Ovechkin Leads Capitals in Heartfelt Postgame Handshake Line Honoring Fleury's Special Moment
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Alex Ovechkin failed to net one for Washington, remaining at 889 career goals and still six short of eclipsing Wayne Gretzky's record all-time record .
Ovechkin did initiate a memorable moment On the ice in Minnesota on Thursday evening, though.
The three-time NHL The MVP, who has been under scrutiny for months during his quest to break Gretzky's record for career goals, hustled over In the direction of the tunnel, past the bench, once the horn sounded for Washington's 4-2 loss To ensure that all the Capital players returned onto the ice to congratulate the retiring Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, Ovechkin was the first to approach him at center ice, where they embraced and exchanged some laughter.
Fleury, who is in his 21st and undoubtedly last season in the league, spent the entire evening on the home bench while Filip Gustavsson was between the pipes.
In the morning, Ovechkin informed the team that this would mark their final encounter against Fleury. Over the initial 13 years of his tenure with Pittsburgh, they often competed against each other. Ovechkin scored an impressive 28 times in 47 matches versus Fleury, more than he has against any other goaltender.
He has been involved in numerous matches against the Capitals, with 'O,'" stated Washington's coach Spencer Carbery. "It's quite dignified to be able to bid farewell to him and highlight what an outstanding career he've had.
Dylan Strome, who plays for the Capitals' center position, had a brief stint playing alongside Fleury in Chicago.
Strome mentioned, "Everybody recognizes he's among the top players ever in this sport, so even the small amount of respect we can demonstrate to him towards the end of the game holds significant value."
The Wild were moved by the gesture, despite not being shocked by it.
“Whenever we visit another team, you notice the signs. Everybody adores him, and everybody enjoys competing against him,” Gustavsson stated. “I believe nobody would actually have anything negative to say about him.”
Before long, the Wild will probably end up holding their own internal celebration.
It's fantastic to witness," said defenseman Jonas Brodin. "It brings joy to both him and me; I'm genuinely thrilled for him. He's an excellent individual and one of the finest teammates I've ever had the pleasure to play alongside, which makes this quite exciting. To say we shared the ice together will undoubtedly be a cherished memory once my hockey career comes to an end.
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