Newly minted Capital Carl Hagelin spent years torturing his new team as a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In his first game back, Sidney Crosby said it would be “weird” to play against him.
But during the first stoppage in play Tuesday night, the Penguins played a tribute video for Hags, capturing his biggest moments as a Penguin.
Video
It was an honor and a privilege, @CarlHagelin.
Thank you. pic.twitter.com/eOIy6nz6Iy
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 12, 2019
The video showcased Hagelin’s breakaway speed, hugs with his good friend Patric Hornqvist, and raising the Stanley Cup.
The video was originally supposed to be played when the Los Angeles Kings visited the Penguins December 15, but Hagelin was injured.
Hagelin received a loud roaring standing ovation from the Pittsburgh faithful. Hagelin’s former teammates banged their sticks against the boards in appreciation.
Hagelin waved back to the crowd from the Capitals bench.
This is Hagelin’s first game back against the team that tried to reacquire him at the trade deadline, only to be rebuffed due to a rule in the Collective Bargaining Agreement that forbids teams from reacquiring players who they have retained salary on for one calendar year. Pittsburgh is currently paying $250k of Hagelin’s salary in Washington.
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Headline photo: NBC Sports Washington
