Ovechkin: “It’s a special moment”
Alexander Ovechkin never tires of rewriting history. He has now broken the NHL team goalscoring record (787) previously held by Gordie Howe (786).
It happened in Washington’s home game against Arizona (2:3), when Ovechkin converted the majority in the 29th minute. The moment cannot even be described, you will see it with your eyes closed. The puck entered the left circle and Ovi landed his cannon shot from there.
Admittedly, the timing was visually different. “Washington” performed in retro sweaters with a flying eagle on the chest. It was in this form that Ovechkin made his NHL debut, where he scored his first goals. That record goal number 787 was like stepping back in time.
“Obviously this is an important point,” Ovechkin said. – In the last two games, I managed to conquer the big milestones. Unfortunately, we couldn’t win. But it’s a special moment, and it’s very good that my children, my wife and all the fans are here for this match. My parents watched in Moscow…”
Trevor Van Riemsdyk gave a historic assist: “I happened to be there in the majority, and it’s always a good idea to give the puck to Ovechkin on his left flank. I did and he did everything he could. Superb shot and incredible achievement. Ovechkin is aiming for the title of best sniper in history, and this was another milestone on his long journey.
Orlov has already made the break in the first half
It should be noted that Gordie Howe scored 786 goals in 1,687 games in 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings in 1946-71. Ovechkin reached that milestone in his 1,287th game with the Washington Capitals, who selected him first overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
But the main record is yet to come. Ovi has scored seven goals in 13 appearances this season. He needs 14 more goals to put Howe on the all-time goalscoring list. After all, Gordy finished his NHL career with 801 goals, another 15 goals in 80 games with the Hartford Whalers in 1979-80, when he returned to the league after six seasons in the World Hockey Association ( 1973-79) and two years in retirement.
And let’s not forget Wayne Gretzky (894). But this is a separate conversation.
“I’ve always said that staying with the same team for the rest of my career is my goal,” Ovechkin said. – Obviously, I’m lucky to be able to play for Washington all my life. So that’s very cool.”
The same match at “Capitals” did not work very well, although they managed to transfer “Arizona” (36-26). Washington had too many injuries, then he suffered a lower-body injury and defenseman Dmitry Orlov left the team with 47 seconds left in the first period. But Dima was the Capitals’ leader in playing time this season. He was under a lot of pressure, and now he’s broken down, reaching the roster, which already includes TJ Oshie, Tom Wilson, Connor Brown, Niklas Backstrom, Carl Hagelin, John Carlson and Beck Malensteen.
In the third period, Washington led 2-0, but conceded three goals in a row. Moreover, the guests scored the decisive goal 36 seconds before the end of the match. It was clear that the Arizonas were superior to the Capitals in physical form.
“The last four games have been the same story for us,” said “Washington” head coach Peter Laviolette. We don’t score many goals. And when you’re not very productive, you have to pay extra attention to defense. And in the third period, it should have been particularly good.
“We have to finish the games properly, play the 60 minutes. Obviously, we’re not doing that right now,” Capitals forward Anthony Manta said. We lead, we work hard to take advantage. And they throw a puck, and it seems like something is breaking with us…”
162 goalies missed by Ovechkin in the NHL
But back to Ovechkin, the main character of the day. It’s not every night that we rewrite history like this! By the way, let me present to your attention a complete list of all the leading scorers of all NHL clubs in history.
Moreover, Ilya Kovalchuk never played for Winnipeg, but his Atlanta moved to this city – and club records also moved there.
Additionally, Arizona goaltender Karel Veimelka became the 162nd goaltender Alexander Ovechkin to score in league history. If so, only Jaromir Jagr (178), Patrick Marleau (177) and Mark Messier (164) have surprised more goaltenders. But there is no doubt that Ovechkin will aim for this record.
And another feat: Ovechkin opened the scoring 132 times in NHL history. Most often, only Jagr did (135). By the way, he also played for Washington before.
And in general, the evening turned out to be magnificent in terms of setting. When Ovechkin scored, in the next timeout, a touching video played on the stadium bulletin board, reminiscing about how Sasha spent his early years with the Capitals, gave his first press conference, walked the city on a segway and scored goals.
And club owner Ted Leonsis photographed the scoreboard after Ovi’s goal from his box and tweeted: “Most goals in NHL history on one team. How lucky we are! Thanks Alex.”
Well, still, Leonsis had a chance in the 2004 draft to select Ovechkin with the first number, and then build a hockey empire around him, where jerseys with the number “eight” fly like hotcakes, and in the US capital in 2018 there is a victory parade when Ovechkin and company win the club’s first Stanley Cup.
It was a good hunt. But for Ovechkin, it continues.
Source : MatchTV
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
