Still out of the lineup due to a fractured fibula, Alex Ovechkin did not play in the Washington Capitals’ 4-1 victory over the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. But he still managed to have a presence wherever he went at Amerant Bank Arena.
His biggest moment was when he was caught on camera clapping for Ivan Miroshnichenko late in the third period after the 20-year-old Russian scored his third-career NHL goal. The future star hustled to a loose puck and deposited it into the Panthers’ empty net to seal the Capitals’ victory with 23 seconds remaining.
Wearing a blue suit and white dress shirt, Ovechkin watched from behind the opposite corner boards, smiling and clapping as Miro found paydirt and cheesed with his teammates at the bench. Miroshnichenko emulates his game after Ovechkin, his childhood hero growing up.
Ovechkin was down at ice level to pick up his wife Nastya and son Sergei, who were sitting glass-side behind the net.
The Capitals’ captain took photos with multiple fans attending the game, including RMNB reader Ginny, who was coincidentally sitting in the area.
“Ovi is truly one of the greatest guys and takes the time to interact with Capitals fans,” Ginny said to RMNB. “I sometimes feel guilty as an older fan, but I didn’t know about hockey until a lot later than most people and feel like a little kid at games and around the players and coaches.”
The Panthers’ road tilt also marked the Capitals’ first game of the team’s annual mentors’ trip. Ovechkin visited with players’ dads and other loved ones in the suite the Capitals reserved at some point during the first and second periods.
Ovechkin also said hi to Ted Leonsis, who traveled to attend the game as well, and introduced Ted to his father-in-law, Kirill. Leonsis was wearing a Kelly Miller jersey under a white coat.
Ovechkin is expected to miss four to six weeks due to his leg injury, but at least he’s having fun and bringing great vibes to everyone he runs into.
