Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin wrote himself into history Friday night against the Chicago Blackhawks by tying Wayne Gretzky's NHL scoring record with his 894th career goal.
The Capitals left wing received a standing ovation following his historic goal and bowed to the Great One himself, who was watching in the stands at Capital One Arena.
What the history books won't likely include, however, is what Ovechkin did after.
Late in the third period, the Blackhawks pulled their goalie looking to tie up the game. Ovechkin was seen on the Capitals broadcast seemingly telling coach Spencer Carbury that he didn't want to go on the ice with an empty net and break Gretzky's record. Ovechkin already had two goals at that point, so his potential record-breaking one would have given him a hat trick in front of his home crowd.
Ovechkin confirmed in his postgame presser that he didn't want to score goal No. 895 on an empty-netter, which led fans to respect him even more.
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
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.
Mad respect for Ovechkin appearing to not want to break the all-time record into an empty net
— Tab Bamford (@The1Tab) April 5, 2025
Looks like in the last timeout, Ovechkin was asked if he wanted to be on the ice for the empty net.
— Jake Bedell (@JakeBedellTV) April 5, 2025
He shook his head no. That’s a competitor. Respect. 👊
Ovechkin doesn't want to break it on an empty net.
— Aarif Deen (@runwriteAarif) April 5, 2025
What a guy
Major props to Ovi there, who has more than earned his right to score his record-breaking goal on his own terms. The Capitals went on to beat the Blackhawks, 5-3.
More on Sports Illustrated
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Alex Ovechkin Turned Down Chance to Break NHL Scoring Record on Empty Net.
