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Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin added another goal to his legendary tally on Sunday night, scoring No. 896 just after his wife, Nastasiya, posted her first public message since he broke Wayne Gretzky’s NHL all-time goals record one week earlier.
Ovechkin returned to the lineup after resting during Saturday’s 7–0 loss to Columbus and wasted no time in making his presence felt.
Just 70 seconds into the first period, he buried a one-timer past Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves. The goal, assisted by Dylan Strome, marked Ovechkin’s first since scoring No. 895 on April 6 against the New York Islanders.
Earlier on Sunday, Nastasiya Ovechkin shared an emotional Instagram post reflecting on her husband’s historic milestone.
“It is very difficult to describe in words all the emotions that our entire family is feeling right now! First, I want to congratulate my husband on such an incredible achievement,” Nastasiya wrote. “Our sons and I are extremely proud and love you!”
Nastasiya’s message detailed the emotional and physical toll Ovechkin endured to reach the milestone in a race that took the Russian winger 20 seasons to reach.
“I know better than anyone how difficult this journey has been for you and how much goes on ‘behind the scenes’—the injuries, worries, stress, pressure,” Nastasiya wrote. “The way you overcome each challenge is inspiring.
“You are a true fighter with a big, kind heart, and I believe that only people with such pure soul can reach the heights you’ve reached. The person you are is undoubtedly the achievement of your parents, and for that, I am endlessly grateful to them!”
Ovechkin’s wife praised not only his perseverance but also the decades of support from the Capitals organization, his teammates, Gretzky himself and fans across the world.
“I also want to thank Alex’s teammates from over the past 20 years,” Nastasiya wrote. “Each of you has played an important part, and we will always appreciate and remember that.”
Ovechkin’s goal on Sunday also marked his 566th even-strength goal, tying Gordie Howe for second all-time. Greaves, meanwhile, became the 184th goaltender to surrender a goal to Ovechkin.
The Capitals’ loss sealed the Presidents’ Trophy winner too, as the Winnipeg Jets have outscored Washington in the standings with 114 points through Sunday’s slate to the Capitals’ 109.
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