Ovechkin Breaks Down in Locker Room After Historic Night, Delivers Powerful Message to Fans and Teammates

The Washington Capitals ended up with a 5-3 victory on Friday night, but the main story of course was Alex Ovechkin tying Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record, scoring his 894th of his illustrious career.

The Great One himself was in attendance and was nothing but respectful, gracious and excited that Ovechkin not only tied the record, but will break the once impossible feat.

But it was afterward that showed just how emotional the moment meant to Ovechkin. In the locker room, head coach Spencer Carbary gave Ovi the puck that he scored his 894th goal on and embraced his captain to applause from his teammates.

Assked to give a speech after receiving the puck, it was clear Ovechkin was taken aback by emotion, and the normally jovial Russian was more stunned than anything, not being able to find the words to express how he felt.

Ovechkin thanked his teammates, coaches, training staff, and everyone else involved but didn't have much in the way of words, definitely just wanting to appreciate the moment.

Perhaps it didn't sink in yet, but the enormity of the situation should not be overstated. Ovechkin is 40 years old, putting in the same type of production since he broke into the league, and he's showing no signs of slowing down.

It's not unfeasible to see Ovechkin play a Jaromir Jagr-esque career where he plays another 4-5 seasons after retiring from the NHL, and could end up being the first ever player to score 1000 goals professionally.

It was a powerful moment to see Ovechkin stoic, reserved, and almost in awe of the fact that he tied the record.

As he should be, considering we are all in awe of it too. There will be no greater goal-scorer in history than Alex Ovechkin, and we are all lucky to be able to experience something so beautiful and historic.