Alex Ovechkin ties Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goals record

Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin has tied Wayne Gretzky’s NHL all-time goals record (895), following his second goal in the team’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has tied Wayne Gretzky’s NHL all-time goals record with his 894th goal after he scored twice Friday in the team’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks. With the Hall of Famer in attendance, Ovechkin entered Friday night’s contest needing three goals to break the record and two to tie it. The 39-year-old wasted no time in getting on the board, getting a behind-the-net feed from Dylan Strome before firing a one-timer from the circle to beat Blackhawks’ goalkeeper Spencer Nightoff for his 893rd career goal at 3:53 of the first period. “Oh yeah, everyone’s buzzing right now. Wayne is here, so yeah, it’s a special moment,” Ovechkin told Monumental Sports Network on if he felt the atmosphere of the crowd. The goal marked the 40th of the season for Ovechkin, becoming the first player in league history with three 40-goal campaigns at age 35 and over. For most of the game, it seemed as if Ovechkin would have to wait to match Gretzky. A chance in the final minute of the second period appeared like it would draw him level with the historic record but he missed just wide.