Everything was set up for Alex Ovechkin to break Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record on Friday night.
The lowly Chicago Blackhawks were in town — along with Wayne Gretzky and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman — and the goals were flying fast and early at Capital One Arena. Ovechkin took the ice in the eventual 5-3 Capitals' win needing two goals to tie Gretzky's record of 894 goals and a three to break it.
The 39-year-old scored his first of the night barely four minutes into the action. He tied the record barely six minutes into the third period. And when it came time to complete the hat trick a few minutes later as the Blackhawks pulled their goalie for an extra attacker, Ovechkin refused the opportunity to get back on the ice.
The Capitals' broadcast saw Ovi tell the bench he wasn't taking a shift without a goalie on the ice. His teammates later confirmed the Russian star didn't want his record-breaking moment to happen on an empty-netter.
OVECHKIN REFUSES TO BEAT WAYNE GRETZKY'S RECORD WITH AN EMPTY NET GOAL! #ALLCAPS📷 #NHL#Gr8Chasepic.twitter.com/JiwAAXbl39
— Devils Joint (@DevilsJointX) April 5, 2025
What a night in Washington.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) April 5, 2025
The adrenaline. Ovechkin saying ‘no’ to Spencer Carbery, not willing to go on the ice with the net empty and the record on the line. The chances in the final minutes.
Unbelievable theater.
The #Gr8Chase continues Sunday on Long Island.
Dylan Strome said he asked Alex Ovechkin about 15 times if he wanted to hit 895 on the empty net. He did not.
— Sammi Silber 🏒 (@sammisilber) April 5, 2025
Credit to Ovi here. He's made it this far and knows this highlight will be shown for as long as his (eventual) record stands. He's earned the right to score it how he wants to. It just so happens he's also talented enough to make his wish a reality.
This article originally appeared on For The Win:
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