Wayne Gretzky's NHL ice hockey goal-scoring record - a mark often considered by pundits as untouchable - has been eclipsed by Alex Ovechkin

The Washington Capitals captain found the back of the net for the 895th time in his 1487th career game against the New York Islanders - that's the same number of matches as Gretzky.

Ovechkin belly dived across the rink as part of frenzied celebrations.

The game stopped for an presentation with Gretzky leading a chorus of congratulations.

He made a promise to shake Ovechkin's hand first if the record fell.