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Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Alex Ovechkin, who set up a “extraordinary record” as the NHL’s all-time best goal.
In the message after Ovechkin’s 895’s career goal knocked down a record with Wayne Gretzky on Sunday in New York Islanders, the Washington Capitals 4-1, Putin said the achievement was something that the Russians would celebrate.
“Congratulations on your extraordinary record. You have overpowered the legendary masters in the number of goals scored in the regular games of the National Hockey League,” Putin said in a statement published on Monday by Kremlin.
The breaking of the Gretzky record “has become not only your personal success, but also a real celebration of fans in Russia and abroad,” Putin added. “I wish you health, happiness (s) a combat spirit to win new heights in life and sports.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that on Monday, Putin and Ovechkin hadn’t talked on the phone yet, but Putin’s message of congratulations showed the president “highly appreciate the Ovechkin’s sports result”.
Watch L O Ovechkin Breaks Record of Goals in Gretzky Career:
Washington Capitals striker Alex Ovechkin’s Power Play Naked put Washington on the board, making 2-1 New York Islanders in the second period.
Ovechkin has been the support of Putin in the past, and in 2017 he founded a group called Putin Team on social media to show support to the Russian president, which was re -elected next year.
Ovechkin pulled criticized for supporting the Russian autocratic leader whose war in Ukraine was convicted by global leaders.
Then Ovechkin told Associated Pressu and Washington Post: “I only support my country” and said, “It’s not about political things.”
Russian Sport Minister Mihail Degtyareryev on that moment headed to his congratulation statement after Ovechkin broke the record on Sunday.
On social networks, Ovechkin has posted “It remains a member of Putin’s team, and at the same time is one of the main faces of the world hockey, a favorite million and NHL best shooters.”
Watch L Gretzky Congratulations Ovechkin after a record goal:
Captain Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th career on Sunday against New York Islanders and knocked the NHL record for Wayne Gretzky for career goals.
