On Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 7:26 of the second period during the game against the New York Islanders., Alex Ovechkin officially cemented his place as one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history by scoring his 895th career goal, breaking a record that once seemed untouchable.
This moment wasn’t just another highlight in Ovechkin’s storied career — it was a historic achievement that reshaped the NHL record books and further solidified his legacy as a generational icon.
In a game against the Islanders, Ovechkin scored a powerplay goal that pushed him past Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894.
🏒 Goal number: 895
📍 Location: UBS Arena in Elmont, New York
⏱️ Time in period: 7: 26 – Second Period
🤝 Assisted by: Tom Wilson and Dylan Strome
As the puck hit the back of the net, the arena erupted. Teammates poured off the bench. Fans stood in ovation. Even opposing players and coaches took a moment to recognize the history that had just been made.
Alex Ovechkin, often nicknamed “The Great Eight,” has been rewriting the NHL’s scoring narrative since entering the league in 2005.
📅 Debut: October 5, 2005
🥅 Rookie season: 52 goals
📈 Most goals in a single season: 65 (2007-08)
🏆 3x Hart Trophy Winner (League MVP)
🥇 9x Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy Winner (Top goal scorer)
Ovechkin’s blend of raw power, pinpoint accuracy, and unmatched consistency has made him one of the most feared shooters in the league — especially from his signature spot on the left circle during the power play.
Here’s a quick breakdown of Ovechkin’s goal-scoring dominance:
| Milestone | Number of Goals | Age Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| 500 Goals | 500 | 30 |
| 700 Goals | 700 | 34 |
| 800 Goals | 800 | 37 |
| All-Time Record | 895 | 38 |
| Power Play Goals | 300+ | — |
| Game-Winning Goals | 120+ | — |
| Hat Tricks | 30+ | — |
“Alex is the greatest goal scorer of this era, and arguably of all time,” said Wayne Gretzky in a recent interview. “What he’s done in the modern NHL is nothing short of unbelievable.”
What sets Ovechkin apart isn’t just his power — it’s his durability and commitment to the game.
He’s played over 1,300 games, rarely missing time due to injury.
Even into his late 30s, he remains a top-10 scorer in the league.
He continues to evolve his game to adapt to today’s faster, younger NHL.
When Ovechkin entered the league, Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894 goals felt like a piece of hockey folklore — a record never to be broken.
Yet, as Ovi continued to rack up goals year after year, the impossible began to feel inevitable. And now that he’s reached and surpassed the milestone, he’s forced a new conversation:
Is Alex Ovechkin the greatest pure goal scorer in NHL history?
With his name now atop the all-time scoring list, Alex Ovechkin’s legacy is untouchable. He’s not just a Russian superstar or a Capitals legend — he’s a global hockey icon whose passion for scoring goals has transcended generations.
And the best part?
He’s still not done.
