**Wayne Gretzky’s Record Tied by Alex Ovechkin in Historic NHL Moment**
Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of surpassing Wayne Gretzky as the NHL’s all-time leading goalscorer. On Friday night, Ovechkin scored twice against the Chicago Blackhawks, bringing him just one goal away from tying Gretzky’s long-standing record of 894 goals. With the game nearly complete, Ovechkin’s pursuit of history is heating up, and he will have another opportunity to break the record on Sunday against the New York Islanders.
### Ovechkin’s Historic Night
– **Who:** Alex Ovechkin, NHL player for the Washington Capitals
– **What:** Scored two goals to tie Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goalscoring record
– **When:** Friday night, with another game scheduled for Sunday
– **Where:** Game against the Chicago Blackhawks, next game in New York against the Islanders
– **Why:** Ovechkin aims to become the NHL’s all-time leading goalscorer
Ovechkin opened the scoring just four minutes into the game and later capitalized on a power play in the third period, bringing him to 894 career goals. Gretzky, who held the record for over 31 years, expressed his support for Ovechkin, stating, “That’s what the game’s all about… I’m very proud of him.”
### Gretzky’s Legacy
– Gretzky became the NHL’s all-time goalscorer on March 23, 1994, surpassing Gordie Howe with his 802nd goal.
– He scored a total of 894 goals before retiring in 1999.
Gretzky’s reaction to Ovechkin’s achievement highlights the camaraderie and respect among players in the league. He noted, “Alex has been great for the game, great for Washington, great for his home country.”
### Upcoming Opportunity for Ovechkin
Ovechkin’s next chance to break the record will be on Sunday, with the puck dropping at 12:30 p.m. ET against the Islanders. Fans are eagerly anticipating this historic moment.
**Conclusion:** Will Alex Ovechkin break Wayne Gretzky’s record this Sunday?
### FAQs:
**Q: When did Wayne Gretzky set the all-time goalscoring record?**
A: Wayne Gretzky set the record on March 23, 1994, with his 802nd career goal.
**Alt Text:** Alex Ovechkin scores against the Chicago Blackhawks, closing in on Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goalscoring record.
**URL Slug:** ovechkin-gretzky-goalscoring-record