Alex Ovechkin breaks Wayne Gretzky’s NHL all-time career goals record

It’s been a long time coming, but Alex Ovechkin can finally call himself the NHL’s all-time leading scorer with number 895 on Sunday.

The 39-year-old overtook Wayne Gretzky’s mark of 894 goals after scoring in the second period in the Washington Capitals 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders in Elmont, New York.

Ovechkin rocketed a wrist shot past goalie and fellow Russian Ilya Sorokin as the left winger’s family and Gretzky looked on at UBS Arena.

It was a power play goal, which was fitting – no one in NHL history has ever scored more power play goals than the Russian ace.

Ovechkin netted his 42nd tally of the season, which is the third most in the league.