Elmont, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The "Great 8" Alexander Ovechkin now stands alone as he passes Hall-of-Famer Wayne Gretzky for the most goals in NHL history on Sunday. Ovechkin now stands alone with his 895th goal against the New York Islanders.
The game was immediately paused with Gretzky, along with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in attendance form UBS Arena in Long Island. Ovechkin's goal breaks a record that stood since Gretzky retired with the New York Rangers in 1999.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Ovechkin has been one of the best offensive players in NHL history. Ovechkin is a three-time Hart Trophy winner (Most Valuable Player), three-time Ted Lindsay Award winner (best player as voted on by NHLPA), 13-time NHL All-Star game selection, nine-time Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner (leading goal scorer), 2007-2008 Art Ross Trophy winner (league leader in points), 2005-2006 Calder Memorial Trophy winner (Rookie of the Year).
One of Ovechkin's biggest accomplishments was winning the Stanley Cup in 2018 while also winning the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the Most Valuable Player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In his 20 seasons in the NHL. Ovechkin has scored at least 30 goals every year except the Covid-shorten season in 2020-21. Ovechkin reached Gretzky's record in the same amount of games played (1,487).