Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulates Alex Ovechkin on setting an “excellent record” of the highest goal rate in the NHL.
Putin said Wayne Gretzky lost 4-1 to New York Islander Wayne Gretzky on Sunday after Ovechkin’s 895th career goal, which he said was a achievement that the Russians celebrated.
“I congratulate you on your outstanding record. The number of goals scored in the National Hockey League regular season exceeded the legendary masters,” Putin said in a statement released by the Kremlin on Monday.
Putin added that breaking Gretzky’s record “has become not only your personal success, but it has become a real celebration for fans of Russia and abroad.” “I wish you good health and good luck,” he added. [and] The fighting spirit is to conquer new heights in life and movement. ”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that Putin and Ovechkin have not spoken over the phone, but Putin’s congratulations show that the president “attracts Ovechkin’s sports performance very seriously.”
Watch Lovechkin break Gretzky’s career goal record:
Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin’s strength goal put Washington on the board, giving it a 2-1 2-1 in the New York Islanders in the second phase.
Ovechkin was a supporter of Putin in the past and formed a group on social media in 2017 called Putin Team to express his support to the Russian president, who was reelected the following year.
Ovechkin raised criticism of supporting the Russian autocratic leader, whose war in Ukraine was condemned by global leaders.
At the time, Ovechkin told the Associated Press and the Washington Post that “I just support my country” and said: “It has nothing to do with politics.”
Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryev mentioned the moment in his own congratulations statement as Ovechkin broke the record on Sunday.
He posted on social media that Ovechkin “still be a member of Putin’s team, while one of the main faces of world hockey, millions and the NHL best scorer.”
Watch L Gretzky congratulate Ovechkin after his record goal:
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin’s 895th professional goal against the New York Islanders on Sunday, breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL professional goal record.
