Wayne Gretzky finally has company.
Gretzky became the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer March 23, 1994, when he surpassed Gordie Howe with his 802nd career goal.
Now, 31 years later, another player has joined Gretzky.
Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals tied Gretzky’s record Friday night.
Ovechkin entered the game needing two to tie and three to become the new goal-scoring king. He lit the lamp just four minutes into the game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Just over five minutes into the third period, the Capitals went on a power play, and Ovechkin took advantage, taking a pass and squeaking it past goalie Spencer Knight.
Capitals players stormed the ice as Ovechkin got a loud, long ovation.
Gretzky was in attendance at the game, which still had over 13 minutes left at the time of publication.
Ovechkin was drafted with the first overall pick by Washington in 2004, but because of the lockout, his debut was postponed a year.
In his 20th NHL season, the record-tying goal was Ovechkin’s 41st goal of the year, which ranks third in the NHL behind only Leon Draisaitl and William Nylander.
ALEX OVECHKIN ODDS: WHEN WILL HE BREAK WAYNE GRETZKY’S SCORING RECORD?
This is the 14th season in which Ovechkin has scored 40 goals in his career. Had the league not had a lockout in 2012-13, he’d probably have 15 of those season. Although, he did lead the league that year with 32 goals. He’s led the NHL in goals nine times.
What’s even more impressive is that Ovechkin missed nearly two months of this season with a broken leg.
Ovechkin looked to be slowing down a bit last season, scoring 31 goals in 79 games. Perhaps he got some juice, knowing he could break the record this season.
While Ovechkin is breaking records, the Capitals are Stanley Cup contenders. Their 105 points rank second in the NHL.
Even if you take away all of Gretzky’s 894 goals, he still has the most points in NHL history.
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