We can now call Teemu Selanne the greatest NHL player from Finland and have some more facts to support it. The Anaheim Ducks forward scored a late power-play goal in the Ducks' 3-2 overtime loss to the Avalanche on Monday night and in the process became the all-time leading Finnish scorer in NHL history, breaking a tie with Jari Kurri.
The goal was the 659th of his career and point No. 1,399 of his illustrious career, putting him into 19th on the NHL list alone.
Of course, the loss dampens the mood a bit as Selanne wasn't overly thrilled after the game.
"That doesn’t really make much happy right now," Selanne said. "The win was the only goal we had. We couldn’t do it.
"It’s a number anyway. Obviously it’s a big honor. Like I said, it doesn’t feel much better. Very disappointing."
Considering Kurri isn't part of the Ducks, he was a bit more upbeat, releasing a statement congratulating Selanne on the milestone.
"I couldn’t be more proud that Teemu is the all-time top NHL scorer from Finland," Kurri said. ""Congratulations to a great player, a great friend and an even better person.”
Also in the game, fellow Duck and Finn Saku Koivu reached his own milestone, playing in his 1,000th career NHL game.
For more hockey news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnHockey and @BrianStubitsNHL on Twitter and like us on Facebook.