Russian ice hockey star Alex Ovechkin has now become the NHL’s joint-highest scorer, tying legendary Canadian Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky with his 894th career goal. The Washington Capitals forward achieved this milestone with a power play goal in the third period, giving his team a 4-3 lead over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Ovechkin, 39, was swarmed by teammates after breaking the record on Friday night, marking his second goal of the game. His achievement is even more remarkable considering his season was interrupted by a leg injury in November.

“It means a lot,” Ovechkin said in an emotional interview after the game, expressing gratitude to fans and family. “You never thought you could reach that milestone.”

Gretzky, who was present at Capital One Arena to witness the historic moment, received cheers from the crowd as he saw his record tied. Ovechkin has a chance to break the record outright when the Capitals face the New York Islanders on Sunday.