Ovechkin Refuses to Break Gretzky's Record in Final Minutes for One Shocking Reason

Alex Ovechkin had a great chance to break Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 career goals tonight in Washington DC.

The Capitals were playing against the Chicago Blackhawks, one of the worst teams in the NHL and Ovechkin had plenty of chances to score.

And score he did. The great eight potted two goals in the contest, just enough to tie Gretzky with 894, but not enough to claim the record for himself.

Of course, Gretzky himself was in the building, anticipating the possibility that tonight could have been the night.

He even visited Ovechkin in the Capitals locker room after the game to congratulate him and celebrate with the team.

Sadly, Gretzky, like the rest of us, will have to wait at least two more days for the record-breaking moment as the Capitals do not play again until Sunday.

That being said, Ovechkin did have an amazing opportunity to secure the record tonight as the Blackhawks pulled goaltender Spencer Knight late in the 3rd period, attempting to tie the game.

However, Ovechkin refused to step on the ice with the empty net, even telling Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery that he wouldn't do it.

As such, it was rookie forward Ryan Leonard who scored the empty netter for his first goal of his career.

Apparently, Ovechkin did not want to break the record on an empty net. Rather, he would like to do it the old-fashioned way, beating a netminder with his patented slapshot.

Be sure to tune in Sunday as we may very well witness history.