Alex Ovechkin receives reward from Putin after breaking NHL file

[ad_1] Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin obtained a congratulatory message from Russian President Vladimir Putin after breaking Wayne Gretzky’s mark for many objectives scored all time.

Ovechkin was born in Moscow and performed for Dynamo Moscow from 2001 to 2005 earlier than he joined the NHL and was chosen within the draft by the Capitals .

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on the Kremlin in Moscow, on Monday, April 7, 2025. (Vyacheslav Prokofyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photograph through AP)

"I congratulate you in your excellent file. You could have surpassed legendary masters within the variety of objectives scored in Nationwide Hockey League regular-season video games," Putin stated in a press release by way of the Kremlin.

He stated that breaking Gretzky’s file "has turn into not solely your private success, but additionally an actual celebration for followers in Russia and overseas."

"I want you well being, luck (and) combating spirit to overcome new heights in life and in sports activities."

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates after scoring his 895th profession objective in the course of the Islanders sport in Elmont, New York, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photograph/Adam Starvation)

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Ovechkin scored objective No. 895 within the second interval towards the New York Islanders. He transformed the objective on a powerplay.

"I’m most likely gonna want a pair extra days or possibly a pair weeks to comprehend what does it imply to be No. 1," Ovechkin stated after the sport. "I’m actually proud for myself. I’m actually proud for my household, for all my teammates that assist me to succeed in that milestone and for all my coaches. It’s big. It’s unbelievable. It’s unbelievable second, and I’m comfortable."

He scored on Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin. It was the 183rd completely different goaltender he scored on throughout his record-breaking run.

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin is greeted by Wayne Gretzky throughout a ceremony after he scored his 895th profession objective, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photograph/Adam Starvation)