Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals faced the Pittsburgh Penguins in their final home game of the season on April 12. The Capitals managed to secure a 3-0 victory, keeping their postseason aspirations alive.
Interestingly, this could be Alex Ovechkin’s final home game, since there have been many rumors that the 40-year-old will be retiring after this season. Fans do not want the veteran forward to retire right now; thus, chants of “one more year” erupted for Ovechkin near the finish of the game.
Following the game, the Washington Capitals captain responded to the shouts by saying he would think about it. According to the official NHL website, Ovechkin stated:
“I will think about it.”
The veteran player went on to say that he has not given much thought to retiring and is instead focusing on the game. He mentioned how the Capitals are on the verge of qualifying, thus every game is important for them. He added:
“Well, we’re in a battle for a playoff spot. I don’t think about what’s happening in a week or tomorrow. We just have to concentrate on this game.”
Alex Ovechkin was the first overall pick in the 2004 NHL draft, and in his 21-year career, he has been a one-team player. In his legendary career, Ovechkin has appeared in 1,560 games, scoring 920 goals and assisting 750 times for a total of 1670 points. Ovechkin is also the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer in the regular season.
Aside from that, the forward has an excellent playoff record, having played over 160 games, scoring 75 goals, and providing almost 70 assists.
Alex Ovechkin Did Not Shake Hands With the Opposition in his Likely Final Home Game
Alex Ovechkin walked off the ice with 21 seconds remaining in the final period of the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Ovechkin received a huge standing ovation from the crowd for his play, but he never came out to shake hands after the win.
He stated the reason in an interview, noting that his mind is currently preoccupied with how he can get his team to the playoffs.
According to the NHL website, Ovechkin said:
“Because I don’t decide yet. Thanks for them to wait out there, but I’m going to see Sid right now after the interview, and Geno, and we’ll talk.”
The captain later went on to talk about the attention over his team, claiming:
“We have attention the last couple weeks, maybe because we need to win. We need to collect the points, and obviously, tonight was a huge win. You can see everybody played hard. Everybody worked for the team, and it was a great team success.”
Ovechkin has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including three Hart Trophies (MVP), nine Rocket Richard Trophies, and 12 NHL All-Star awards. In 2018, he won both the Stanley Cup and the Conn Smythe Trophy.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, hockey, golf, baseball, and more!
