Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Alex Ovechkin to establish a “outstanding record” as the best NHL shooter.
In a message after 895. Ovechkina's career gate beaten a draw with Wayne Gretzky on Sunday 4-1 in Washington with New York Islanders, Putin said that the achievement was something that the Russians celebrate.
“I congratulate you on an outstanding record. You have crossed the legendary masters in terms of the number of goals scored in the season in the national hockey league season,” said Putin in a statement issued by the Kremlin on Monday.
Looking at Gretzky's album “It has not only become your personal success, but also a real celebration for fans in Russia and abroad,” added Putin. “I wish you health, happiness (i) to fight the spirit to conquer new heights in life and sport.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that on Monday Putin and Ovechkin did not yet say by phone, but Putin's message about congratulations showed “the highly appreciate the sports result of Ovechkina.”
See how L Ovechkin breaks the record of Gretzky's professional goals:
Washington Capitals Alexa Ovechkin's Power Play Gol put Washington on the board, which makes him 2-1 New York Islanders in the second period.
Ovechkin was a supporter of Putin in the past, and in 2017 he created a group called Putin Team in social media to show support for the President of Russia, who was re -elected the following year.
Ovechkin criticized for the support of a Russian autocratic leader whose war in Ukraine was convicted by global leaders.
At that time, Ovechkin said The Associated Press and Washington Post: “I just support my country” and said: “It's not about political things.”
The Russian minister of sport Michail Degtyaryev referred to this moment in his own statement of congratulations after Ovechkin broke the record on Sunday.
He published Ovechkin in social media “he remains a member of the Putin team, and at the same time one of the main faces of World Hockey, a favorite of millions and the best scorer of NHL.”
Watch L Gretzky Congratulations to Ovechkina after your goal:
Captain Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin scored his 895. A career goal against New York Islanders on Sunday and broke the NHL Wayne Gretzky record for career goals.