Washington Capitals superstar captain Alex Ovechkin is now second only to Wayne Gretzky’s mark of 894 goals scored, and it isn’t inconceivable to say that the Great 8 could eventually overtake Number 99 himself by the time his career is over. He's only 72 goals away after scoring a total of 42 in just 73 games in 2022-23.
And you've seen it plenty of times by now that typically when Ovechkin lights the lamp, part of his celebration is pointing to the sky. And now, we know the reason behind that move.
Prior to his NHL career, Ovechkin lost his brother Sergei thanks to injuries sustained in a car accident. And before his passing, Ovechkin promised him that he'd play in the NHL in his honor.
Via NHL Breakers:
"Many fans don’t know Alex Ovechkin’s true motivation for hockey comes from his late brother Sergei, who was Alex’s idol.
Sergei introduced Alex to hockey, and when he tragically passed away at 24 after complications from a car accident, Alex promised he would make the NHL in his honor.
When Ovechkin had his day with the Stanley Cup, he and his family took it to the grave of his late brother. Ovi placed the cup next to it and told him, “We did it brother”.
Ovi is often seen kissing his glove and pointing to the sky after scoring a goal, which is also in honor of Sergei."
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