Wayne Gretzky honored two of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history Sunday aftenroon.
Yes, Gretzky was on hand as Alex Ovechkin broke his goal-scoring record of 894. But Gretzky also honored Mr. Hockey himself.
Gretzky wore a No. 9 red pin over the left side of his chest, the number of Gordie Howe.
Gretzky held the record for 31 years until Ovechkin scored his 895th career goal against the New York Islanders on a patented wrist shot in the second period on Long Island.
Gretzky broke Howe's 801 goals record March 23, 1994 against the Vancouver Canucks.
Gretzky said to NHL.com this week he doesn't remember exactly what Howe said to him other than, "I'm proud of you."
Nice touch by Gretzky to wear Howe’s
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) April 6, 2025
No. 9 on @NHL_On_TNT, connecting No. 9 to No. 99 to No. 8. pic.twitter.com/ZJ18ih7ABB
The red pin was visible on TV as Gretzky spoke on the ice as the game paused to recognize history.
"Alex, I said I'd be the first guy to shake your hand when you broke the record. And I wore this pin, love you Gordie," Gretzky said touching it then embracing Ovechkin.
Howe died in 2016 at 88 years old.
Howe known simply as Mr. Hockey saw his career span five decades and 2,421 games. He practically is synonymous with the Red Wings, playing for them from 1946 to 1971. They won Stanley Cup championships in 1950, 1952, 1954 and 1955.
A statue of him graces the concourse at Little Caesars Arena and The Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to be completed in 2025, connecting Detroit to Windsor, Canada across the Detroit River.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Alex Ovechkin goal record: Wayne Gretzky honors Gordie Howe
