INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th NHL career goal on Sunday, etching his name into ice hockey history by finally passing the previous all-time
scored on a power play early in the second period of Sunday's clash at the New York Islanders.The 39-year-old Russian icon smashed in a
long-range shot with 12:34 remaining in the second period to spark wild celebrations at the UBS Arena.An overjoyed Ovechkin dived along the
ice in delight after his momentous strike, before being mobbed by team-mates as a packed arena rose in a standing ovation to the Russian's
achievement.Ice hockey's "Great One" Gretzky was in attendance along with National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman to witness
Ovechkin's history-making strike, which was greeted by deafening chants of "Ovi, Ovi".Ovechkin meanwhile celebrated with his mother, wife
and children, who came on to the ice as play was halted to mark the occasion."What a day," Ovechkin said in an address to the stadium after
not sure who's going to get more goals than that," the Canadian told the crowd.Bettman meanwhile saluted Ovechkin's professionalism and
impact on ice hockey."We have all just witnessed history," Bettman said, acknowledging that many thought Gretzky's record could not be
beaten."But Alex, you did it
You have been the consummate player representing the NHL extraordinarily on and off the ice
Thank you for all you have given the game."Ovechkin's 895th goal marked the final act of a pursuit that had gradually become more plausible
over the years given the Russian's relentless scoring.Gretzky himself had once tipped Ovechkin to beat his record, saying in a 2016
said.Ovechkin entered the 2024-2025 season 42 goals shy of breaking Gretzky's record, and rattled in 15 goals in his first 18 games before
suffering a broken fibula in November that forced a 16-game absence.Nevertheless Ovechkin picked up where he left off, scoring goals
relentlessly before finally catching up to Gretzky on Friday and passing the Canadian on Sunday."What a moment for hockey, what a moment for
myself," a relieved Ovechkin said on Sunday
"Finally no-one's gonna ask me about 'when you're gonna do it'
It's over right now."Ovechkin's achievement meanwhile was praised by the Russian Olympic Committee, who were among the first to congratulate
the player."The absolute record now belongs to our hockey player ..
there's no reason to doubt that (Ovechkin) will raise the bar even higher, as he has a full year of contract with the Capitals ahead of
"We congratulate Alexander and wish him health and further success! Onward!"Meanwhile Russian President Vladimir Putin's economic envoy
Kirill Dmitriev said Ovechkin's achievement could unite Russia and the United States."A true unification of nations has taken place in
recent weeks: while Americans were cheering for a Russian hockey player, Russians were cheering for the American Washington Capitals,"
Dmitriev wrote on Telegram."This is what sport should be: a tool that can bring people together, even across an ocean
