But that didn’t stop the crowd from showing their appreciation for Ovechkin in what could be his last game in Pittsburgh.
Advertisement
The Penguins opted to sit Crosby and several other regulars after clinching a playoff berth for the first time since the 2021-22 season and home-field advantage during the first round.
During a television timeout in the second half, the Penguins showed a tribute video honoring Ovechkin and his long-running rivalry with Crosby.
“It was nice,” Ovechkin said. “It was a show of respect for all the time we spent in the rivalry… playoffs, regular season… it shows respect.”
Ovechkin received a standing ovation from the crowd in Pittsburgh, as the Capitals captain rose from the bench and waved while players tapped their sticks on the ice in gratitude.
Advertisement
“You could feel in that moment what (Ovechkin) has meant to the fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins and this city, that even though they hate the Washington Capitals, they appreciate what has happened over the last 21 seasons,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said. “You can tell there’s genuine appreciation from the city.”
Ovechkin is the NHL’s all-time leading scorer, while Crosby is the only player in league history to average a point per game for 21 consecutive seasons.
While Crosby, 38, is under contract through next year, Ovechkin, 40, said he is waiting until after the season to decide whether to call it a career.
“I don’t care who plays, we just have to get two points,” Ovechkin said. “We’re still in this and that’s a good thing.”
Advertisement
Crosby and the Penguins are 56-39-4 in the first 99 head-to-head meetings against Ovechkin. It’s unclear if No. 100 will arrive Sunday afternoon, when the teams meet for the final time in the regular season.
The two have combined for five Hart Trophies, four Stanley Cup championships and more than 3,400 points. The winner of their four head-to-head series won the Stanley Cup each time, Crosby in 2009, 2016 and 2017, while Ovechkin followed in 2018.
“They’re two legends,” Capitals forward Tom Wilson said. “I think it’s awesome to see the Pittsburgh crowd give him that respect. Hopefully he’s still playing, but if not, it’s been a great front-row seat from my perspective.”
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl