Alexander Ovechkin is closing in on the record for the most goals scored in the National Hockey League. While his achievement is being applauded by most, for some, his support of Vladimir Putin leaves a sour taste.

With his 890th goal, Capitals sniper Alex Ovechkin moved within five goals of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time record, but host Washington lost to the Buffalo Sabres 8-5 on Sunday.

Raised in Moscow within the Soviet sports system by parents who were accomplished athletes, Alex Ovechkin was given every chance to succeed at hockey and along the way showed he didn’t need special treatment.