Alex Ovechkin Becomes Highest-Scoring Russian-Born Player in NHL History

Alexander Ovechkin has now scored more goals than any Russian player in NHL history.

The Washington Capitals superstar notched his 484th career goal with 12:59 left in the third period on Thursday against the Dallas Stars, passing Sergei Fedorov at No. 1 on the all-time scoring list for Russian-born players.

The goal was Ovechkin's ninth of the year and his 912th point in under 11 full seasons. Bruce Arthur from the Toronto Star shared his thoughts on Ovechkin's rank among the greats:     

Ovechkin surpassed Fedorov in 777 career games, per NHL PR. That was 471 games fewer than it took Fedorov to make it to 483 career goals.    

Federov offered a statement on Ovechkin's achievement, per Josh Cooper of Yahoo Sports:

"

I would like to congratulate Alex on this achievement. What he has accomplished thus far in his career has been nothing short of remarkable. I had a great opportunity to play with Alex in Washington and have seen first-hand the respect, passion and enthusiasm he has not only for the game of hockey but for his country as well.

"

Ever since his rookie year in the 2005-06 season, Ovechkin has dominated the NHL. He's had six seasons of 50 goals or more; one of those years he scored 65 goals. Fresh off the lockout of 2004, the NHL was in dire need of superstars to change the complexion of the sport. Sidney Crosby has been one of them; Ovechkin was the other.

The milestone goal for Ovechkin on Thursday night just solidified him as one of the all-time greats to ever put on a pair of skates.