New York Islanders vs Washington Capitals Picks and Predictions April 6th 2025

Setting the Stage for NHL History

The NHL is bracing for a milestone moment as Alex Ovechkin stands poised to surpass Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record. With both hockey legends tied at 894 career goals, the Washington Capitals‘ upcoming game against the New York Islanders could etch Ovechkin’s name atop one of the league’s most prestigious records.

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A Rivalry Rooted in History

The Capitals and Islanders have long shared a historical connection. Most notably, the 1987 “Easter Epic” Game 7, a quadruple-overtime thriller, permanently bonded these two franchises in NHL lore. Now, nearly four decades later, Ovechkin may create another legendary chapter between them—this time as a record-breaking goal scorer.

Ovechkin Ties Gretzky in Dramatic Fashion

Ovechkin scored twice in the Capitals’ 5-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks to tie Gretzky at 894 goals. The game was played in front of a roaring home crowd of 18,573, with both Wayne Gretzky and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman in attendance. Ovechkin marked the moment by bowing toward Gretzky in the box, an unforgettable show of respect.

Career Stats Snapshot

A Remarkable Comeback Season

At 39, Ovechkin’s performance remains jaw-dropping. After recovering from a broken leg earlier this season, he’s netted 41 goals in just 60 games, including 26 since December 28. His recent four-game scoring streak adds to the drama as he closes in on breaking the record.

Sportsmanship Over Statistics

Despite having several late-game chances to break the record, Ovechkin refused to do it with an empty-net goal—a testament to his competitive integrity. “I still can’t believe it… it’s history,” Ovechkin said postgame. Meanwhile, Gretzky quipped, “I’ll take every empty-net goal I can get,” highlighting the mutual admiration between the two stars.

The Islander’s Defense and Stakes

New York Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin will be under intense pressure. Interestingly, Ovechkin has never scored against Sorokin, adding another layer of intrigue. The Islanders, fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, will look to prevent Ovechkin’s historic goal while closing the five-point gap behind the Canadiens for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

What’s at Stake This Sunday

• For Ovechkin: A chance to break the most iconic record in hockey.
• For the Capitals: Solidifying their lead in the Metropolitan Division.
• For the Islanders: Keeping their playoff dreams afloat.

With just seven games remaining, every shift counts.

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Quotes That Define the Moment

Ovechkin: “It’s game-by-game, it’s shift-by-shift. You never know what’s going to happen.”

Cizikas (Islanders): “Anything can happen in this league. We’ve got to focus on what we can control.”

What This Means for Ovechkin’s Legacy

Breaking Gretzky’s record would immortalize Ovechkin as perhaps the greatest pure goal scorer in NHL history. His combination of consistency, power, and leadership over nearly two decades places him in a league of his own.

Related Resource

Explore Gretzky’s legendary career highlights on the official NHL Hall of Fame site.

Final Thoughts

Alex Ovechkin is more than just chasing history—he’s redefining it. With one goal standing between him and the top of the all-time scoring list, Sunday’s game against the Islanders could become a defining moment in NHL history. Whether you’re a Capitals fan, an Islanders supporter, or just a lover of the sport, this is one matchup you won’t want to miss.