Russia's President Vladimir Putin wishes NHL's record-breaker Alex Ovechkin a fighting spirit to conquer new heights

Russian President Vladimir Putin wished Alexander Ovechkin congratulations for his achievement of being the highest goal scorer in the NHL. Alex Ovechkin vanquished Wayne Gretzky ’s record of most-scored career NHL goals - 894. Alexander Ovechkin stands tall at 895 now.


The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, released a statement through the Kremlin’s Telegram Channel on Monday. The congratulatory statement read:


“Congratulations on your outstanding record. You have surpassed legendary masters in the number of goals in regular championship matches of the National Hockey League. Your eventful sports career includes victories in world and national tournaments, many other bright, unique achievements that have entered the annals of the national hockey school.


Without a doubt, the current achievement has become not only your personal success but also a real holiday for fans in Russia and beyond. Once again, congratulations on this significant event. I wish you health, good luck, and a fighting spirit to conquer new heights in life and sports.”

President Vladimir Putin congratulated Alexander Ovechkin @ovi8 on his historic record for the number of goals scored in the NHL regular championships. He wished him health, good luck, and a fighting spirit to conquer new heights in life and sports.🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺#Russia pic.twitter.com/IVLR8GS4Iv

— Dr.Sophia Ulgen 🇷🇺☮🇺🇸 (@ulgenfatma74) April 7, 2025

Back in 2017, Alex Ovechkin supported the Russian President Vladimir Putin

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba_72RJBE8h/?hl=en&taken-by=aleksandrovechkinofficial https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba_72RJBE8h/?hl=en&taken-by=aleksandrovechkinofficial

On November 2, 2017, Washington Capitals Russian professional ice hockey left winger and captain Alex Ovechkin shared an Instagram post of himself with the Russian President, Vladimir Putin. The Wayne Gretzky’s record-breaker captioned the IG post as:



“Individual awards and trophies are all great, but in hockey, as in anything, it’s team that matters more. Only a team can break the course of the game; do the impossible. Lately, in the Western press, I see a combination of Putin’s team, that is, Putin’s team. And, you know, I really liked this definition. Personally, I am ready to be a part of such a team. I have never hidden my attitude towards our President.”

Worth noting, certainly a lot has changed in 5 years.

November 2017, Alex Ovechkin posted this about Vladimir Putin on his social media platforms.

It was labeled PutinTeam to support the Russian President.

Fellow NHL player Evgeni Malkin announced his own support for it. pic.twitter.com/8Y4G4cx26q

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) February 24, 2022

“I am sure that there are many of us who support Vladimir Putin! So let’s unite and show everyone a strong and united Russia! Today, I want to announce that I am creating a social movement called Putin Team . To be part of such a team is a pride for me. It’s like the feeling when you put on the shirt of the Russian national team, knowing that the whole country is cheering for you. #putinteam” The Instagram post has been translated from Russian.

Putin congratulates Ovechkin on historic NHL record

'Without a doubt, this achievement has become not only your personal success but also a real celebration for fans in Russia and abroad' pic.twitter.com/tzzXRFWgeb

— Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil (@ivan_8848) April 7, 2025

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin was asked about his IG post by The Washington Post and The Associated Press back then in November 2017. Alex Ovechkin responded, “I just support my country, you know? That’s where I’m from, my parents live there, all my friends. Like every human from different countries, they support their President. It’s not about political stuff. It’s just what I think and what I support.”





Also Read: NHL’s 3-time MVP Alex Ovechkin was congratulated by NFL’s 5-time MVP Tom Brady and NBA’s 4-time MVP LeBron James | NHL News - The Times of India