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In a heartfelt pregame ceremony, Alex Ovechkin's sons, Sergei and Ilya, took on the honor of announcing their father onto the ice for his last home opener as a Washington Capital. The Russian superstar was met with a standing ovation from the crowd before the Capitals went on to defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-3 on Wednesday night.
"It was pretty cool moment," Ovechkin said. "Huge crowd, kids announce my name. It was a special moment."
The NHL's career goals leader, who has 929 goals, did not find the back of the net on Wednesday. In fact, Ovechkin was not on the ice during a lengthy stretch at the end of the game when the Penguins pulled their goalie for an extra attacker.
Wednesday's matchup marked the 101st time Ovechkin and Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby have faced off, including playoff games. Neither player recorded a point, which has happened only 11 times in their storied rivalry, according to Sportradar. Crosby finished the night with a minus-4 rating, as he was on the ice for all four of Washington's even-strength goals.
The Capitals have built a roster with impressive depth, allowing Ovechkin to no longer be relied upon for every second of power-play time. Washington's lone power-play goal of the game came off the stick of Ryan Leonard from the left circle—the same spot where Ovechkin has so often set up during his career.
Still, there was no mistaking who the center of attention was. When the entire roster was introduced one by one, Ovechkin was saved for last, with his children doing the honors.
"I had no idea any of that was happening," Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said. "I think they nailed that moment. Special for I think everybody in the building."
Ovechkin registered two shots on goal and was on the ice when Anthony Beauvillier gave Washington a 1-0 lead just 23 seconds into the game.
"It's been such an incredible journey," said Tom Wilson, who contributed a goal and two assists for the Capitals. "Cool to see his kids down there. He's a legend in this city, so I think everyone had a big smile. You get chills watching him come out."
Originally reported by headtopics.