Former host of Match TV and KHL TV, Daria Mironova, now based in the United States, responded on social media to a moment of recognition directed at NHL star Alexander Ovechkin by members of the U.S. military. The exchange drew attention as the forward for the Washington Capitals acknowledged the respect shown by four American soldiers who staged a symbolic confrontation before Ovechkin paused to shake hands with one of them.
In the game between the Islanders and the Capitals, the score finished 4-1 in favor of Washington. Following this matchup, Ovechkin, at 38 years old, has accumulated 826 goals in the NHL regular season. That tally places him second on the all-time list behind Canadian legend Wayne Gretzky, who holds 894 goals. Ovechkin remains 68 goals shy of tying Gretzky’s record.
The opening goal of the night came from Ovechkin in the 10th minute of the first period, assisted by Evgeny Kuznetsov, another prominent Russian player in the capital’s lineup. Ovechkin added another marker just before the final horn, breaking a goalless skid that had stretched across six consecutive matches. This scoring burst highlighted the ongoing impact of the Capitals’ veteran leader as the season progresses.
Prior to the game, Washington’s youthful prospects and developing players had received praise from Ovechkin, underscoring the balance the team aims to strike between veteran leadership and fresh talent as it navigates a demanding schedule across the league. The moment with the four soldiers, though brief, amplified the broader conversation about respect for service members and the role athletes can play in honoring those who serve, an issue that resonates with fans across North America.