April 6, 2025 will forever be a historic day for hockey fans. On this day, Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin broke the record for the most career goals scored in the NHL. He achieved this milestone while playing against the New York Islanders, scoring his 895th career goal in the second period. This surpassed the previous record of 894 goals held by Wayne Gretzky, who is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time. Gretzky’s record stood since 1999, lasting an incredible 26 years. 

In 2005, Ovechkin entered the NHL, playing for the Washington Capitals. He quickly established himself as a top scorer, constantly using flashy and creative plays to score. Throughout his career, Ovechkin continued to rack up goals, and fans began to realize he had a legitimate shot at breaking the all-time scoring record. 

Heading into the 2024–2025 NHL season with 853 goals, he needed only 42 more to surpass the record. With an NHL season consisting of 82 games, fans anticipated that this would likely be the year he breaks the record. At the start of the season, excitement grew around the “Gr8 Chase,” as fans called his race for the record, a nickname derived from his jersey number.

Eventually, Ovechkin broke the record in the 77th game of the season, officially bringing “The Gr8 Chase” to an end. The goal was celebrated and praised by the hockey world, honoring Ovechkin’s new place in hockey history. He now stands as the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, with even more goals likely to come.

Overall, Alexander Ovechkin will continue to be a star scorer for the Washington Capitals and an icon of the NHL until the day he retires. When that time comes, there’s no doubt that he will be inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame for his legendary career.