Vladimir Putin congratulates Alex Ovechkin on ‘outstanding’ NHL goals record | CBC Sports

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Alex Ovechkin for setting an “excellent record” because the NHL’s all-time prime goal-scorer.

In a message after Ovechkin’s 895th profession objective broke a tie for the record with Wayne Gretzky within the Washington Capitals’ 4-1 loss Sunday to the New York Islanders, Putin mentioned the achievement was one thing Russians would have a good time.

“I congratulate you on your excellent record. You’ve surpassed legendary masters within the variety of goals scored in Nationwide Hockey League regular-season video games,” Putin mentioned in an announcement launched by the Kremlin on Monday.

Breaking Gretzky’s record “has turn into not solely your private success, but additionally an actual celebration for followers in Russia and overseas,” Putin added. “I want you well being, success [and] preventing spirit to beat new heights in life and in sports activities.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned Monday Putin and Ovechkin had not but spoken by cellphone, however Putin’s message of congratulations confirmed the president “extremely values Ovechkin’s sporting consequence.”

WATCH l Ovechkin breaks Gretzky’s profession goals record:

Ovechkin scores his 895th profession objective, breaks Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record

Washington Capitals ahead Alex Ovechkin’s energy play objective put Washington on the board making it 2-1 New York Islanders within the second interval.

Ovechkin has been a backer of Putin prior to now and in 2017 arrange a bunch referred to as Putin Workforce on social media to indicate assist for the Russian president, who was re-elected the next 12 months.

Ovechkin has drawn criticism for supporting the Russian autocratic chief whose struggle in Ukraine has been condemned by international leaders.

On the time, Ovechkin informed The Related Press and Washington Publish, “I simply assist my nation” and mentioned, “It is not about political stuff.”

Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryev referred to that second in his personal assertion of congratulations after Ovechkin broke the record Sunday.

He posted on social media Ovechkin “stays a member of the Putin crew and on the identical time one of many fundamental faces of world hockey, a favorite of tens of millions and the NHL prime scorer.”

WATCH l Gretzky congratulates Ovechkin after record-setting objective:

‘We’re right here right now to have a good time this man’, says Gretzky after Ovechkin breaks all-time NHL goals record

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th profession objective in opposition to New York Islanders Sunday, and broke Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record for profession goals.