Wayne Gretzky`s long-standing NHL goals record has been broken by Alex Ovechkin. Immediately after Ovechkin scored his 895th goal, Gretzky was on the ice to congratulate him.
Ovechkin achieved the record with his 325th power play goal, celebrating with a slide across the ice. During the subsequent on-ice ceremony, Gretzky came from his seat to address the crowd and personally congratulate Ovechkin.
Gretzky congratulated Ovechkin`s family and fulfilled his promise to be among the first to congratulate the Capitals captain.
Gretzky wore a Gordie Howe pin while acknowledging Ovechkin`s achievement. Howe was present when Gretzky broke Howe`s 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 two years ago that if Alex approached my record, I would be here. That`s what the National Hockey League is about. … You pass it 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 surpassed, Gretzky expressed doubt that anyone will exceed Ovechkin`s final career total.
`I can tell you personally, I know how incredibly difficult it is to reach 894 goals, making 895 truly remarkable,` Gretzky said. `My congratulations to Alex, his parents, his family, his wife, and children. … People say records are meant to be broken, but I`m uncertain who will score more goals than that.`
