"The Magnificent Eight" stands alongside "The Greatest of All Time," and is ready to achieve a significant landmark.
As Wayne Gretzky looked on from a box at Capital One Arena, Alexander Ovechkin moved nearer to making history by scoring his 893rd and 894th career goals, tying him for the top spot on the NHL’s all-time list.
The tying goal, which equaled some historic record, was scored midway through the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks. He grabbed the puck and sped towards the net from the left wing during a Capitals power play, managing to get it past the goaltender.
As Ovechkin went down on one knee, the Capitals' bench rushed onto the ice to join in the celebration of this landmark goal. Meanwhile, a throng of spectators dressed in red filled the stadium, their cheers echoing throughout the venue.
The Capitals forward reached his 894th goal in a number of games that was one less than Gretzky’s.
"It’s fine,” Gretzky stated during an in-game interview when discussing Ovechkin equaling his record. “My father used to tell Gordie Howe something similar ages ago. This is exactly what our sport is meant for.”
"That's what this game is all about ... Alex has been great for Washington (Capitals) ... He's been great for his own country (Russia) ... And I'm very proud of him ... I'm proud of what he accomplished. And that's what makes our game so wonderful.
Ovechkin currently has six remaining regular-season games to break the record for most goals scored in NHL history, beginning with the match against the New York Islanders on Sunday afternoon.
It’s said that the Capitals team leader might have gotten the chance to play towards the end of the match and achieve the record-breaking goal along with a hat-trick right at their home ice, yet he informed his coaching staff that he prefers not to secure this achievement through scoring into an unguarded net.
Coach Spencer Carbery stated to journalists, "I admire his desire to set a new record with a goalie in the net," adding, "He informed me of this during the game, and I simply wanted to ensure he wasn’t planning on giving up."
Even Capitals owner Ted Leonsis got into the fun after the game, celebrating with the team, and Gretzky, in the locker room.
Wow, what a night. Wayne and Alex—they're inseparable," Leonsis shared on social media. "Talking about setting goals and surpassing expectations. So much grace—dignity and heritage right here.
Only one more objective remains—to stand solo atop the pedestal. Wayne outshines all as the greatest player ever—and the most dignified gentleman—the game recognizes no equal.
Ovechkin has been on fire recently as he pursues this prestigious milestone, scoring goals in five out of his last six matches, positioning himself to create history.
Some players truly transcend life itself," John Carlson, who set up Ovechkin's goal, told journalists following the match. "Only a select few seem able to do so. It appeared almost certain.
The NHL has committed to broadcasting all Capitals games nationally for the remainder of the season as Ovechkin pursues the top spot in goal-scoring.
For those eager to see history unfold, tune into TNT on April 6 at 12:30 p.m. to catch the Capitals playing against the Islanders.
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