Sharks Russians Proud Of Ovechkin For Breaking Goals Record

On Monday, San Jose Sharks Russian forwards Nikolai Kovalenko and Klim Kostin spoke to SHD exclusively about Alex Ovechkin.

After being asked what it meant to him as a fellow Russian, Kovalenko couldn’t contain his smile.

“I was so happy. I watched the game, and it’s amazing,” Kovalenko said. “It’s huge for Russians and the Russian people.”

Kovalenko pointed out that Ovechkin scoring on fellow countryman Ilya Sorokin was a nice detail flying under the radar.

SHD only needed to ask Kovalenko two questions. The Sharks forward couldn’t contain his thoughts of pride and gratitude to the Washington Captials legend.

“I think we need to do [create a day for Ovechkin] in Russia,” Kovalenko said. “We need to do because it’s really unbelievable.”

“For me, we just met once after a game in Colorado. I thought it would be, Hey, hi, bye, just small talk. [We] spoke in Russian. He told me he liked my father. He was just so kind. I’m really just appreciative of him,” Kovalenko said. “It is a mentality in Russia just be kind to everybody. It’s so important for me [to be a human first].”

Kovalenko told SHD that Ovechkin always maintained a high character off the ice, no matter what happened on the ice.

“I was shocked the first time he saw me. We had a really good talk about my future [and] my father. He asked about my father. I have [so much respect for him], and I’m so proud he beat this record,” Kovalenko said. “It will be a long time for somebody to pass to him. [If I was his teammate] I’m never shooting. It’s a huge moment for the Russian people.”

The Sharks winger said Ovechkin was one of his favorite players growing up. Kovalenko said he can’t believe how good the Capitals captain has been for so long.

“He is a legend,” Kovalenko said. “Every season [he had] 50 or 40 goals. It’s crazy.”

When Ovechkin and the Capitals visited the San Jose Sharks, Kovalenko was a healthy scratch, but he watched the Great Eight score career goal 887.

Kostin & Ovechkin’s impact on Russia

San Jose Sharks forward Klim Kostin has had more interactions with Ovechkin than Kovalenko, but he’s still in awe of the accomplishment.

“It’s meaningful for the whole hockey world. It’s just history being made,” Kostin said. “I’m just enjoying living the same time with the legend. Watching him play, it’s just something special.”

Kostin told SHD that he’s skated with Ovechkin during some off-seasons and sees the same human care that Kovalenko explained.

“I’ve met him many times before. I practiced with him [and] had some fun times with him. He’s the biggest example as a person for me and for every young generation; that’s how a person should be. I think he’s an even better person than he is a player.”

The Sharks forward joked that he was part of Ovechkin’s goal chase history by making the defensive mistake that led to goal 887.

Kostin agreed with Kovalenko that Ovechkin should get his day of celebration in Russia.

“It’s hard to explain the feelings of how proud the Russian people are about Ovi,” Kostin said. He’s played a big part in the country. When he’s talking about Russia, like how lovely the country is, everyone in the world starts respecting us.”

Kostin said he watched the game live with his father and friend from Russia. Although the forward wanted to see Ovechkin break the record in Washington, he still feels the moment was perfect.

“It was the best case scenario for me. If he scored on home ice, I wanted to see how crazy the crowd will go,” Kostin explained. “But, when he tied the record, it was a pretty special moment for him.”

Like almost every hockey fan, Kostin said his favorite goal was the one on his back against the Coyotes, in front of Gretzky.

Kostin and Kovalenko showed gratitude to Alex Ovechkin, and both think nobody will score more goals.

Read more Sharks Hockey Digest news and stories with the links below! Bookmark the page and follow Sharks Hockey Digest on Twitter @SharksHKYDigest!

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