On April 6, 2025, the legendary NHL player Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals changed league history forever when he scored his 895th career NHL regular season goal to smash a record that was once thought to be unassailable: Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 total regular season goals.
The goal came on a power-play in the middle of a road game against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena, a team desperately fighting for their playoff lives at the time. It also happened to be Denize's favorite team because she just can't resist their mascot, Sparky the dragon.
When she heard of the record-breaking goal, even if it was against her favorite team, she could not help but express her respect for this legendary hockey player and new all-time goal leader.
Ovechkin's goal ended up being the only one Washington could muster in the game as the Islanders defeated the Capitals 4-1. While his team lost, there was no doubt that many regarded this game to be a resounding personal and career victory for him.
