Alex Ovechkin made NHL history on Sunday, scoring his 895th career goal to surpass Wayne Gretzky as the league’s all-time leading goal scorer. The milestone came during the Washington Capitals’ 4–1 loss to the New York Islanders at UBS Arena.
The 39-year-old forward broke the record at 7:26 of the second period on a power play. Taking a pass from Tom Wilson, Ovechkin fired a wrist shot from the top of the left faceoff circle that beat Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin on the blocker side, trimming New York’s lead to 2–1.
Ovechkin was reflective during a post-goal on-ice ceremony:
“What a day, huh? Like I always said, all the time, it’s a team sport and without my boys — the whole organization, the fans, the trainers, coaches — I would never be standing here, and obviously I would never pass the ‘Great One.’ So, fellas, thank you very much.”
Despite the historic moment, Washington was unable to capitalize on the momentum. Goaltender Charlie Lindgren made 18 saves, but the Capitals (49-19-9) missed an opportunity to clinch the Metropolitan Division. They remain 11 points ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Caps’ coach Spencer Carbery wasn’t pleased with the game outcome:
“I’m frustrated about how the game went after [Ovechkin’s goal], but it’s not an easy scenario that our players have just gone through in the last 72 hours. I’m not taking anything away from the New York Islanders because the game was at 12:30 and it started at 12:30 for them as well. But it’s a difficult stretch for us.
“I thought that goal would have snowballed and was hoping it would create some momentum for our group, but that didn’t happen.”
Marc Gatcomb scored twice for New York, and Sorokin stopped 28 shots. The Islanders (34-32-10) secured back-to-back wins for the first time since mid-March and remain seven points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final Eastern Conference wild card spot. Montreal defeated the Nashville Predators 2–1 later on Sunday to maintain their edge.
Islanders coach Patrick Roy commended his team’s focus during the Ovechkin hoopla:
“It was important for us to find a way to win that game, and that’s exactly what we did. What I love about our guys is they stay focused. I mean, it was a lot of attention on Ovi on this one, and I thought we stayed focused even after he scored his goal, which is a great moment for hockey.”
“Our guys kept the focus, and as soon as the puck dropped [after the ceremony], we were back. It was nice to see our guys coming back and play the same way, but you had to take the moment. It’s a great moment and it’s great for our game. And I think you need to acknowledge what he’s done for hockey.”
Ovechkin had a near miss earlier in the game at 2:35 of the first period, redirecting a shot that Sorokin managed to stop. The Islanders opened the scoring less than five minutes later when Bo Horvat converted a pass from Simon Holmstrom in the low slot at 7:06. Gatcomb added his first of the game two minutes later, finishing a return pass from Kyle MacLean high on the glove side.
Ovechkin responded with his record-breaking 42nd goal of the season early in the second period.
The new NHL all-time scoring leader continued to reflect on his journey:
“To be honest with you, when I was tying the record, I still can’t believe it. It was so emotional, it was such a great night, but this is something crazy. I’m probably going to need a couple more days or maybe a couple weeks to realize what it means to be No. 1.”
“But I can say I’m very proud. I’m really proud for myself. I’m really proud for my family, for all my teammates that help me to reach that milestone and for all my coaches. It’s huge. It’s unbelievable. It’s unbelievable moment and I’m happy.”
Gatcomb, a 25-year-old undrafted rookie, added his second goal at 10:26 of the second period. Matt Martin found him from behind the net for a one-timer in the slot, extending the Islanders’ lead to 3–1. Gatcomb now has eight goals in 33 NHL games:
“You always dream of playing in the NHL, and to score two goals tonight and help contribute to a win, and then to see greatness right in front of me, it was pretty cool.”
Jean-Gabriel Pageau sealed the victory with a goal at 4:20 of the third period, poking in a loose puck at the post.
Capitals forward Tom Wilson reflected on the historic moment after the game.
“It’s just an honor to be living through this and to see [what Ovechkin has accomplished]You know, 10-year-old me or 10-year-old any of us, to be in a room with Wayne and Ovechkin during this moment is so special.”
“He’s taken us on an amazing journey, and it’ll be the honor of my career to play with him, learn so much from him, win with him and watch him score this goal. There’s really no words to describe it.”
