Alex Ovechkin just keeps hitting huge milestones.
After a brutal first-period collision with TJ Oshie, the Great Eight returned to the ice and tied Detroit Red Wings great and former Capital Sergei Fedorov for most points in the NHL by a Russian born player in the second period.
Ovechkin hit the milestone by scoring his 37th goal of the season – a slapper past Frederik Andersen blocker side.
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The goal, a blistering slap shot from just above the right circle, gave the Capitals a 2-1 lead 3:51 into the period.
Ovechkin’s now on pace to score 60 goals, which would be the most he’s had since the 2008-09 season.
Here’s another look.
Ovechkin and Fedorov played three seasons together in Washington, and not only did Fedorov mentor Ovi and fellow Russian Alex Semin, he was one of Ovi’s favorite players growing up.
“Everyone in my generation wanted to be like Fedorov and I learned a lot from him,” Ovechkin told NBC Sports’ Kathryn Tappen before the game. “He was a unique player who could play any position: D, wing, center. I bet he could have even played goalie.”
The next record Ovi can tackle is held by another former Red Wing and current Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan, who sits at 13th all-time in goals with 656.
Full RMNB Coverage of Caps at Maple Leafs
Headline photo: NBC Sports