Alexander Ovetjkin had a lot to celebrate when his Washington won 5-3 against Ottawa.

On the one hand, the team won 5–3 and consolidated its position as league leader in the NHL. And so he scored two goals, which made him pass Edmonton and New York Rangers legend Mark Messier and is now the NHL's eighth best scorer ever.

"Eight is a good number," said Ovetjkin afterwards with a smile, referring to his playing with jersey number eight.

- I would say that it feels good to be in good company. There are many legends up there on the list.

The goal that tangled Messier's note was a well-placed wrist shot from the right drawing circle (after pass from Nicklas Bäckström), while the other was a shot in open box when Ottawa chased a receipt.

After the match, Ovetjkin received a greeting from Messier that the NHL had recorded.

- You have struck us all with amazement through your skill, your shot and your attitude - a rare combination. But the most important thing is that you have inspired a generation of boys and girls with your passion for scoring goals and practicing sports, the greeting sounded.

Ovetjkin now has 13 goals up to seven on the list of the NHL's best goalkeepers of all time: Mike Gartner.

In total, 34-year-old Ovetjkin has now scored 695 goals and 1,135 points. This season he has scored no less than 37 goals. Two weeks ago he passed the former ten on the list, Mario Lemieux.

ARCHIVE: Here Ovetjkin makes his 25th hattrick (17 January)

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