A hat trick. That’s what Alex Ovechkin needed on Friday to finally reach the coveted milestone he’s been chasing all season long. The 39-year-old certainly looked like a man on a mission, scoring two goals and equaling Gretzky’s record of 894 goals. But he refused to come onto the ice after the Chicago Blackhawks pulled their goalie late into the third period. He made it clear that scoring an empty-netter is not how he plans to surpass the legend—a sentiment that only heightened the community’s respect for him. And as history was both made and delayed, watching from the stands was none other than The Great One himself.

Just a day ahead of Friday’s game, news started floating around that The Great One would be present to watch Alex Ovechkin overtake his record. Gretzky, who has never been jealous of losing even his most hallowed records, has always put respect on Alex Ovechkin’s name. And Janet Gretzky is absolutely in favor of her husband’s humble gesture toward Ovechkin.

Wayne Gretzky’s 64-year-old wife made that clear when she shared the news on her Instagram story. She shared a post by Hockey Forever that revealed the former Edmonton Oilers star’s intentions to be “the first to shake his hand,” when Alex Ovechkin surpasses his 894 goals. Well, while the 39-year-old couldn’t topple the record against Chicago, he did equal it.

So, The Great One chose the perfect day to watch from the stands. Yet, that also means the 64-year-old former Oilers icon legend will have to make at least another trip to watch the Great 8 surpass his NHL all-time goals record.

As per the post, Janet Gretzky shared, her husband will follow the Washington Capitals city-to-city to witness the historic moment when Ovechkin surpasses the longtime record. “It’s just a matter of time, whether it’s late this year, early next year, whenever,” Wayne Gretzky told NHL.com last September. That time is nearly upon the hockey world, and the legendary hockey player is ready to accept it.

Wayne Gretzky will come full circle

Wayne Gretzky recalled his father’s words while discussing Alex Ovechkin being on the cusp of beating his NHL goals record. “Be as proud of the guy that breaks your record,” Gretzky recalled his father telling him when he broke Gordie Howe’s goalscoring record. And The Great One is proud. “I’m very proud of him. I’m proud of what I accomplished,” said No. 99.

You see, the ice hockey legend is just one corner away from coming full circle. When Wayne Gretzky broke Howe’s record, he was there to witness it. The Great One labeled it as the “integrity” of the game. Now he stands where Gordie Howe once stood, and the four-time Stanley Cup winner will do the same. In fact, he hopes Ovechkin will pass on the torch when it’s his turn.

“You pass it down. If somebody breaks Alex’s record, I hope Alex is there to shake his hand,” added Gretzky, while giving all the credit to the NHL forward for scoring goal number 894 against the Blackhawks. Janet Gretzky shares similar respect for what the Washington Capitals captain has achieved. Yet, what about Alex Ovechkin himself?

What does he think of Wayne Gretzky being there to watch it happen? “It’s great… He’s been supportive all the time to me. It’s a fun time right now,” the 39-year-old said after the morning skate ahead of the Blackhawks game. But like always, the captain’s attention was on his team playing well. Despite being so close to creating history, the Capitals are Ovi’s first priority.