FBI Director Kash Patel sits with Wayne Gretzky as Alex Ovechkin ties NHL record

FBI Director Kash Patel sat alongside the great Wayne Gretzky at Capital One Arena on Friday night where the pair, joined by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, witnessed a historic night in hockey history. 

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin scored the 894th goal of his career in a 5-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks to tie Gretzky’s record. The goal came in the first few minutes of the third period on a Capitals’ power play. 

FBI director Kash Patel, left, talking with former NHL player Wayne Gretzky, center, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, right, during the first period of an NHL hockey game between the Washington Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Washington.  (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Teammates poured onto the ice to surround Ovechkin. 

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In the stands, Patel and Gretzky celebrated.

“Congrats to The Great One Wayne Gretzky and huge props to #8 @ovi8,” Patel said in a post on X. He shared a photo inside the locker room shaking Ovechkin’s hand. “The greatest game on earth, honored to be with them on this record tying night… 894 goals #Legends @NHL.” 

Ovechkin is one goal away from passing Gretzky – an opportunity he had Friday night, but refused to take. 

ALEX OVECHKIN TIES WAYNE GRETZKY’S ALL-TIME NHL GOAL RECORD

FBI director is Kash Patel, left, tallking with former NHL player Wayne Gretzky, right, during the first period of an NHL hockey game between the Washington Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Washington.  (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

“He wants to break the record with a goaltender in the crease, which I appreciate,” head coach Spencer Carbery said. “He told me that on the bench, and I just wanted to confirm that he didn’t want to go out. And it’s hard for us as coaches, because I just wanted to make sure in that moment: hat trick, at home. And he didn’t want to go out and score on an empty net to break the record.”

He added, “We have six games left, and he wants to break the record and have that moment where he’s shooting the puck past a goalie.”

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Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks in the third period at Capital One Arena. The goal is the 894th of his career, tying Wayne Gretzky for all-time most goals scored in the NHL.  (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Ovechkin’s next opportunity will come Sunday against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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