When Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th career goal, it was a thrilling moment for everyone in the arena. The celebration was electric as fellow Washington Capitals players rushed the ice to congratulate Ovechkin. However, one player took a more measured approach: Martin Fehervary.
In videos from the event, you can see the 25-year-old Slovakian defenseman casually walking off the bench with teammate Trevor van Riemsdyk. After a moment, he grabs his helmet and joins the crowd celebrating Ovechkin’s historic goal. Interestingly, he was the last player to join the pile.
So, why the delay? Fehervary explained in a Capitals social media video that he was nursing an injury to his nose, which was swollen and had been bleeding. “I was bleeding, my nose was almost broken,” he said. Despite his discomfort, he was thrilled for Ovechkin’s achievement and was soon one of the first to embrace him in celebration.
This injury, which Fuhrervary sustained during a game against the Boston Bruins on April 1, has been a recurring issue. He was recently hit again by a New York Islanders player, which caused his nose to bleed anew just before Ovechkin’s big moment. Fehervary’s struggles with injuries this season are notable; he’s dealt with cuts, bruises, a chipped tooth, and several other facial injuries from various plays.
Yet, remarkable resilience defines Fehervary’s season. Despite these obstacles, he has played in all 77 games this year, making him one of only nine players on the Capitals roster to achieve that milestone. His determination reflects a broader trend in sports where players push through injuries to contribute to their teams.
In professional hockey, staying in the game despite injury is not uncommon. According to a survey by the National Athletic Trainers‘ Association, about 75% of hockey players report playing while injured at least once, underscoring the culture of perseverance in the sport.
As fans and analysts alike celebrate Ovechkin’s achievement, they also recognize the grit demonstrated by players like Fehervary. His commitment to the game reminds us that behind every celebration is a world of challenges and determination.
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