Wayne Gretzky Now Following Alex Ovechkin's Games With 1 Goal From Breaking Record

Dan Lalonde
Apr 4
2 min read

Alex Ovechkin tying wayne gretzky goal record

ALEX OVECHKIN SCORING GOAL 894 VIDEO BELOW ARTICLE:

Alex Ovechkin’s quest to become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer is reaching its most electric moment yet, tying Wayne Gretzky’s seemingly untouchable mark of 894. Friday night in a home game against the Chicago Black Hawks Ovechkin scored two goals leaving one more to own the record.

The NHL isn’t just watching — it’s orchestrating. With Commissioner Gary Bettman, Wayne Gretzky, and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis all attending Friday’s game, the League has prepared to turn Capital One Arena into a stage fit for history.

“We want to make sure we’re here when magic happens,” Bettman said after witnessing Ovechkin score his 892nd in Raleigh. The League has been planning for months, traveling a full production team and ceremonial materials from city to city, conducting pregame rehearsals and ramping up coverage to playoff-level intensity.

From expanded press rooms to over 40 camera angles, the NHL is ensuring every second of the chase is captured and shared globally. The GR8 CHASE, as it’s been dubbed, is drawing in broadcasters, sponsors, and fans alike — with the kind of momentum not seen since the league’s major events like the Stanley Cup Finals or the recent 4 Nations Face-Off.

Wayne Gretzky himself, long considered the uncatchable record-holder, is part of the journey — attending games and supporting Ovechkin’s run. It’s a rare and emotional passing of the torch that resonates across generations of fans.

What makes this even more impactful is the unity across all 32 NHL teams. No matter where Ovechkin plays, every arena is cooperating to help capture the moment — with teams rehearsing ceremonies and broadcasters cutting into live games to share Ovechkin’s goals in real time.

Capitals Chairman Ted Leonsis is hoping this transcends hockey: “I’d like to see major news networks break into programming when Alex scores. When McGwire and Sosa were chasing records, it was a national event. Ovi deserves the same.”

Ovechkin's next game is on the road against New York Islanders Sunday at 12:3pm EST.