Alex Ovechkin has broken Wayne Gretzky`s long-standing NHL record for career goals. Immediately after scoring his 895th goal, Gretzky himself came onto the ice to congratulate Ovechkin.
Ovechkin scored his record-breaking 325th power play goal and celebrated by sliding on the ice. During the ceremony that followed on the ice, Gretzky joined from the stands of UBS Arena to address the crowd and personally congratulate Ovechkin.
Gretzky congratulated Ovechkin`s entire family and fulfilled a promise to be among the first to congratulate the Capitals` star.
Gretzky wore a Gordie Howe pin while honoring Ovechkin. Howe was present when Gretzky broke his own record of 801 goals, inspiring Gretzky to be there for Ovechkin`s historic moment.
`When I broke Gordie Howe`s record, he was there,` Gretzky stated. `I said a couple of years ago that if Alex got close to my record, I would be here. That`s what the National Hockey League is about. It`s passed down. I hope when someone breaks Alex`s record, Alex will be there to shake their hand.`
Regarding whether Ovechkin`s record will ever be broken, Gretzky expressed doubt that anyone will surpass Ovechkin`s final career goal count.
`I can tell you firsthand, I know how incredibly difficult it is to reach 894 goals, so 895 is truly extraordinary,` Gretzky said. `My congratulations go to Alex, his parents, his family, his wife, and children. Records are meant to be broken, but I`m not sure if anyone will ever score more goals than that.`
