Alex Ovechkin equals Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal-scoring record.

Washington Capitals standout Alex Ovechkin has matched Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record for most career goals, scoring his 894th during a game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night.

Needing two goals to tie the record and three to surpass it, Ovechkin rose to the occasion with Gretzky watching from the stands.

The 39-year-old struck early, netting his 893rd career goal just 3:53 into the first period after receiving a pass from behind the net by Dylan Strome and firing a one-timer from the circle past Chicago goalie Spencer Nightoff.

“Oh yeah, everyone’s buzzing right now. Wayne is here, so yeah, it’s a special moment,” Ovechkin told Monumental Sports Network when asked if he could feel the energy in the arena.

His first goal of the night was also his 40th of the season, making him the first player in NHL history to record three 40-goal seasons after turning 35.

For much of the game, it looked like Ovechkin might fall just short of tying the record. He came close late in the second period, nearly evening things up with a shot that narrowly missed the net.

Just over six minutes into the third period, Alex Ovechkin made history, blasting a one-timer off a pass from John Carlson to tie Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record with his 894th career goal.

The game paused briefly as fans at Capital One Arena erupted into cheers and gave Ovechkin a standing ovation. He skated over to celebrate with his family, offering high fives before heading to center ice to acknowledge the crowd with a wave—and even shared a wave and blown kiss to Gretzky, who was watching from the stands.

When the final buzzer sounded, the entire Chicago Blackhawks team remained on the ice to congratulate Ovechkin. He circled the rink, waving to the fans who stayed to honor the historic night.

During the postgame press conference, Ovechkin revealed Gretzky had texted him before the game with a light-hearted challenge to score three goals and “get it done.”

“It’s a special moment,” Ovechkin said, seated next to Gretzky. “It’s great for DC, for all our fans. Doing it here in Washington—it’s fun. It’s a pleasure to be in that category with those names.”

He also expressed gratitude for having friends and family in attendance, many of whom traveled from different cities to witness the milestone.

Gretzky, who spoke warmly about Ovechkin’s impact, called it “an honor” to be present. “Alex has been so great for the city of Washington. He’s been so great for the National Hockey League. And he’s encouraged so many kids in his home country of Russia to play hockey. He’s been nothing but a champion, and I’m proud we’re tied. I can live with that for another 24 hours.”

Ovechkin, meanwhile, remained humble about reaching the record at home. “It’s game-by-game, shift-by-shift,” he said. “We’re just going to keep enjoying the moment and focusing on the playoffs. We still have six games left.”

He even passed up an opportunity to break the record with an empty-net goal late in the game, instead handing the puck off to rookie Ryan Leonard, who scored his first career goal.

“I had pretty good chances in the last minute,” Ovechkin said. “I told Carbs (coach Spencer Carbery) right away I didn’t want it. Everybody asked me if I wanted it, and I said, ‘Let’s wait.’ I’m happy for Leo. Kid has a great future.”

Ovechkin’s next chance to break the all-time goals record will be on Sunday, when the Capitals visit the New York Islanders. Washington’s next home game is April 10 against the Carolina Hurricanes.