Leafs' Auston Matthews Sends Heartfelt Message to Ovechkin After Breaking Gretzky's Record

Alexander Ovechkin could have broken the NHL's longstanding goals record in his last game with the net empty. However, he told his head coach Spencer Carbery that he wanted to do it with a goalie in between the pipes instead.

That set the stage for Sunday's game against the New York Islanders as his next best opportunity to break Wayne Gretzky's record. It didn't take him too long with goal 895 being recorded at the 7:26 mark of the second period during a Capitals power play.

Play immediately stopped, his family and loved ones came from the press box down to the ice, and Wayne Gretzky and Gary Bettman were a part of the festivities. After speeches and congratulatory messages were displayed, play resumed.

However, on social media, messages and videos began to surface, including one from Toronto Maple Leafs sharpshooter Auston Matthews.

Ovechkin's pursuit for the record was something to marvel at considering he broke his leg earlier in the season. However, his durability has been on full display throughout his entire career and he came back with a bang.

Entering today's game, he had scored 19 goals over his last 26 games and was riding a personal 4-game goal streak where he notched 5 goals. The next stop for Ovechkin will be goal #900, which could be had this season if he continues his hot streak until the final game of the season.

As for the 27-year-old Matthews, he has a long way to go to coming anywhere near the record, but he does stand a better chance than almost anyone currently playing with 398 goals scored in just 623 games.