At that moment, Alex Ovechkin stood alone. On Sunday, the 39-year-old hockey winger achieved the feat that was previously thought impossible: he broke through Wayne Gretzky‘s 894-goal mark that was set in 1994. Scoring his 895th career goal during the Capitals’ match against the Islanders at the UBS Arena, Ovechkin stepped into a league of his own and is now currently the highest NHL goal-scorer of all time. Such a feat, undoubtedly, warrants the highest and most intense form of celebration, and Connor McDavid is doing his best to make up for everyone.

“There’s nothing better than the National Hockey League,” the “Great One” Gretzky said while congratulating Alex for his seminal career moment. However, despite the veteran putting the NHL on such a high pedestal, there has been remarkably little acknowledgement of Ovechkin’s success. Thankfully, the Oilers’ captain isn’t shy to note his adulation.

Connor McDavid shows up with all the love for the Capitals’ captain

In a post on X by the official Edmonton Oilers handle, the team captain was heard sharing his congratulations for the Russian. Captioned, “From one generational superstar to another,” the social media update came with a short video in which Connor hails Ovechkin for the latter’s recent achievement. “Congrats Ovie,” McDavid says, looking into the camera, as a subtle smile of pride could be detected on his face. “What an accomplishment, honestly…the greatest goal scorer of all time, such an amazing feat,” the Edmonton frontman couldn’t stop gushing.

Ovechkin’s long chase, dubbed the “Gr8 Chase” as a homage to his Capitals jersey number, has been the talk of the town within the NHL community in recent weeks. Earlier, Penguins’ captain Sidney Crosby had also shared a heartfelt message, congratulating the Russian veteran on reaching such a huge milestone. Recalling their rivalry that goes back to the 2006 Calder Memorial Trophy, Crosby said, “…you have accomplished so many milestones, but this one was probably thought to be impossible, and you found a way to do it. Congratulations on scoring the most goals in NHL history. Hope you have a great night celebrating with your friends and family.”

However, it’s not like everyone shares the same kind of enthusiasm as McDavid and Crosby. After Ovechkin attained the feat, there haven’t been a lot of celebratory posts on social media. Naturally, that hasn’t gone unnoticed and many community members have noted their displeasure over the matter.

Daily Faceoff’s Jason Gregor slammed the deafening silence of Alex’s colleagues after his record-making moment. “What a fail by NHL players. Very few social media posts from stars mentioning Ovechkin’s record,” the journalist fumed in a recent X post, while highlighting how the NFL and the NBA are miles ahead in terms of showing their love for their sports. Luckily, it seems like Connor McDavid isn’t one to hold back on his admiration for the achievement that just rewrote NHL history.

However, while the Oilers’ star’s appreciation of his senior looked heartfelt, it might also belong in a class that the former might not be able to reach himself.

The Oilers forward has time in his hands to play catch-up

It was Jason Gregor who took to X yesterday to claim that Connor McDavid won’t be able to match up to Gretzky or Ovechkin in different areas. Highlighting how the Russian is miles ahead of any of his peers in terms of goals scored, the Sports 1440 host claimed that the 28-year-old Oilers star has even smaller hopes when it comes to becoming the greatest play-maker in the NHL.

With 1,963 assists, Gretzky sits comfortably as the top chance-creator, while McDavid has only 711 assists in his bag. “Don’t see it happening,” Gregor stated dryly.  However, it’s not like Connor has nothing to boast about for himself. McDavid has already scored 361 goals in 708 games. Along with that, he also boasts 1072 points, making him one of the best point producers in the NHL.

Moreover, Connor is trailing closely behind more legends of the sport in other areas as well. With five Art Ross Trophies to his name already, McDavid is only one behind Mario Lemieux and Gordie “Mr. Hockey” Howe. But then again, Wayne Gretzky’s 10 is a number that is yet to be bested. But can Connor McDavid do it, especially with age on his side? What do you reckon?