Alexander Ovechkin, the captain of the Washington Capitals, spoke about his journey in the National Hockey League and recalled the early days when his hockey education came from watching league games on videotapes.
“We only had access to NHL games and highlights on VHS. When I arrived here, I heard stories about legendary players. It’s meaningful to share the dressing-room camaraderie with them. This moment is special for me, for the club, and for the fans,” he noted, as reported by Edmonton Sun.
In the current season, the Russian winger has skated in 27 NHL games, contributing 13 goals and 12 assists, underscoring his continued impact on the ice.
Ovechkin remains pursuing a place among the NHL’s all-time great scorers. At 37 years old, he has amassed 793 goals, moving him within striking distance of the coveted top ranks. He sits eight goals behind Gordie Howe, who ranks second on the all-time goals list. The record is held by Wayne Gretzky, with 894 goals to his name, a mark that has stood for decades and serves as a benchmark for every current player chasing history.
Separately, the sport’s governing landscape has also seen controversy. The Football Association of Serbia faced sanctions from FIFA related to the display of the Kosovo flag within the national team locker room during the World Cup in Qatar. The decision highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding national symbols and fair play in major tournaments, reminding fans and teams alike of the sensitivity involved when national pride intersects with international competition.