Broadcaster lauded for commentary on Alexander Ovechkin’s milestone goal

In Friday’s exciting game between the Washington Capitals and the Chicago Blackhawks, fans witnessed the eagerly awaited moment when Alexander Ovechkin tied the NHL record for career goals. While Ovechkin was celebrated across social media, longstanding Capitals broadcaster Joe Beninati also garnered attention for his extraordinary call of this historic event. Beninati has been the lead play-by-play announcer for the Capitals since 1994, meaning he has called most of Ovechkin’s goals during his incredible career. He was understandably eager to call the moment Ovechkin would tie—and ultimately surpass—Gretzky’s record.

Entering Friday night’s game, Ovechkin was just two goals shy of Wayne Gretzky’s record. He closed the gap by scoring in the first period and then broke a 3-3 tie in the third period with his 894th career goal, thus tying Gretzky’s mark. “Here is a pass,” Beninati announced during the call, “Ovechkin scores! The Great 8 stands side-by-side with the Great One!”

“SCORES. The Great 8 stands side-by-side with the Great One.”

– Joe Beninati.

Alexander Ovechkin scores career goal No. 894, tying Wayne Gretzky for No. 1 all-time. pic.twitter.com/nSzt3YbGLm

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 5, 2025

Following the goal, there was a brief pause in the action as Ovechkin celebrated with his teammates, acknowledged his family, and paid tribute to Wayne Gretzky, who was present. During this celebration, Beninati mostly refrained from speaking, allowing the moment to resonate, only chiming in at pivotal moments. “High fives for the family,” he remarked. “And a huge round for a Capital One Arena crowd that can’t get enough. Wayne Gretzky has held the record alone since March of 1994. He now has company as he takes his seat. His wife Nastya (Shubskaya), and the boys Sergei and Ilya, along with every single Capitals fan in Caps Nation, both inside Capital One Arena and around the world, salute this man.” Media members and fans quickly recognized Beninati’s skill in letting the moment be focused on Ovechkin, praising his commentary.

“Having Joe Beninati calling these goals during Ovi’s chase rocks so hard,” tweeted SportsNet’s Dimitri Filipovic.

Having Joe Beninati calling these goals during Ovi’s chase rocks so hard

— Dimitri Filipovic (@DimFilipovic) April 4, 2025

“Nobody does it better than Joe Beninati,” remarked Jordan Demcher, also known as Jordie Barstool of Barstool Sports.

Nobody does it better than Joe Beninati https://t.co/WfvoiyfJNH

— Jordie (@jordiebarstool) April 5, 2025

“Wonderful call,” echoed Frank Marchese of 97.3 The Fan in San Diego. “A meaningful moment that every broadcaster wishes to experience, and Joe Beninati nailed it. Great call, let the moment breathe; kudos to the color guy for not stepping on the silence. Perfect job!”

Wonderful call. A meaningful moment that every broadcaster wishes they have the fortune to find themselves in and Joe Beninati nailed it. Great call, let the moment breathe, good on the color guy for not stepping on the silence. Perfect job! https://t.co/Zz8VYINh4H

— Frank Marchese (@fmarkz324) April 5, 2025

“An extraordinary moment in sports history with a call to match. Joe Beninati nailed this,” tweeted Joel Sebastianelli of Local 4 WDIV, an NBC affiliate in Detroit.

An extraordinary moment in sports history with a call to match

Joe Beninati nailed this 💯 https://t.co/0JhZ4eX84s

— Joel Sebastianelli (@JJSebastianelli) April 5, 2025

Looking ahead, Ovechkin aims to snatch the record for himself. His next chance comes on Sunday against the New York Islanders; however, if he prefers to break the record on home ice in Washington, he will have to wait until next Thursday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Regardless of when the record-breaking goal occurs, one thing is certain: an exceptional call from Beninati will follow, as evidenced by his recent performance.