The New Jersey Devils are set to play the Washington Capitals on Friday night at Capital One Arena. Both teams are desperate for points as the season winds down. However, another interesting storyline is the "Russian connection" between these two teams.
Devils rookie Arseny Gritsyuk, originally from Russia, said he grew up idolizing Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin. He admitted he's nervous to play The Great 8, but relishes the opportunity to share the ice with the NHL's greatest goal scorer.
"I'm scared to play against him. He's bigger, but he has 999 goals (regular season and playoffs). It's amazing...He's Russian, and I have his stick. It's my best dream to have his stick and play against him...When I was going into the corner, and he was going into the corner (from our first meeting), I said, 'I don't have a chance to take this puck.' But he's a little bit slower than I am. I took the puck and have a big chance now. "Arseny Gritsyuk during morning skate
This is the third meeting between the Capitals and Devils this season. Gritsyuk shared a heartfelt interaction of meeting his Russian hero.
"I know him a little bit because of our last game, and we met a little bit. It wasn't him, but some guy gave me his stick with his signature, and it was my dream."Arseny Gritsyuk, Devils forward
Gritsyuk has been a bright spot for the Devils this season. He has scored 13 goals so far in his first season in the NHL, and he can only go up from here. Even if they don't play on the same team, it's nice to see Ovechkin inspiring the next generation of hockey players. The season series between these two teams is tied 1-1. However, the Capitals have generated three points against the Devils. The season finale will be on April 2nd.