WASHINGTON — Over three decades before Alex Ovechkin set his sights on surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s record for career goals in the NHL, Gretzky himself was chasing down Gordie Howe’s milestone. In the spring of 1994, Gretzky was keenly driven to break Howe’s record, with Howe in attendance as he eventually surpassed it. Encouraged by his father Walter’s advice, Gretzky learned not only to relish his accomplishments but also to be supportive and proud of those on similar paths.
Following his father’s wisdom, Gretzky attended Alex Ovechkin’s milestone game in person, witnessing the Washington Capitals star net his 893rd and 894th goals, tying Gretzky’s record. Gretzky had been guiding Ovechkin long before the eventful evening. Back in December 2022, Ovechkin faced a lull, missing goals in four consecutive games while chasing Howe’s second-place ranking on the all-time list.
Gretzky reached out to reassure him. “Hey, you’ve got to relax,” Gretzky advised, “You’re just pressing.” Reflecting on a different perspective, he remarked, “For most people, that’s equivalent to 20 games without a goal.” Century in goals seemed just around the corner for Ovechkin, as Gretzky inspired him to push forward.
Ready to seize the opportunity to surpass Gretzky, Ovechkin could secure his place as hockey’s preeminent goal-scorer as early as Sunday during the match against the New York Islanders. Gretzky will be present to witness Ovechkin’s potential record-breaker, a moment neither would willingly miss.
Beside Gretzky, Ovechkin expressed his gratitude. “Thank you, Wayne, for your support and kindness. It’s incredible,” Ovechkin shared. “I’m so fortunate to be in this position and grateful for your encouragement and advice. Your emphasis on patience and stress management has been pivotal.”
The feeling of joy reverberated through the arena, from a pregame tribute to Ovechkin’s 2018 Stanley Cup-winning comrades to the dramatic video montage of his journey to 894 goals. After the game concluded, Ovechkin and Gretzky embraced in the Capitals’ locker room, sharing congratulations and capturing the milestone together in pictures.
Observing their connection, longtime teammate Tom Wilson noted, “You could see how happy he was for ‘O’. Witnessing them embrace, congratulate each other – a 10-year-old Tom couldn’t have dreamt of being in a room to see that.” Such a moment stood out for witnessing the camaraderie between two of hockey’s unparalleled goal scorers.
Ovechkin is on the verge of making history by surpassing Gretzky, whether it happens Sunday against the Islanders, at home facing Carolina on Thursday, or during an upcoming game against Columbus. When asked about his words for Ovechkin upon breaking the record, Gretzky jokingly quipped, “Why’d you do it?”
In truth, Gretzky’s reaction is expected to mirror Howe’s from March 31, 1994, with a full heart and a beaming smile, understanding the significance of Ovechkin’s pursuit for hockey. “It’s been a terrific journey for everyone,” Gretzky stated, “Great for hockey, amazing for the league, and I’m immensely proud of Alex. This adds to the excitement for the people in Washington and hockey fans globally.”