NHL: Responses after the record of Alexander Ovechkin record
New York. When Ovečkina a few years ago the overseas journalist Elliotte Friedman asked if he was thinking of a Gretzko record in the number of goals, the Russian striker was shaking his head.
« I don’t think someone will break the record. I think it’s impossible, » Ovechkin said.
Friedman repeated the question. « It’s impossible, » Ovechkin stressed.
On Sunday evening, the 39-year-old striker scored 895. The exact hit in the NHL and became a recorder in the number of goals scored. But Washington lost On the ice of New York Islanders 1: 4.
Video: A record goal of Alexander Ovechkin
The unique enrollment lasted 31 years. When « The Great One », as the nickname Gretzký sounded, in 1994, it was said that the record was insurmountable.
Ovechkin is the eighth record holder in the number of accurate interventions. In front of him, Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Joe Malone, Cy Denneny, Howie Morenz, Nels Stewart and Maurice Richard proved it.
« The Great 8 » reached a record 895. A goal in his 1487. The match in the regular season, all played for Washington. Gretzky scored in exactly the same number of meetings 894 times.
Although Ovechkin himself did not believe that he could overcome the primacy once, he still succeeded. He approached the historic moment on Friday against Chicago, when he equalized Gretzký with two goals.
All fans were curious about the match against the Islanders. Tickets for a meeting in the UBS Arena, New York, were sold in thousands of dollars.
The hockey public was 28 minutes into the match. Washington lost 0: 2 and was given the space to play the first power play.
Ovechkin switched a few words with his teammate John Carlson, director of a numerous advantage on the blue line.
After throwing out the « islanders » from the band Tom Wilson, he entered the band and found Ovečkina. The Russian stood in the place where he « acts » during each power play.
He did not choose a traditional shot from the first, but he held the puck and fired with a swing. Goalkeeper Ilya Sorokin collected, for the first time in a career from a stick of an experienced striker.
Video: A festive ceremony after the record is over
Ovechkin was pleased with the ice. The hall exploded, celebrated the opponent. All Washington players jumped out of the inverter and congratulated him.
The match was interrupted for a long time, followed by a ceremony.
Gretzky: I don’t know if someone scores even more goals
Ovechkin’s family, owner of Washington Ted Leonsis, NHL Commissioner NHL Gery Bettman, and former recorder Wayne Gretzky descended to the ice players.
« Sasha, » Ovechkin’s mother Taťjana said in the cube. « You’re amazing, I’m very proud of you. I love you very much. I know your father would be very proud of you, » she said.
Two sons Sergei and Ilya also appeared in the video. The hockey player watched with tears in his eyes.
« We are part of something historic. Wayne Gretzky held a record that everyone thought no one would surpass him. Alex, you did it. It’s incredible, » said NHL Commissioner Gery Bettman.
He devoted a picture to the new recorder, where Ovechkin with Stanley Cup and Wayne Gretzky was depicted, who could not be missing at an exceptional celebration.
« It is said that the records are to overcome, but I don’t know if someone will score even more goals. I said I would be the first to shake your hand after creating the record and I’m glad I can do it now, » congratulated the best hockey player of history.
In TNT’s broadcasting later, as Gretzky says Ovechkin, letting the record reach up to 900 goals.
« I was really happy for him. I felt like I was scoring the goal, » Gretzky said.
Fans around the world, but also in Russia …
“What was in a day?” He asked Ovechkin.
“As I always say, hockey is a collective sport. Without teammates, coaches, fans and organizations, I wouldn’t get anywhere.
I would never stand here and never overcome Gretzký. Boys, thank you very much, I love you, ”Ovečkin said in an immediate reaction on the ice.
Subsequently, he also thanked the goalkeeper Islanders Ily Sorokin for allowing him to score a record goal and his family for getting him to the very top.
« And the last thing. Fans around the world, but also in Russia – we put it! » Ovechkin shouted into the microphone.
During the great applause and chanting « Ovi, Ovi, » the players prepared again for the game and after the break continued in hockey.
Ovečkin played 16 minutes and 10 seconds in a record match. In addition to the loss, the match ended the match with Minus. He fired up to five times at the Islanders goal. As we all know, only one of the shots was successful.
Although Capitals lost the match, a big celebration followed in the dressing room. Ovech’s teammates poured beer. « We did it together, » said the recorder, who postponed the commemorative puck with which he scored 895.
Congratulations from the largest sports icons
And while Ovechkin and the team celebrated on the ice and outside it, a wave of praise posts on social networks.
« It was an honor for me that I could come against you over the years. During that period, you have reached so many milestones.
But this is a record that seemed impossible to reach. You found a way to humiliate him, ”said Captain Pittsburgh and eternal rival Sidney Crosby in the video.
The Russian striker congratulated the greatest sports legends, but also personalities of social importance.
Michael Phelps, Mark Messier, Simone Biles, Roger Federer, Michael Jordan, Katie Ledecky, Lebron James and many others have been a long list of congratulators.
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