The Pittsburgh Penguins took a moment to salute Alex Ovechkin for a milestone he accomplished earlier in the season.
The Penguins put up a graphic congratulating Ovi on passing Gordie Howe on the all-time goals list on the jumbotron of PPG Paints Arena.
Ovechkin was loudly applauded by Penguins fans attending.
Impressive for Pittsburgh to congratulate Alex Ovechkin on 802. Classy. Thank you. Alex gives a thumbs up in reply! @rmnb pic.twitter.com/uuCs4v8h4h
— Washington DC Sports News (@DCSportsNews365) March 26, 2023
After the Penguins’ PA announcer read a short statement of congratulations, a camera found Ovechkin on the bench who both waved, gave a thumbs up, and threw a peace sign. He then flashed a wry smile at the bench to a teammate.
The game between the Capitals and Penguins marked the teams’ first game in Pittsburgh since Alex Ovechkin scored his 802nd career goal on December 23, 2022.
The Penguins also sent a congratulatory video from Sidney Crosby for Ovechkin’s Gr802 Night at Capital One Arena earlier in the week.
“Hey Ovi, just want to congratulate you on becoming the second-leading goal scorer of all time,” Crosby said. “It’s incredible the way you continue to score goals and I know you have lots left in the tank. Keep it going.”
All class between two legends#Gr802 | @penguins pic.twitter.com/e9fiuAd8hE
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 21, 2023
Crosby was loudly booed in-arena.
Screenshot: @DCSportsNews365/Twitter
