(Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Alex Ovechkin asked Ilya Sorokin for his stick after scoring record 895th goal
  • Sorokin gladly gave Ovechkin the stick, citing “respect” as what he’d get in return
  • Keep reading for more on the classy gesture between the Russian stars

Alex Ovechkin made history on Sunday, scoring his 895th career goal to pass Wayne Gretzky for the most goals in NHL history.

But it’s what happened after the goal that showed the true respect between two Russian stars.

Ilya Sorokin, the New York Islanders goalie who gave up the record-breaker, didn’t hesitate when Ovechkin asked for his stick. Ovi made the request before play resumed, and Sorokin handed it over without batting an eye.

ELMONT, NY – APRIL 06: Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) is congratulated by New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin (30) after scoring his 895th career goal breaking the NHL record for most goals ever in a NHL game between the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders at UBS Arena on April 6, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire)

“I said, ‘No problem,'” Sorokin shrugged postgame. And when reporters asked what he’d get back from The Great 8? “Respect.”

Classy move from the 29-year-old netminder. He gets it – Ovechkin’s goal may have come against him, but this was bigger than any one game or matchup.

What makes the moment even more special? Despite facing Sorokin three times previously in his NHL career, Ovi had never managed to score on the Russian goaltender until this historic night. Talk about picking the perfect time to break through.

Check out Ovi and Sorokin’s super classy post-game interaction here:

These two go way back. They were teammates at the 2023 NHL All-Star Game, where Sorokin even helped babysit Ovechkin’s son Ilya during the skills competition. There’s a bond there, despite the 10-year age gap.

Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals son Sergei Ovechkin and Ilya Sorokin #30 of the New York Islanders skate during warm-ups before the NHL All-Star Skills showcase on February 03, 2023, at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, FL. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire)

Sorokin’s stick is headed straight for Ovechkin’s treasure trove of milestone memorabilia. Ovi’s been collecting for years – sticks from Jumbo Joe Thornton, The Finnish Flash Teemu Selanne, towering Zdeno Chara. Even Wayne Gretzky himself gifted a stick from goal No. 807.

It’s all for a future museum Ovechkin’s got planned back in Moscow. “Just for history, for memories,” Ovi says. “Obviously, my kids love hockey and when they’re going to be growing up, they’re going to understand more who I am and they’re going to share those memories with their friends and family. It’s pretty cool.”

For Sorokin, watching his stick end up in Ovechkin’s collection after a tough loss? Bittersweet stuff. He felt the weight of pressure Ovi deals with daily, with the hockey world watching his every move. But at the end of the day, game recognizes game.

“We win the game, that’s for me most important today,” Sorokin said. “So he win, we win. Everybody win-win.”

Fitting end to a historic day – two countrymen, different points in their careers, sharing a moment. Ovechkin skated off with the record, but Sorokin’s gesture showed hockey’s all about respect.