Chicago (AFP) – Slovak star Marian Hossa scored his 500th career goal as the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 7-4.
The 37-year-old became the 44th player in National Hockey League history to reach the milestone before leaving the game after being hit by the puck in the third period.
Artemi Panarin and Artem Anisimov both scored twice as Chicago rallied to clinch victory.
Hossa’s landmark 500th gave his side a 4-0 lead and prompted a standing ovation from the home crowd.
“To tell you the truth, it just felt great,” said Hossa, who had let out a roar of “Yeah baby!” after his score.
“Great reception from the fans. I’m just glad to be part of the company and thank all my teammates who I’ve played with,” local media quoted him as saying.
Hossa has played nearly two decades in the NHL since being drafted 12th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 1997. The right wing has been selected on five All Star Games and played in three consecutive Stanley Cup finals for three different teams before finally winning the title with Chicago in 2010.
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