Wayne Gretzky personally congratulates Ryan Leonard on his first NHL goal
Photo credit: TikTok
If you're a die-hard Washington Capitals fan, you probably had the best night of your life last night. During yesterday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Alexander Ovechkin notched his 894th career goal, tying Wayne Gretzky's all-time scoring record. That said, Ryan Capitals' top prospect Ryan Leonard also found the back of the net, marking his first career NHL goal.
Since signing his three-year ELC (entry-level contract), Ryan Leonard has been dominating headlines in Caps' Nation.
Hobey Baker finalist Ryan Leonard has been impressive since making his NHL debut against the Boston Bruins last Monday. but it took him three games to finally net his first NHL goal.
Unfortunately for Leonard, his big moment came on a night when all eyes were on Alexander Ovechkin, who tied Wayne Gretzky's all-time scoring record.
Wayne Gretzky gives Ryan Leonard a special shoutout
It's not that Leonard's goal wasn't appreciated -- but with Ovechkin stealing the spotlight, his milestone felt like it was pushed to the background.
That said, Leonard still got a special moment of his own. "The Great One" made sure to personally congratulate him in the dressing room after the game.
On a night where Ryan Leonard may have been overlooked, a handshake from Wayne Gretzky was the perfect reminder that his moment mattered, too.
Speaking after the game, Gretzky admitted he «felt bad» for Leonard, whose first career goal came on an empty-net breakaway late in the Capitals' 5-3 win over the Blackhawks on Friday.
Gretzky suggested Leonard might have opted to skate around the net instead.
«I felt bad for the young man with the breakaway for the empty net,» Gretzky said. "I kept thinking, 'Okay, do you go around the net?"
«I felt bad for the young man with the breakaway for the empty net,» Gretzky said. "I kept thinking, 'Okay, do you go around the net?"
While it's understandable that Ryan Leonard found himself in a tough spot, he got the green light from Alexander Ovechkin to take the empty net goal. Ovi made it clear -- he wants to break the record by scoring on a goaltender.
More details to follow.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 5 | 58 ANSWERS Wayne Gretzky personally congratulates Ryan Leonard on his first NHL goal Do you think Ryan Leonard will score against the New York Islanders? | ||
| Yes | 28 | 48.3 % |
| No | 30 | 51.7 % |
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