The Great Eight

Blair Chubb ‘28

Staff Writer

In an interview from 2016, Alex Ovechkin claimed that breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal record of 894 was impossible. Nearly a decade later, he proved himself wrong.

On Sunday, April 6, Ovechkin scored his 895th goal against the Islanders, securing a spot among the hockey greats and becoming the NHL all-time leading scorer.

Ovechkin took to the ice in a number eight jersey solidifying himself as “The Great Eight.” He was drafted first overall in 2004, and not only has become the face of the Capitals franchise, but led the team to a Stanley Cup win in 2018.

Capitals fan Jada Fyouk was shocked that Ovechkin broke the record. “I didn't expect him to break the record because Wayne Gretzky is a name that everybody who watches hockey knows.”

Based on his performance the past few seasons, it became more and more clear that Ovechkin would break Gretzky's record. He entered the 2024-25 season with a drive that had not been seen in previous seasons; he scored 15 goals in the first 18 games.

In November, a broken leg kept Ovechkin out for a sixteen-game stretch. Many questioned if breaking the record was still a possibility this season.

Ovechkin came back with tenacity, scoring 27 goals over 47 games; he averaged 1.66 goals a game, which was higher than he’s averaged at any other point in his career.

Even with the excitement surrounding Ovechkin breaking the goal record, Head Coach Spencer Carbery remained adamant about the importance of the team mentally resetting and focusing on the games ahead.

The Washington Capitals were in the middle of one of their best seasons in years. The team currently has the best record in the Eastern Conference, Trailing the Winnipeg Jets by three points for the best record in the league.

Sports Illustrated wrote, “The way Ovechkin has been playing, it’s fair to start dreaming about the possibility of him lifting the Cup for a second time.”

  The GR8 chase is now over; Ovi celebrated the goal with a belly flop onto the ice, as his teammates rushed onto the rink and the Capital One Arena erupted. 

During the ice ceremony, Gretzky was able to pass the torch and really sing Ovechkin well deserved praises.

“They say records are made to be broken,” Gretzky said, “but I’m not sure who’s going to get more goals than that.”

Alex Ovechkin beats Wayne Gretzky’s NHL impossible goal record with 897 goals.