In a historic clash on Sunday, the Washington Capitals faced off against the New York Islanders, culminating in a moment for the ages as Alexander Ovechkin shattered Wayne Gretzky’s career goal record. On Monday, Monumental Sports Network, the Capitals’ broadcasting partner, provided a behind-the-scenes look at the pivotal moments in the control room leading up to this achievement.
While play-by-play announcers Joe Beninati and Kenny Albert were justly celebrated for their calls during Ovechkin’s record-setting goal, the behind-the-scenes team often remains unsung. However, the narrative shifted on Monday when Monumental Sports Network shared a heartfelt video on social media showcasing the control room’s reaction to the monumental goal. The crew’s brief celebration was quickly overshadowed by the need to make crucial decisions on how to best present the record-breaking moment on live television.
From the MNMT Control Room 🕹️ to your televisions!
Witness @ovi8 goal #️⃣8️⃣9️⃣5️⃣ where the #ALLCAPS magic happens & shout out to our amazing crew who captured history ⬇️ #Gr8Chase with @Venture_Global | @Capitals pic.twitter.com/swms5tJZLo
— Monumental Sports Network (@MonSportsNet) April 7, 2025
Despite the apparent frenzy in the control room, the broadcast successfully captured the essence of this incredible moment, showcasing the emotion on the fans’ faces, Wayne Gretzky’s presence, and Ovechkin’s family celebrating his achievement.
“THE CHASING DAYS ARE DONE. ALEX OVECHKIN IS THE GREATEST GOAL SCORER IN THE HISTORY OF THE NHL!!”
Joe Beninati on the call for Monumental Sports Network for Ovi’s historic goal 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/zwJZIDYA6m
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 6, 2025
The video from the control room caught the attention of many in the sports media realm, with numerous accolades directed towards the Monumental Sports Network production team for their role in commemorating Ovechkin’s goal. Producer Shaun Salehi expressed his pride in a post on X, stating, “Our Capitals game crew is the best in the business. So thrilled for them to all be a part of yesterday’s amazing moment and knew they would CRUSH it!”
Our Capitals game crew is the best in the business. So thrilled for them to all be a part of yesterday’s amazing moment and knew they would CRUSH it! https://t.co/zCVjn6o5dY
— Shaun Salehi (@ShaunSalehi) April 7, 2025
Dan Schutte, a news anchor at CBS 19 News in Charlottesville, Virginia, also noted, “I can’t tell you how much I love this on multiple levels. This is great directing and technical directing.” https://t.co/B45KzEHQYn
I can’t tell you how much I love this on multiple levels. This is great directing and technical directing. https://t.co/B45KzEHQYn
— Dan Schutte (@schuttedan) April 7, 2025
“This is the coolest thing,” commented Matt Venezia, a former reporter for Monumental Sports Network and now an anchor at WAFB 9 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “Grateful to have been a part of Monumental Sports Network for a short time. Such a professional job!”
This is the coolest thing. Grateful to have been a part of @MonSportsNet for a short time. Such a professional job! https://t.co/qbKQLqXhcY
— Matt Venezia (@Matt_Venezia) April 7, 2025
