After their history-making game in Elmont, New York on Sunday, the Washington Capitals returned home to DC around 7:30 pm ready to celebrate.
While the team lost 4-1 to the Islanders, they had plenty to smile about. In the second period of the game, Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th goal of his career, passing Wayne Gretzky for the NHL’s all-time goals record. The Capitals had fun inside the visiting locker room, but there were special plans waiting for them in the district with the rest of their friends and families.
The Capitals held a team party at Balos Estiatorio — a restaurant on N Street Northwest that serves vibrant Mediterranean dishes. Upon arriving with his family, Ovechkin had a beer placed directly in each hand — a true sign that the establishment has great hospitality, and that Ovechkin has reached legendary human status.
[Note: The video was posted by Jordan Giorgio, a former NBC Sports Washington contributor who now works for CBS Sports as a reporter & college football host.]
During the social gathering, Ovechkin made time to take a selfie with Nicklas Backstrom, his longtime legendary center who assisted on more of his 895 goals than any other player. “tnx u brother!we always be together!❤️❤️ @nicke19,” Ovechkin wrote.
The Capitals captain also, at some point that night, left a comment on an Instagram post celebrating Backstrom’s role in him reaching 895. Ovechkin wrote, “i love this man so much!its his time to spend this moment with me and all of u caps fans! love u babes”
Ovi also took a #blessed selfie with Devante Smith-Pelly, the man who scored the Capitals’ game-tying goal in Game 5 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final and was asked while partying after by Jakub Vrana, “How’s the pasta?”
Balos created a special 895: the great 8 menu for the night, offering items like grilled octopus and tuna tartare as appetizers. The main course included lamb chops and lavraki.
Tayler Strome posted a wonderful photo on social media of her husband Dylan Strome, the man who notched the secondary assist on Ovi’s milestone goal, with Jakob Chychrun and Brandon Duhaime. The latter were childhood friends and reunited on the this season’s Capitals team. Trevor van Riemsdyk and Taylor Raddysh also stood behind the trio.
For dessert, Ovechkin was surprised with an 895 cake that included mini rockets spectacular sparklers. He kissed his wife Nastya as the team and his family including mother, Tatyana, and father-in-law, Kirill Shubsky, looked on.
The night was filled with love and happiness. And lots of hugs, too. A perfect night to put a button on Ovi’s massive accomplishment.
