On April 6, 2025, Washington Capitals' captain Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th career goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky's longstanding NHL regular-season goals record. The milestone occurred during a game against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

The historic goal came in the second period on a power play, with Ovechkin firing a wrist shot past Islanders' goaltender Ilya Sorokin. This achievement was particularly notable as it occurred in Ovechkin's 1,487th NHL game, matching the number of games Gretzky played in his career.

Following the goal, the game paused for a ceremony honoring Ovechkin's milestone. Players from both teams lined up to shake his hand, and Gretzky joined Ovechkin on the ice, along with Ovechkin's family and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. Gretzky remarked, "I could tell you firsthand I know how hard it is to get to 894. 895 is pretty special."

Ovechkin's pursuit of the record had been a major storyline throughout the NHL season. He tied Gretzky's record of 894 goals on April 4, 2025, by scoring twice in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

This milestone solidifies Ovechkin's legacy as one of the greatest goal scorers in hockey history.

Ovechkin's achievement has resonated deeply within the hockey community and beyond. His journey from a childhood marked by personal tragedy to becoming the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer serves as an inspiring narrative of resilience and dedication. This milestone not only cements his place in hockey history but also highlights the global nature of the sport, with a Russian player breaking a record long held by a Canadian icon.

Alex Ovechkin, born on September 17, 1985, in Moscow, Russia, was drafted first overall by the Washington Capitals in 2004. He quickly became the face of the franchise, known for his powerful shot and scoring prowess. Over his 20-season career, Ovechkin has been a consistent offensive force, leading the league in goals multiple times and earning numerous accolades. His pursuit of Gretzky's record was a focal point of the 2024-2025 NHL season, drawing significant media attention and fan interest.

Before Ovechkin's achievement, Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 goals was considered unbreakable. Gretzky set this record during his illustrious career, which spanned from 1979 to 1999. Ovechkin's accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the evolution of the game, including changes in playing style, goaltending techniques, and season lengths.

This comprehensive overview provides the necessary factual information and context to craft a detailed and engaging news article on Alex Ovechkin's historic achievement.