Noted lover of goals and celebrating, Alex Ovechkin, was full of emotion against the Winnipeg Jets on Friday. The Capitals had five regulars in COVID-19 protocol and defenseman Matt Irwin playing forward. But the captain was not in the mood to accept any excuses or lackadaisical plays.
Late in the first period, Ovechkin’s fieriness came out after a Capitals’ power play failed to produce anything except a dangerous Winnipeg Jets shorthanded chance the other way.
Ovechkin, sitting at the bench, unloaded on Daniel Sprong as the Dutch forward went off for a shift change.
if ovi yelled at me i would cry and then throw up and then retire on the spot probably pic.twitter.com/OcHdutuOI0
— Ava (@avatarrant) December 18, 2021
I’m not an expert lip reader, but it appears Ovi was frustrated Sprong stopped skating and screamed, Spronger, go to the f***ing goal!
Personally, I’d be terrified.
But Sprong is a professional — a bigger man than you or I — and responded in the best way: with a goal.
Sprong found pay dirt after looking off Ovechkin in front of the net and beating Connor Hellebuyck short side.
Spronger dart 🎯 pic.twitter.com/KuSTjEIX3C
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 18, 2021
Ovechkin screamed again at Sprong, but this time in happy celebration and the two exchanged a long hug. It was a wonderful moment.
So far, so good!@budlight | #BudLightCelly pic.twitter.com/dIY6dkObR9
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 18, 2021
Brett Leason also got to experience Happy Ovi after getting the Capitals on the board first in the second period.
Brett Leason also got a side hug and a head pat from Alex Ovechkin at the bench after scoring. Lots of emotions coming from The Big Guy tonight.
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) December 18, 2021
The undermanned Capitals took a 2-1 lead into the second intermission and will likely have Ovechkin barking at them to play their best the rest of the way.
Screenshots: NBC Sports Washington
