Alex Ovechkin made a habit of collecting Tony Harris’ paintings of him during his climb up the NHL goals list. So, it seemed fitting that Ovechkin received another after the Washington Capitals left wing scored his NHL record-breaking 895th goal against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Sunday.

President Vladimir Putin on Monday lauded Russian ice hockey star Alexander Ovechkin for surpassing all the sport's other legends in a dazzling career that the Kremlin chief said was a cause for celebration for fans across Russia and the world.

Sorokin will be on the highlight reels forever now as the goalie who gave up the record-setter to his friend and fellow countryman.

Gretzky, back then at least, was more than a hockey player to Canadians. He was homegrown royalty, a player of such quality, of such rare possibility, that he transcended the game we’ve always used to define ourselves.

The Athletic has live coverage of Alex Ovechkin’s journey to break Wayne Gretzky’s career goal record. WASHINGTON — Sometime soon — Sunday maybe, perhaps Thursday — Alex Ovechkin will reach the summit.

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th career National Hockey League goal on Sunday to break the hallowed all-time record of Wayne Gretzky that was once considered unbeatable.

A little more than three decades before Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record, the “Great One” had his own chase. Gretzky was in hot pursuit of Gordie Howe's record in the spring of 1994.

While the tally itself was awesome, of course, so was the call from local broadcaster Joe Beninati of Monumental Sports Network. A longtime sportscaster, Joe B delivered an incredible call of Ovechkin's record-breaking goal.