One year ago today, one of the greatest games in Washington Capitals history was played at Capital One Arena.<\/p>\n
Against the Chicago Blackhawks on April 4, 2025, Alex Ovechkin<\/a> finished his long-thought-impossible goals chase and reached the mountaintop, tying the game\u2019s greatest player, Wayne Gretzky, in career goals.<\/p>\n The Great One was in attendance to see the moment live, too, sitting in Ted Leonsis\u2019s owner\u2019s box.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Ovechkin started the night off by scoring on a one-timer from the slot 3:52 into the first period. After taking a slick pass from Dylan Strome<\/a> behind the net, Ovechkin sent a shot that hit off the far post but then ricocheted off Knight and in. Strome and John Carlson<\/a> were awarded the assists.<\/p>\n \u201cALEX OVECHKIN HAS WAYNE GRETZKY DEAD AHEAD,\u201d yelled Joe Beninati as Capital One Arena went berserk.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Ovechkin then tied Gretzky\u2019s career mark in one fewer game<\/a>, hammering home a one-timer for his 324th career power-play goal. Carlson and Strome got the assists.<\/p>\n \u201cTHE GREAT 8 STANDS SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE GREAT ONE,\u201d said Beninati.<\/p>\n Capitals players emptied the bench and celebrated with Ovechkin in the corner.<\/p>\n Once Ovechkin emerged from the pig pile, he located Gretzky in the crowd and bowed to him from ice level<\/a>, showing respect to his past accomplishments.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Ovechkin would have an opportunity for the hat trick and break Gretzky\u2019s record as Chicago pulled Knight late in the game for an extra attacker. But Ovechkin would ultimately choose to stay on the bench. Ryan Leonard<\/a> then scored his first career NHL goal.<\/p>\n