Monday night’s matchup between the Caps and the Jets was billed as a showdown between Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy contenders Patrik Laine and Alex Ovechkin.
Heading into the game, the two were tied for a league-leading 40 goals each. Ovechkin scored twice, restoring his sole lead and hitting a milestone 600th goal.
When Ovi found the back of the net for his historic tally, Laine was also on the ice.
The Jets star, who looked up to Ovechkin as a child, gushed about the experience to the media.
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🎥 Patrik Laine on extending his streak, Ovechkin's milestone, and more post-game. #WPGvsWSH pic.twitter.com/pORwWeeqdl
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) March 13, 2018
“I was pretty close watching it. I was in a good spot just behind him,” Laine said, following the game. “I was there when he made history, so I can maybe watch that someday and show that I was there getting the minus on the ice.”
Laine, of course, kept the race for the Rocket interesting by tallying his 41st goal. It tied the game and ultimately sent it to overtime.
Laine's 41st of the season!
🚨: @PatrikLaine29
🍎: @PaulyWalnuts26
🍏: Dustin Byfuglien#GoJetsGo #WPGvsWSH #LaineLaser pic.twitter.com/ytHWXibj5f— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) March 13, 2018
The goal also marked the 77th of Laine’s career. With his 20th birthday still over a month away, Laine has now surpassed both Wayne Gretzky (76) and Brian Bellows (76) for most NHL goals as a teenager. Only Dale Hawerchuk (85) and Jimmy Carson (92) remain ahead of him.
Headline photo: NHL
