Alex Ovechkin Breaks NHL Scoring Record

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals scored a power play goal in the second period of his team’s game with the New York Islanders on April 6th, and it was a goal of historic significance. Ovechkin’s goal was the 895th of his NHL career, setting a new all time record for goals scored and breaking the old record of 894 set by Wayne Gretzky.

Ovechkin is in his 20th NHL season, all with Washington. The goal was his 42nd of the season, and the 325th power play goal of his career, which is also an all time record. Gretzky was in attendance to see his record broken, and an on ice ceremony with Ovechkin’s family commemorated the event. The only downside was the final score: the Islanders won 4-1. The Capitals (49-19-9, 107 points) lead the Eastern Conference by 11 points over second place Toronto. The Capitals have five games remaining, and the Maple Leafs have six, so Washington will almost assuredly finish on top in the east and still could win the President’s Trophy for best record in the league (Winnipeg is on top in the West with 108 points).