Alex Ovechkin was named the 1st Star in what could have been the final home game of his NHL career.
After being loudly saluted by fans at Capital One Arena, Ovechkin spoke to Monumental Sports Network’s Tarik El-Bashir at the Capitals bench, where he was more focused on the team’s playoff chances than the emotions of the moment.
Ovi even directly asked Capitals fans to travel to Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday for the team’s final game of the season against the Blue Jackets.
“Guys you support us through all my career,” Ovechkin said. “Obviously, last night we have a big win in Pittsburgh, and tonight we need your energy, and we have it. So thank you very much for your support. Yeah, one more game left, and it’s a big one, so we need you guys in Columbus to support us and give us the energy.”
With the back-to-back victories over Pittsburgh during the weekend, the Capitals remained in the chase for the Metropolitan Division’s third spot, which would guarantee a playoff spot. The Capitals would need to beat the Blue Jackets on Tuesday, and for the Flyers not to earn more than one standings point in their final 2 games against Carolina and Montreal.
Columbus’s Nationwide Arena is just a five to six-hour drive from the Washington, D.C. area.
During the interview, Ovechkin also expressed his gratitude to fans for sticking with him and the team through their ups and downs over the last two decades.
“Thank you very much, guys,” Ovechkin said. “I love you so much, and it’s been tremendous.”
As for the victory against Sidney Crosby and the Pens, Ovechkin said it “feels great. I can’t wait for [the] next one.”
Let’s make the Capitals’ final game in Columbus this season feel like a home game
