Ovechkin's sons introduce him before Washington's home opener, and the Capitals top Pittsburgh 5-3
WASHINGTON (AP) — A lot has changed for Alex Ovechkin in 22 seasons.That was clear when he was introduced for his final home opener.
Alex Ovechkin's sons Sergei and Ilya took center stage as they introduced their father for the Washington Capitals' final home opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 41-year-old Russian star received a standing ovation from the large crowd. Ovechkin, who announced his retirement earlier in the week, did not score a goal but did not add to his career total of 929 goals.
He was not on the ice for the Penguins' final period when they pulled their goalie. This marked the 101st meeting between Ovechkin and Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, neither of whom registered a point in the game. Instead, it was the 11th time they faced each other without a goal in the regular season. Crosby finished with a minus-4 after being on the ice for all four of Washington's even-strength goals.
Coach Spencer Carbery noted that while Ovechkin still wants to be on the ice, he understands the team strategy better than ever. The Capitals scored their only goal of the night through Ryan Leonard, who took advantage of a play that typically involves Ovechkin setting up. Despite not playing as much as he did in previous years, Ovechkin remained the focal point of the game.
He was introduced last by his own children, with Carbery calling the moment "special for everyone in the building."
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