By becoming the 16th player in National Hockey League history to score 1,500 points on Thursday, Alexander Ovechkin joined a select group that will allow him to achieve exceptional status.
The Washington Capitals captain provided an assist for Dylan Strome's second goal of the game in the 5-4 penalty shootout loss to the Dallas Stars. Normally he should have kept the puck since he reached the 100-goal plateau, but he will generously offer it to Ovechkin.
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“I think he can keep the puck,” Strome said with a wink after the game. That's right. He made a great piece that you could send the CD to [Anthony Mantha]. He is a living legend and it is an honor to play with him. I hope to push him to score more goals.”
Number 8 was stingy with comments, he is rarely enthusiastic about his exploits, especially after a setback.
“That’s a pretty cool number. I always say that I would never have made it without my teammates. It’s great,” said Ovechkin, who after Sidney Crosby is the only active player with at least 1,500 points.
“It’s huge,” reacted head coach Spencer Carbery. “It’s another example of his greatness and what he’s accomplished in this league.”
The goals have been slow for Ovechkin this season. He has just five in 23 games, putting a dent in his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's record. With 827 career wins, he is 67 goals away from the “La Merveille” mark.