Alex Ovechkin admits that he had doubts about reaching Wayne Gretzky Record

The Washington Capital Star, Alex Ovechkin, broke the Wayne Gretzky record for most goals scored in a NHL race on Sunday with a PowerPlay score against New York islanders.

However, even the new record holder had some doubts.

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Washington Capitals left the Ala Alex Ovechkin, #8, poses with the album while celebrating after scoring a goal in the second period against New York islanders in UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on April 6, 2025. (Geoff Burke-Imagn images)

Ovechkin was asked in an appearance in “News & Friends” on Wednesday if I thought of 2020 that the Gretzky record would be possible. Gretzky took advantage of Ovechkin as he did, if someone had the opportunity.

“No. Even before this year, at 39, I would have to score 42 goals. In this league, in this hockey game at this time, it is difficult to do,” he said. “As I always said, without my teammates, without my family, without all the support, we would never have reached that milestone.”

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Washington Capitals to the left Alex Ovechkin, #8, gets a goal in the second period against New York islanders in UBS Arena. The objective is the 895 of the Ovechkin career, breaking the career goals of all NHL time previously held by Wayne Gretzky, in UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on April 6, 2025. (Geoff Burke-Imagn images)

Ovechkin’s 895 race goal was his 42nd of the season. He has played in 42 games this season and has had six games of multiple goals, including Hat Tricks against Los Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers.

He recalled the moment of the story he scored against the islanders.

“Honestly, I never thought it could happen,” he said. “This is a great moment for me, for the capital organization, for hockey, for my teammates, for my family, friends and fans around the world.”

Ovechkin also associated with Foundation V to help fight pediatric cancer.

Washington Capitals left the Ala Alex Ovechkin, #8, celebrates after scoring his career 895 during the second period of a NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders in Elmont, New York, on Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

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In March, he promised to donate an amount in dollars equal to the total objective of his career every time he notes during the rest of his career.

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