Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin made history Friday night by tying Wayne Gretzky’s goal record, but the Chicago Blackhawks didn’t just roll over — they made it interesting.

With Gretzky in attendance, Ovechkin gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead at 3:52 of the first period when his one-timer from the bottom of the right circle hit the left post, then deflected off goalie Spencer Knight ’s back and into the net.

Alex Ovechkin tied Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record by scoring the 893rd and 894th of his career, the second being the game winner, as the Washington Capitals rallied to beat the Chicago Blackhawks 5-3.

It’s going to cost you if you want to see Alex Ovechkin have a chance to break Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goal-scoring mark against the Islanders.

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Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin had one clear shot at history on Friday night when the Chicago Blackhawks removed their goalie from the game and gave the Caps an empty-net situation. That put Ovechkin in position to score goal No. 895 to overtake Wayne Gretzky's 894 career goals for good, but the Russian winger passed.

Alex Ovechkin needs three goals to break Wayne Gretzky 's all-time goals record of 894, and the Washington Capitals forward could achieve the feat as soon as Friday, against the Chicago Blackhawks at Capital One Arena (7 p.m. ET; CHSN, MNMT, NHLN, SN, TVAS).

The Capitals ultimately won 5-4 after rookie Riley Leonard scored on an empty net. While the home crowd at the Capital One Arena roared with applause, the Blackhawks didn't rush off the ice after the game. Instead, in a heartfelt moment of sportsmanship, the entire team lined up to shake Ovechkin's hand individually.

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