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Sports world reacts to Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal
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Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Dylan Nazareth
Apr 7, 2025, 11:30 EDTUpdated: Apr 7, 2025, 11:10 EDT
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Alex Ovechkin finally got it done on Sunday, scoring his 895th career goal to surpass Wayne Gretzky as the NHL’s all-time leading scorer. Long thought to be an unbeatable record, the feat is a testament to Ovechkin’s consistency, longevity, and just how good he is at sniping one-timers from inside the faceoff circle.
Congratulations were quick to come in from across the league, including from Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who called him one of his favourite players. Other Toronto players had nothing but high praise for the Russian skater en route to his biggest achievement to date, as well as head coach Craig Berube.
“Yeah, it’s awesome. He’s obviously a great player and all that, but just, the way he went about it his whole career really has not changed,” head coach Craig Berube said prior to Saturday night’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. “He’s a typical power forward who’s physical, he’s got size, strength, and he can shoot a puck in the net from anywhere.”
One of the top-ten in points in NHL history himself, longtime competitor Sidney Crosby also gave his props to Ovechkin on Sunday after the record-breaking moment. It’s no doubt a memorable moment for the Canadian captain, who has played his whole career along the same timeline as Ovechkin, often considered to have a friendly rivalry.
“Pretty cool moment for hockey,” said Crosby. “You think of how long history is, how long the game’s been around – and to be playing at a time when he gets a record like that is special.”
Across the sports world, other great athletes extended their praise to Ovechkin on re-writing the history books. Widely considered the greatest Olympian of all time with 23 gold medals to his name, retired swimmer Michael Phelps sent over some kind words of his own Sunday.
“I remember meeting you 10, 12 years ago, and I knew that just something great was gonna happen,” said Phelps. “You could just tell based off your energy, your dedication, how you prepare yourself, and the passion that you have for the game … I can’t wait to see what’s next, is a thousand a possibility?”
No stranger to record-breaking moments, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer LeBron James had high praise for Ovechkin as well Sunday afternoon.
“I know when reaching any type of goal, any type of feat, it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice,” said James. “Super grateful to be able to witness some of your greatest moments … it couldn’t happen to a better guy.”
Also sending over his congratulations was 7-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, who holds a number of NFL records himself.
“Nobody should be surprised, you smashed the record and you’re still playing the game at the highest level,” said Brady. “You’re showing everybody in all sports that no matter what you can always raise the bar, and you’ve done that.”
Ovechkin has scored 45 career goals against the Leafs, and as much as it feels like he’s got an extra hot stick whenever he faces Toronto, it’s a small fraction of a complete onslaught of damage he’s done across the league in his 19-year career.
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