Ovechkin doesn't want to score a record goal in an empty net

Russian forward of the Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin said on April 5 that he did not want to score a record 895 th goal in the regular NHL championships in an empty net.

"I had a good chance [to score a record goal] in the last minutes if [Dylan] Strome gave me a good pass. <...> I immediately told [Capitals head coach Spencer] Carbery that I didn't want to do that (throw into an empty net. — Ed.)," the Russian said at a press conference following the match with the Chicago Blackhawks, a recording of which was posted on Washington's YouTube channel.

The striker added that he was very happy for his teammate Ryan Leonard, who scored his first league goal in the same game.

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.