Ovechkin proud to pass Fedorov for most points by Russia-born player

WASHINGTON -- Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals passed Sergei Fedorov for the most NHL points by a Russia-born player when he got an assist in the Capitals' 3-2 victory against the Vancouver Canucks at Capital One Arena on Tuesday.

Ovechkin has 1,180 points (644 goals, 536 assists) in 1,055 regular-season games. Fedorov, who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015, finished his NHL career in 2008-09 with 1,179 points (483 goals, 696 assists) in 1,248 regular-season games and 18 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Columbus Blue Jackets and Capitals.
"When you start playing hockey and you come to the NHL, you just have a dream to score one goal or two and now I'm No. 1 on the all-time Russian list," Ovechkin said. "It's pretty amazing."
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Ovechkin passed Fedorov with the secondary assist on T.J. Oshie's goal 3:00 into the first period that gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead. The 33-year-old left wing fed Nicklas Backstrom for a shot from the left circle and Oshie scored on the rebound in front.
"It was hard work, lots of hockey and I think I'm proud for my family, for my dad spending time all the time with me," Ovechkin said. "It's history and I passed all those legends. You know, it's pretty big and I appreciate everybody who did all the work with me, my teammates, and it's huge."
The record had added meaning for Ovechkin because he passed Fedorov to get it. Ovechkin grew up in Moscow admiring Fedorov, who won the Stanley Cup three times with the Red Wings (1997, '98 and 2002) and became the first Russia-born player to win the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP (1993-94).
Then Ovechkin got to be teammates with Fedorov when Washington acquired him from the Blue Jackets on Feb. 26, 2008. They've remained friends since Fedorov left the Capitals following the 2008-09 season to return to Russia and finish his career.

"I talked to [Fedorov] and said it's a huge honor," Ovechkin said. "Obviously, we have a very good relationship and I'm pretty sure he's pretty happy for me that I beat him."
Ovechkin, who leads the NHL with 37 goals this season and leads the Capitals with 58 points, broke Fedorov's record for most goals by a Russia-born player by scoring his 484th on Nov. 19, 2015, against the Dallas Stars.
Ovechkin has won the Hart Trophy three times (2007-08, 2008-09, 2012-13) and became the first Russia-born captain of a Stanley Cup winner last season.
He is 49th in NHL history in points, four behind Rod Brind'Amour, who is 48th with 1,184 (452 goals, 732 assists). But there are no more Russians left for him to pass.
"How many players played in the League from Russia?" Ovechkin said. "Being No. 1 in that category list is something special."