in NHL history?
A: Wayne Gretzky.
Q: How many goals did Ovechkin score to tie Gretzky’s record?
A: Two goals.
Q: What was the final score of the Capitals vs. Blackhawks game?
A: 5-3 in favor of the Capitals.
Q: What did Wayne Gretzky text Ovechkin before the game?
A: “Score three.”
Q: What was the importance of Ovechkin’s 894th goal?
A: It tied Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record.
Q: Who scored the first goal for Ovechkin that night?
A: He did himself.
Q: How many goals did Ovechkin need to tie Gretzky’s record?
A: He needed one goal to tie the record and two in order to pass Gretzky.
Q: What is meaningful about Ovechkin’s recent performance in April?
A: He has scored 75 goals in just 115 April games.
Q: What is the next milestone Ovechkin is aiming for?
A: He is closing in on 800 career regular-season goals.
Q: What did Tom Wilson say about Ovechkin’s milestone?
A: Tom Wilson was very happy for him and his family
Q: what is a “power-play one-timer”?
A: A shot taken quickly after receiving a pass while the team has a man advantage due to a penalty.
Trivia: Ovechkin’s nickname is ”Ovi” and he plays the left wing position.
Actionable Advice: Watch the Capitals’ remaining games to witness history in the making as Ovechkin continues his chase for records and milestones.
