Alexander Ovechkin has just scored 895 goals, overtaking hockey great Wayne Gretzky for the all-time record.

An impossible record is broken!

Russia’s Alexander Ovechkin reached another NHL milestone on Sunday when he scored his 895th career goal, beating the record set by Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky. It was a feat once thought to be impossible.

The Washington Capitals forward became the NHL’s all-time greatest scorer in the second period of an away game against the New York Islanders on Sunday.

The 39-year-old Russian scored against his fellow countryman, goalie Ilya Sorokin. It was the first time Ovechkin has scored against him. The match was briefly delayed afterwards to honor the new record-holder.

During the ceremony that followed, Ovechkin thanked his teammates, coaches, and fans, saying hockey is a “team sport.”

“Thank you so much, I love you so much,” he said, adding that he would “not be standing here” without their support. He also jokingly thanked Sorokin for “letting [him] score.” But most importantly he said…

“This for the fans from all the world, for the Russians, we did it, boys, we did it!” -Alexander Ovechkin

Ovechkin is a three-time world champion with the Russian national team and took home the 2018 Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals. He has spent his entire NHL career with this very team. Gretzky, considered the greatest hockey player of all time, needed 1,487 games to tally 894 goals. Ovechkin was able to match him in his 1,486th game and to surpass him during the next one.

A surprising reaction came from Mr. Gretzky.

My grandfather was Russian, and he would have been happy that my record was broken by a Russian” – Wayne Gretzky

The eternal number 99 took this moment with grace and respect for Ovechkin. Even before his professional hockey debut, stories of the “hate” that a teenage Wayne Gretzky experienced are legendary. Thus, he probably chose to warmly congratulate Mr. Ovechkin on this unbelievable hockey triumph, rather than be a sore loser.

The Russia Connection

Both the former record holder and the new man on top rather overtly mentioned Russia. That is to say they spoke of their Russianess as a part of their success. Even with some whispers of peace in the air around Washington, it is certainly not an easy time for such wealthy and prominent sports figures to declare pride in their particular heritage. This is especially true for Ovechkin. He is still getting paid an NHL salary, while maintaining Russian citizenship. Thus, he is ripe to be hit with sanctions at any moment, that certain politicians could chose to make an example out of him.

It takes insane talent to do what Ovechkin achieved but it takes real bravery these days to be openly and proudly Russian. This especially true for those that could lose a fortune in an instant due to sanctions.