Sorokin and Ovechkin have met before, most famously at the 2023 NHL All-Star Game in Sunrise, Florida. Not only were they teammates for the Metropolitan Division, but Sorokin also helped “babysit” Ovechkin’s son, Ilya, who was on the ice during the All-Stars Skills at Amerant Bank Arena.

“A good guy, good family, and a really big moment for him,” Sorokin said.

Sunday was the first time Ovechkin scored against the Islanders goalie, getting shut out in three previous games on four shots on goal.

“Before the game, me and [Dylan Strome] talked about I never score against him,” Ovechkin said. “I think we played only two games, but it’s kind of an historical moment, Russian score against Russian and setting the record, so it’s pretty cool.

“He’s such a great kid and my kids love him, so it’s a tremendous moment. It’s a tremendous day for hockey and that’s cool.”

With UBS Arena packed with fans — many wearing Capitals gear – hoping to witness history, Sorokin admitted to feeling some pressure heading into the game.

“I feel today a small part of pressure of what Ovi feels every day,” Sorokin said. “So it’s crazy pressure.”

He said he even shut off his phone Saturday because he had been getting a bunch of calls and messages about the game.

“Because yesterday was crazy,” Sorokin said. “[People I haven’t spoken to] for 1-2 years were like, ‘Oh, good luck tomorrow.'”

As for the goal itself, Sorokin said he never saw it and was caught by surprise on where it got past him, even though it came from Ovechkin’s usual spot from the left face-off circle. In fact, 393 of his 895 goals (43.9 percent) have come from the left circle or above it, but this one was a little different.

“I [didn’t] see shot because three players [in front of me],” Sorokin said. “Usually he shoots on left side, but I don’t know why today he shot in short-hand side.”