Alex Ovechkin on the Verge of History

However, it wouldn’t be long before Ovechkin was ready to strike. With the Capitals on the power play, Ovi headed to his office, where he struck. Long-time teammate defenseman John Carlson fed him the puck. Ovechkin rifled it past Knight to give the Capitals a 4-3 lead as he tied Gretzky with 894 goals.

You could see the motion on his face as he went to the glass to celebrate with his son. He then pointed up to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Wayne Gretzky. Both of whom were in attendance for this historical night.

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The ovation lasted for a good couple of minutes. The Chicago Blackhawks knew what this night could be like, and they just let it happen. His teammates mobbed Ovechkin. In addition, the Blackhawks players cheered, and they let Ovechkin have his moment. He went all over the rink thanking the fans.

Many fans were looking for the hat-trick. Now, they knew he was one goal away from passing Gretzky. But Ovechkin did not go out when Chicago pulled the goalie. Instead, Ryan Leonard got his first NHL goal. However, with the goalie back in, Ovechkin had several looks to break the record.

He has wanted this goal since the beginning of the season. Ovechkin has 41 goals on the season, his 14th 40-goal season. Ovechkin and Gretzky were two of the best to do it.

Gretzky was all class during an interview after Ovechkin tied the record. Gretzky has been very open about the fact that he was looking forward to Ovechkin breaking his record. Just like Gordie Howe before him, as Howe was there to see Gretzky break his record, Gretzky was in attendance to see Ovechkin tie him.

Gretzky will be on Long Island when Ovechkin tries to break his record in the same number of games, 1,487. Right now, Ovechkin has tied his mark in 1,486 games. After the game, Alex Ovechkin could not have been more gracious.

It was a special night capped off by Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno and the entire organization staying on the ice to shake Ovechkin’s hand after the game. This is a true class by a great leader.

Alex Ovechkin will look to break the record of 894 and record his 895th goal this Sunday as the Washington Capitals take on the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. Wayne Gretzky and Gary Bettman will be in the house, and ticket prices will go through the roof as fans want to witness hockey history.