The Washington Capitals are filling Capital One Arena with good vibes ahead of their Game 2 matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Caps are giving out “So Much Agape Love” rally towels to all fans in attendance, a reference to a postgame speech backup goaltender Charlie Lindgren gave in late January. Before puck drop, the team spelled out “Agape” and made a heart hand sign with the towels in the lower levels of Capital One Arena.
Lindgren first evoked the term, derived from Greek and traditionally meaning a “selfless, unconditional love,” to describe the camaraderie he felt in the team’s close-knit locker room after a 3-0 shutout of the Seattle Kraken. After being serenaded by his teammates to his own cover of the country song “Talladega” by Eric Church, Lindgren made a heart hand sign and gave the speech.
“Yeah, I got so much agape love for you boys,” Lindgren said after accepting the Capitals’ gold chain as player of the game. “It’s unbelievable. Being out two weeks, and then just coming back in, the way you guys competed, mad respect. And yeah, good job.”
The Capitals have publicly showcased their close bonds with one another throughout the season, whether through team pranks, barking at one another, or elaborate pregame tunnel rituals.
The club will hope the power of that friendship helps push them to a win against Carolina on Thursday night, evening up their second-round series on home ice.
Puck drop for Game 2 is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
