Ovechkin ties Rocket, lifts Capitals 4-1 over Canadiens for sixth straight win
MONTREAL — Alexander Ovechkin knows the name Maurice (Rocket) Richard mainly from winning the trophy named after the Montreal Canadiens legend for top NHL goal-scorer of the year six times.
The name came up again Monday night when the Washington star scored career goal 544, tying The Rocket’s lifetime total late in the Capitals’ 4-1 victory over the Canadiens.
“It’s nice to be in history, it’s nice to be tied with the legend,” said Ovechkin. “Still, I have lots of years to go and I’m going to try to do my best.”
Richard retired in 1960 as the league’s all-time goals leader and his total ranks only 29th now, but 31-year-old Ovechkin looks like he has plenty of seasons left to add to his total. Next targets up are Michel Goulet’s 548 career goals and Ron Francis’ 549.