Alex Ovechkin purpose tracker reside updates: Capitals star breaks Wayne Gretzky’s file vs. Islanders

Alex Ovechkin scored two targets in Friday evening’s Capitals win over the Blackhawks, tying Wayne Gretzky’s all-time file of 894 profession targets. And whereas he had the prospect to interrupt the file with an empty-net purpose, Ovechkin did not wish to make historical past that manner.

As a substitute, he did it on Sunday in opposition to the New York Islanders, with Gretzky within the stands, scoring throughout a second-period energy play to make historical past. Pandemonium ensued, and Ovechkin was congratulated by his teammates, opponents, crew personnel and plenty of extra earlier than an on-ice ceremony wherein Gretzky spoke.

“I can inform you first-hand, I understand how arduous it’s to get to 894; 895 is fairly particular,” Gretzky instructed Ovechkin. “My congratulations to not solely Alex, his mother and pa, his household, his spouse and children.

“Once I broke the file, my two youngsters have been each the age of his boys, so it is form of reminiscent for me. And I am so pleased that two of my boys are right here tonight.

“However there’s nothing higher than the Nationwide Hockey League. They are saying data are made to be damaged, however I am unsure who’s going to get extra targets than that.”

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Whereas the Capitals misplaced 4-1, it was a day nobody will quickly foreget.

Make amends for all of the motion from a historic Sunday in New York: