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

When Ovechkin beat Sorokin on the power play with a wrist shot at 7:26 of the second period for his 895th goal, he passed Wayne Gretzky to become the League's new goal king. It was the only goal Sorokin allowed in the Islanders' 4-1 win.

Ovechkin scored the record breaker on the power-play with 12:34 remaining in the second period. He received a pass from Tom Wilson at the top of the left circle and fired past Sorokin for a goal that rewrote the history books. Ovechkin and Sorokin embraced on the ice when the game was paused for a ceremony.

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.

Ovechkin cheered wildly after the goal as his teammates jumped off the bench and swarmed him in celebration, while Hall of Famer Gretzky smiled widely in the crowd and joined the standing ovation.