Cancer survivor Miroshnichenko scores 1st NHL goal

It was a full circle moment for Ivan Miroshnichenko on Thursday.

The Washington Capitals forward scored his first career NHL goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.

Up 4-0 in late in the second period, Miroshnichenko received Dylan Strome’s feed in front of the net and put the puck past Penguins goalie Alex Nedeljkovic for the Capitals fifth goal of the game.

The Capitals were thrilled for Miroshnichenko, giving him hugs and head pats as he went to the bench.

Alex Ovechkin gave him a friendly face wash with his glove.

In 2022, Miroshnichenko was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After completing treatment, he was drafted 20^th overall by the Capitals in the 2022 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut on Dec. 20.

During his treatment, the rookie forward received a call from Penguins legend Mario Lemieux who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma during the 1992-93 season.

Lemieux told Miroshnichenko at the time, "Life doesn't end. You're going to recover. Don't worry about it. Get it out of your head and go through recovery."

It’s only just the beginning for Miroshnichenko.