Three-time Stanley Cup champion Justin Williams was honored Sunday night at Verizon Center ahead of his 1000th career NHL game against the Anaheim Ducks. Williams received a commemorative crystal from the NHL, a silver stick from the Capitals, and a Scottish golf vacation for two from the players. (A nodding Nicklas Backstrom looked particularly proud of that last one.)
Williams’ was joined on the ice by Caps owner Ted Leonsis and President Dick Patrick; players/scratches Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and Brooks Orpik; and Williams’ adorable family — his wife Kelly, his daughter Jade, and his son Jaxon.
The Caps’ commemorative video was sweet. There were cameos from many of Williams’ former and current teammates including Alex Ovechkin (“It’s Ovi”) and Mike Richards. Williams’ family also submitted videos. Justin’s mother Denise poof’d her hair like her son did during the Caps team photo. Justin’s son Jaxon called his father his hero.
GIFs
Here’s a closer look at Williams’ silver stick.
And a few more tributes.
Mr 1000 warms up with confidence. pic.twitter.com/MJDOFLbOVm
— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) April 10, 2016
Sweet tweet daddy Williams. pic.twitter.com/DKipiaDhAs
— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) April 10, 2016
The @JustinWilliams Family. #Stick1000 #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/BRR79uXSiP
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 10, 2016
Congrats @JustinWilliams! (and welcome to Twitter) #MrGame7 pic.twitter.com/nqoop1f1fA
— NHL (@NHL) April 10, 2016
Mr. 1000 @JustinWilliams pic.twitter.com/Hlji4D2VKH
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) April 10, 2016
More from the Caps:
Williams, 34, will become the 304th player in NHL history to reach the 1,000-game plateau. The 6’1”, 186-pound right wing has registered 52 points (22 goals, 30 assists) in 81 games with Washington this season, marking the fifth time in his career he has recorded 50 points in a season (2005-06, 2006-07, 2010-11, 2011-12). In addition, this season will mark the sixth time in his career he has played in every game in a season (2005-06, 2006-07, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14) and the fifth time he has reached 20 goals and 30 assists in a season (2005-06, 2006-07, 2010-11, 2011-12). Williams scored 30 goals in 2005-06 (31) and 2006-07 (33) and earned two points (one goal, one assist) in the 2007 NHL All-Star Game. He has registered 634 points (249 goals, 385 assists) in 999 career NHL games over 15 seasons with Philadelphia, Carolina, Los Angeles and Washington.
Williams is a three-time Stanley Cup champion (2006, 2012, 2014) and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs in 2014. He has earned an NHL record 14 points in seven career Game 7s and his seven Game 7 goals are tied for the NHL record (Glenn Anderson). In addition, Williams has never lost a Game 7 (7-0). In 115 career NHL playoff games, Williams has registered 78 points (30 goals, 48 assists). The Cobourg, Ont., native has represented Canada at the World Championship three times (2002, 2004, 2007) and captured a gold medal in 2004 and 2007.
