After matching Wayne Gretzky`s record with two goals at a home game on Friday, Alex Ovechkin made history on Sunday by scoring his 895th career goal against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. This goal officially moved him past Gretzky on the NHL`s all-time goal scoring list.
Despite being an away game, it was a momentous occasion. The NHL and the Islanders paused the game for a special ceremony to honor Ovechkin`s incredible achievement as the Washington Capitals` greatest player. Gretzky himself was present to congratulate Ovechkin, leading a chorus of well-wishers from the sports world and beyond.
Shortly after Ovechkin reached this new milestone, the NHL released a video compilation featuring congratulatory messages from numerous iconic figures in sports and entertainment.
Unsurprisingly, many hockey legends such as Mark Messier, Sidney Crosby, Jeremy Roenick, Martin Brodeur, Sergey Federov, Marie-Philip Poulin, Hilary Knight, PK Subban, and Doc Emrick sent their regards to “The Great Eight.” Washington sports stars like Jayden Daniels, Elena Delle Donne, and Ryan Zimmerman also expressed their admiration for Ovechkin, recognizing him as one of the most significant athletes in Washington D.C.`s sports history.
The NHL also gathered congratulations from global sports icons including Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, LeBron James, Roger Federer, Buster Posey, and Derek Jeter. Celebrities from television, music, and film, such as Steve Carrell, Snoop Dogg, Dave Coulier, Pat Monahan, Vince Vaughn, and Pat Sajak, also joined in celebrating Ovechkin`s accomplishment.
This diverse group of well-wishers highlights Ovechkin`s widespread impact and his prominent position not only in hockey but in the broader world of sports.
