The Friday night game between the Washington Capitals and Chicago Blackhawks will be remembered not only for Alex Ovechkin equaling Wayne Gretzky`s record for the most goals in NHL history.
For Capitals rookie Ryan Leonard and Blackhawks rookie Oliver Moore, this game will be significant for another reason.
Both young players earned their first NHL points in this game. Leonard scored his debut goal, while Moore contributed with his first two assists.
Leonard and Moore recently turned professional after their NCAA seasons concluded. They were also teammates on the United States team that won gold at the World Junior Championship in early January.
Leonard, drafted by the Capitals in the first round (eighth overall) in 2023, is a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, recognizing the best player in college hockey, after an impressive season with 30 goals and 49 points as a junior at Boston College.
Moore, selected 19th overall in 2023, finished his junior season at the University of Minnesota with 12 goals and 33 points.
Ovechkin`s historic night saw him score his 893rd and 894th career goals, tying him with Gretzky. While Moore and Leonard have a long journey ahead to reach such numbers, they will undoubtedly be inspired by Ovechkin`s achievement.
Tristan Blackwood