Gymnast Nemov called Ovechkin's repetition of Gretzky's record an epochal event.

The achievement of Russian forward Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals, who repeated the record of Canadian Wayne Gretzky for goals in the regular championships of the National Hockey League (NHL), is an event of historic proportions. This was stated on April 5 by four-time Olympic champion in gymnastics Alexei Nemov in an interview with Izvestia.

"This event is truly epochal. <...> Sasha deserves this: <...> he is not doing his job precisely to break a record, but to fight <...> for the success of the team," said the gymnast.

Nemov thanked the hockey player's parents for giving their son to the sport and raising him to be a wonderful person. According to the athlete, Ovechkin's great success will inspire millions of children around the world to play hockey.

Alexander Velik: how Ovechkin caught up with Gretzky

There is only one puck left before the sole achievement.

Earlier that day, Ovechkin scored his 894th goal in the match against HC Chicago of the NHL regular season, repeating Gretzky's sniper record. The Canadian hockey player personally congratulated the Russian player on the event. After the match, the athletes also took a photo together in the locker room.