Michael Jordan, Roger Federer, Michael Phelps, LeBron James and other top stars CONGRATULATE Alex Ovechkin on becoming NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer

Alex Ovechkin become the NHL's all-time leading scorer following his 895th goal and overtook Wayne Gretzky in this category.

Michael Jordan, Roger Federer, Michael Phelps, LeBron James and other top stars CONGRATULATE Alex Ovechkin on becoming NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer

Michael Jordan, Alex Ovechkin, Michael Phelps, Roger Federer and LeBron James (Images via Imago/MSN)

History was made at the UBS Arena on Sunday as Alexander Ovechkin surpassed the goal scoring record of Wayne Gretzky. The Washington Capitals captain slammed home his 895th league goal against the New York Islanders. Several top sporting stars like Michael Jordan, Roger Federer, Michael Phelps and LeBron James then congratulated him for this milestone.

Ovechkin started the 2024-25 season at 853 goals, 41 away from tying the record of Gretzky. Last season, Ovechkin scored 31 goals which turned out to be the second lowest tally of his career. Given that and his age, there were some who wondered whether he could get it done.

YouTube video

This season, Ovechkin started off strong and at one point lead the league in goals scored. However, in November he suffered a leg injury that kept him sidelined for 6 weeks. Despite that broken leg, the Russian international remained hot on the pursuit to chase down Gretzky.

This past Friday he tied the record with him with two goals against the Chicago Blackhawks. On Sunday against the Islanders, he finally went ahead of Gretzky and climbed to the top of the mountain.

As “The Great Eight” celebrated the historic moments, the NHL would share a video of some of the top sports and entertainment stars, who wished him well. Among them were Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Roger Federer, Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, Cody Rhodes, Snoop Dogg, Steve Carell, Pat Monahan, Jayden Daniels and Katie Ledecky.

Wayne Gretzky keeps his promise with Alex Ovechkin

In 2020, Wayne Gretzky made a promise to Alex Ovechkin. “The Great One” claimed that he would be the there to shake his hand once he eventually broke the record of his. On Sunday, the NHL Hall of Fame fulfilled that promise and was on the center stage to congratulate him.

Alex Ovechkin and Wayne Gretzky
Alex Ovechkin and Wayne Gretzky (Image via Instagram/@capitals)

While speaking on the center stage, the 64-year-old expressed that records are made to be broke. However, he does not know whether someone will be able to chase down Ovechkin in the future.

I said I’d be the first one to shake your hand when you broke the record.

Wayne Gretzky said

Gretzky’s wife, Janet Jones, would also give Ovechkin’s wife, Anastasia Shubskaya, a pin. Jones received a gift from Colleen Howe, wife of Gordie Howe when Gretzky overtook “Mr. Hockey” to become the all-time leading scorer in NHL, three decades ago.

Ovechkin is now 5 goals away from becoming the first player to score 900 regular season goals. In a hot mic moment, Gretzky could been seen joking about buying Ovechkin a car if he reaches that mark this season.

You get to 900 and I might buy you a car.

Wayne Gretzky told Alex Ovechkin

Counting the playoffs goals, Gretzky has scored 1,016 goals in the NHL (122 playoffs goals). Ovechkin currently sits at 967 with 72 playoffs goals. This could be another record that “The Great Eight” would be hoping to chase down in the future.

Alex Ovechkin thanks his teammates and fans following historic 895th goal

As Alex Ovechkin broke the record of Wayne Gretzky, the UBS Arena screamed in joy as a new record was set. The Washington Capitals bench would come down on the ice and celebrated with their captain as he etched his name in history. Following his goal, the game was paused for a ceremony. During this, the forward thanked his teammates and fans for their constant support.

Alex Ovechkin
Alex Ovechkin (Image via Instagram/@nhl)

In his speech, the 39-year-old also thanked Ilya Sorokin, the Islanders goaltender and Ovechkin’s compatriot, for allowing him to score that goal.

What a day? Like I always say all the time, it’s a team sport and without my boys, the whole organization, the fans, the trainers, coaches, I would never stand there and obviously I would never pass “The Great One”. So, fellas, thank you very much… Thank You Ilya Sorokin to let me score 895.

Alex Ovechkin said during the ceremony

The Capitals will now shift their focus to the upcoming Stanley Cup playoffs. Following the 4-1 loss in this game, the team has lost 5 of their 7 games. They are currently one point behind the Winnipeg Jets after 77 games in the chase for the President’s Trophy.