NHL star Alex Ovechkin has tied Wayne Gretzky for the most goals in the history of the National Hockey League. The captain of the Washington Capitals and All Star, is just one goal away from passing Gretzky this season. What Ovi has accomplished in his career is truly remarkable, he is arguably the greatest hockey player ever. The Gretzky record is one that many NHL fans believed would never be broken. 

The two legends are currently knotted at 894 goals—with Ovechkin having his next opportunity on Sunday as the Caps head to the New York Islanders. 

With Gretzky, Ovi's family, and all Caps nation to witness ❤️

Alex Ovechkin is now tied for the most career goals in NHL history with 894 goals! pic.twitter.com/MGTg7itw2q

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 5, 2025

My question is simple. What Ovechkin has accomplished is extraordinarily historical. How is what he is doing not getting wall to wall coverage throughout every sports outlet, and frankly, every sports show on TV?  When did sports media not alert fans as to what is happening in sports generally? Of course what Ovechkin is doing is being talked about and discussed—certainly as he’s gotten closer to breaking the scoring title record, but historical milestones used to be promoted to the point no sports fan could miss the moment. 

Growing up, it was the "long gone summer"—the battle between Sammy Sosa and Mark McGuire to see who would be the new home run king of Major League Baseball. This home run saga went back and forth for months, and not only received coverage from sports outlets, but just about every news outlet in the country would give periodic updates on the race. It was must see TV.

I completely understand that hockey is not America's pastime, like we consider baseball. But I would like to see more sports camaraderie when it comes to these major sports records and events.

Last major league baseball season, Shohei Ohtani for the Los Angeles Dodgers created a new milestone: Stealing 50 bases and hitting 50 home runs in the same season. CBS Sports at the time described Ohtani’s accomplishment: 

“For the first time in Major League Baseball history, a player has hit 50 home runs and stolen 50 bases in the same season. On Thursday, Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani slugged his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs of 2024, and also stole his 50th and 51st bases of the season, making him the charter member of the 50-50 club.All told, Ohtani went 6 for 6 with two doubles, three home runs, two stolen bases, and 10 RBI in Thursday's win over the Miami Marlins (LA 20, MIA 4). Thursday was the 13th time this season Ohtani hit a home run and stole a base in the same game. That ties the single-season record set by Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson in 1986.” 

Ohtani went 6-6 with 3 home runs and 10 RBI’s—I’m still frustrated that I missed this historical moment. Yes, I blame myself, but how did the sports media let me miss this? 

During his post game interview, Ovechkin was full of gratitude—thanking all those who helped him reach this historical milestone, emotionally honoring his family and the game he has given his entire life to.

After the game, Ovechkin’s Capitals teammate, Tom Wilson told NBC4 Sports, “When I'm done playing and look back on it, it'll be one of the biggest honors of my career to be able to play with Ovi... thank you's not enough."

Wilson’s words capture what it means to witness Ovi’s amazing career. On Sunday, we all may witness NHL history. I’m doing my best to sound the alarm—don’t miss it!