Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin overtook hockey legend Jaromir Jagger for the third time ever on the Nationwide Hockey League’s prime scorer listing, scoring the 767th purpose at dwelling in opposition to the New York Islanders on Tuesday night time.
With 4:58 left within the third inning, the capitals heart, Yevgeny Kuznetsov, gained a showdown within the Islanders space once more to Ovechkin on the prime of the appropriate circle. He caught the ball over the gauntlet of goalkeeper Semyon Varlamov – his former Washington teammate – to attain his thirty seventh purpose of the season.
He raised his wand and rotated once more within the impartial zone. The Capitals seat was emptied as Ovechkin’s teammates surrounded their chief at a rally, leaping up and all the way down to have a good time the achievement. Ovechkin clicked his coronary heart and saluted the gang who stood as much as cheer him on.
“It means quite a bit. For this organisation, for the followers and for my household who’re watching now in Russia. I’m so excited. So pleased. It is good to be #1 on a regular basis for [players] From Europe. It’s totally particular,” Ovechkin mentioned on NBC Washington after the Capitals gained 4-3 on penalties. “It is a proud second for all of us. Nice for hockey.”
This match was 1,256 for Ovechkin.
“What he is achieved is phenomenal in his profession. It is enjoyable to look at,” mentioned teammate Dmitriy Orlov, who offered an 18 help within the win. “He is nonetheless displaying what he can do, he is our captain, and hopefully he can hold going as a result of he means a lot to this group…and everyone seems to be following him.”
Ovechkin, 36, now trails Wayne Gretzky’s NHL purpose file (894 in 1,487 video games) with 127. Subsequent up for Ovechkin: Gordie Howe 801 profession targets, which he netted in 1,767 video games.
Jagger scored 766 targets in 1,733 video games in 24 NHL seasons from 1990 to 2018. He missed three seasons (2008-09 by way of 2010-11) whereas enjoying within the Continental Hockey League. He final performed within the NHL through the 2017-18 season with the Calgary Flames.
Jagger, 50, has continued his hockey profession with Czech Kladno Extraliga, a group he additionally owns. He was fast to congratulate Ovechkin by posting to social media from the NHL on Tuesday, however he additionally saved his message open.
“Maintain recording,” Jagger said in the video. “Carry on scoring, as a result of you understand, I have not retired from hockey but, and there is a probability to get again into the NHL, and begin chasing you!”
Ovechkin tied Jagger within the all-time listing by two targets in opposition to Flams on 8 March. Jagger handed in opposition to coach Barry Trotz, who led the Capitals and Ovechkin to the 2018 Stanley Cup Championship.
“Each time it appears to be like like we are available in and play the hat, Ovi prepares for one more feat, which is nice. I want him all one of the best, however not tonight,” mentioned Trotz, who believes Ovechkin will break Gretsky’s file. Tuesday night time match.
“Whenever you suspect Uwe, he digs in,” Trotz mentioned. “As we are saying, he is getting previous at 36. You may assume that someplace alongside the road it may break. However as he says, the ‘Russian machine’ by no means breaks.”
