Alex Ovechkin on Sunday made history after surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s NHL all-time career goals record.
Ovechkin overtook Gretzky’s mark of 894 goals after scoring in the second period in the Washington Capitals’ 4-1 defeat to the New York Islanders in Elmont, New York.
The 39-year-old rocketed a wrist shot past goalie and fellow Russian Ilya Sorokin.
Ovechkin now has 895 career goals.
The game was paused after Ovechkin’s goal for a ceremony to recognize his achievement in the sport.
“What a day!” Ovechkin told the crowd.
He then thanked his teammates, the Capitals organization, coaches, his family, the fans, and Sorokin for letting him get the record.
“It’s a team sport. Without my boys, I would never stand here, and obviously, I would never pass the Great One,” he added. “We did it, boys, we did it.
“Thank you, Ilya Sorokin, for letting me score 895 … and the last thing—to all of you fans, to all the world, Russia—we did it, boys, we did it. It’s history!”
