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Islanders Goalie Ilya Sorokin's Admission on Allowing Alex Ovechkin's 895th Goal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Apr 7, 2025 6:30 AM ET

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin scored the 895th goal of his NHL career on Sunday, breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record with a power-play goal against fellow Russian Ilya Sorokin.

While the goal marked a low point for Washington in a 4–1 loss to the New York Islanders, it became a career footnote for Sorokin—who had never allowed Ovechkin to score a goal on him.

“It was amazing,” Sorokin said. “A big moment for all the hockey world. Congrats to Ovi and his family. He’s a big player. It’s unbelievable watching it.”

Ovechkin scored at 7:26 of the second period from the left circle, the first time he's beaten Sorokin in four career meetings, all three prior taking place during the 2023 calendar year.

A sight we’ve seen 894 times before this and each and every single time has been in a Capitals sweater.

Thank you, O!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/NgDK9EZopG
— x - Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 6, 2025

The Islanders goaltender admitted he didn’t see the puck due to traffic in front of him and Ovechkin's decision to aim opposite where he usually does.

“Usually he shoots on my left side. I don’t know why today he shot on the short side,” Sorokin said.

Sorokin also revealed that during the on-ice ceremony and stoppage in play involving it, Ovechkin embraced him and asked him for his stick.

“He asked about [a] stick,” Sorokin said. “I said, no problem.”

Asked what he got in return, Sorokin shrugged and replied, “Respect?”

Despite allowing the historic goal, Sorokin stopped 27 of 28 shots and helped secure a critical win for the Islanders.

New York (34-32-10) is still in the race for a wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference but trails the Montreal Canadiens by eight points (78 to 85) with six games left but a game in hand on the Habs.

“Ilya should feel really good about himself,” Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said. “He played really well today.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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