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.
Stop what you're doing and watch this wholesome interaction between Alex Ovechkin and Ilya Sorokin. 🥹 #Gr8ness
(via IG/nhleurope) pic.twitter.com/lJxPUFgSb8— NHL (@NHL) April 7, 2025
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.”
20 years. 895 goals. 😤 #Gr8ness
What a journey it's been with Alex Ovechkin — and there's still more to come! pic.twitter.com/l9J0Yz3yhT— NHL (@NHL) April 7, 2025
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.
Sharks Goalie Becomes No. 182 On Alex Ovechkin’s List
