Vladimir Putin Congratulates Alex Ovechkin On 'outstanding' Nhl Goals Record

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Alex Ovechkin for setting an "outstanding record" as the NHL's all time top goal-scorer .

In a message after Ovechkin's 895th career goal broke a tie for the record with Wayne Gretzky in the Washington Capitals' game Sunday against the New York Islanders, Putin said the achievement was something Russians would celebrate.

"I congratulate you on your outstanding record. You have surpassed legendary masters in the number of goals scored in National Hockey League regular-season games," Putin said in a statement released by the Kremlin on Monday.

Breaking Gretzky's record "has become not only your personal success, but also a real celebration for fans in Russia and abroad," Putin added. "I wish you health, good fortune and fighting spirit to conquer new heights in life and in sports."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday that Putin and Ovechkin had not yet spoken by phone but that Putin's message of congratulations showed the president "highly values Ovechkin's sporting result."