Alexander Ovechkin scored his 895th NHL goal, breaking Wayne Gretzky's long-standing record. The achievement was met with jubilant celebrations by his teammates and fans.
Ovechkin's public support for Vladimir Putin has been a source of controversy. Putin congratulated Ovechkin, using the occasion for patriotic messaging.
The article discusses the significant presence of Russian players in the NHL and the league's decision not to exclude them following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, citing financial reasons.
While Ovechkin's achievement is monumental, the article notes that Gretzky remains a revered figure in Canada, holding numerous other NHL records. The reception to Ovechkin's record-breaking goal revealed a strong sense of national pride in Canadian hockey fans, with some expressing a greater level of appreciation for Gretzky.
Ovechkin's career highlights, including his Stanley Cup win and World Championship titles, are mentioned. Criticism regarding his playing style, described as selfish by some, is also addressed.