The Washington Capitals look to nab their second consecutive win when they face the New York Islanders on April 6. Following their 5-3 victory at home against the Chicago Blackhawks, Washington travels to Long Island on Sunday.
Of course, all eyes are on Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, who tied Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record by scoring his 893rd and 894th career goal against the Blackhawks. Ovechkin has scored at least one goal in the Capitals’ last four games, and he’s one goal away from hockey immortality.
“It is a relief, obviously,” Ovechkin told reporters of tying the record at home. “I talked to my family [Thursday], and my father-in-law asked, ‘How do you keep your energy, your mind?’
“And I just said, ‘I just enjoy it.’ Because it’s a huge opportunity, it’s history, it’s lots of attention, friends love it, you guys love it.”
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkincelebrates his 894th career goal.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
‘You can turn on any sports channel, and we’re talking about a hockey game,” Ovechkin continued. “I’m very happy to be in this spot.”
Cheering for Ovechkin in person at the UBS Arena on Sunday, his wife, Anastasia Shubskaya, and the couple’s two children, Sergei and Ilya, along with the left wing’s mom, Tatyana Ovechkina.
Anastasia, known Nastya or “Nast” by Ovechkin, rocked a red jacket while their kids wore personalized “Ovi Jr.” jerseys.
Alex Ovechkin’s wife, Anastasia,, their two kids, and the Capitals star’s mom (L).
TNT
Anastasia, who married Ovechkin in 2016, has traveled to every Capitals game this month as her husband looks to make NHL history.
The 31-year-old model made her way to the Long Island in style ahead of Sunday’s matchup, flying in a private jet with team owner Ted Leonsis.
Anastasia Ovechkina in red.
@nastyashubskaya/Instagram
Ovechkin is grateful for his family’s support. “Right now I’m happy,” the 39-year-old told reporters after reaching goal No. 894 on Friday. “And how I said, my wife is here, my mom, my father-in-law, kids.
“And for the future, my kids are going to remember this, and it’s going to be on TV. It’s not going nowhere. I’m very happy that we did it in Washington, on a homestand, and yeah, we’re just going to continue.”
