Alex Ovechkin speech
(Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ovechkin couldn’t hold back tears during his speech after scoring goal #895 to surpass Gretzky
  • The emotional superstar thanked everyone from teammates to Russian fans in his heartfelt message
  • Keep reading for every touching moment from Ovi’s unforgettable on-ice ceremony

Alex Ovechkin delivered a heartfelt speech Sunday after breaking Wayne Gretzky’s once-untouchable NHL goals record. The Capitals star, visibly moved by the moment, addressed the UBS Arena crowd after scoring his 895th career goal against the New York Islanders.

“What a day, huh?” Ovechkin began, his voice filled with emotion. Watch Ovi’s full speech below:

A Team Accomplishment

Standing alongside Gretzky, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, and his family, Ovi made sure to credit his teammates first and foremost.

ELMONT, NY – APRIL 06: Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates 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)

“Like I always say all the time, it’s a team sport,” Ovechkin said. “Without my boys, the whole organization, the fans, the trainers, coaches, I would never stand here, and I would obviously never pass the Great One. So, fellas, thank you very much. I love you so much. We did it, boys. We did it.”

Brothers in Arms

In one of the most touching moments of his speech, Ovechkin specifically acknowledged two longtime teammates who were watching from the arena.

“I know Nicholas Backstrom here, TJ Oshie. Fellas, I love you. We did it, boys. We did it.”

The mention of Backstrom and Oshie was especially meaningful. Backstrom has been Ovechkin’s primary setup man for over 15 years, assisting on more of Ovechkin’s goals than any other player in his career and playing 1,058 regular-season games together. The Swedish center has been on long-term injured reserve this season but made sure to be present for his friend’s historic moment.

Oshie joined the Capitals in 2015 and has been a key part of Ovechkin’s success in recent years. Both Backstrom and Oshie were part of the 2018 Washington team that captured the franchise’s first Stanley Cup championship alongside Ovechkin and formed a special bond that Oshie described as “a bond there that will never be broken”.

Russian Humor

Ovechkin’s speech included a lighthearted moment when he jokingly thanked the Islanders’ Russian goaltender.

“Thank you, Ilya Sorokin, to let me score 895. I love you, brother.”

The comment drew laughter from the Islanders’ home crowd.

Pride for His Homeland

In an especially poignant moment, Ovechkin acknowledged his homeland: “And the last thing, all of you fans, for all the world, Russia, we did it, boys, we did it. It’s a history!”

Family First

The Great Eight saved his most emotional words for his family.

“And the most important thing. To my mom, my family, my beautiful wife, my father-in-law, my beautiful kids, thank you. I love you so much, and without you, without your support, I would never stand here. So, love you guys.”

The Great One Passes the Torch

Gretzky, gracious in seeing his 31-year record fall, praised Ovechkin during the ceremony: “I can tell you firsthand I know how hard it is to get to 894. 895 is pretty special.” The Great One added, “They say records are made to be broken, but I’m not sure who’s going to get more goals than that.”

The NHL’s all-time scoring crown has a new owner, and as the crowd chanted “Ovi! Ovi! Ovi!” it was clear the moment transcended the outcome of the game – a 4-1 Islanders win that nobody will remember compared to the history made that day.