WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin’s final home-opening night at Capital One Arena began with a family moment Tuesday, as his sons Sergei and Ilya took the microphone to introduce the Capitals captain before he stepped onto the ice.
A family introduction for the Capitals captain
Wearing their father’s Washington jerseys, Sergei and Ilya delivered the introduction together, welcoming No. 8, Alexander Ovechkin, to the rink. Ovechkin gave both boys a pat on the back before joining the pregame skate.
The arena answered with loud chants of “Ovi” as the longtime captain saluted the crowd.
- Ovechkin’s sons handled the pregame introduction at Capital One Arena.
- The ceremony came before Washington’s final home opener with Ovechkin as an active NHL player.
- Ovechkin acknowledged the boys and the home crowd before taking the ice.
Retirement decision shared with teammates
Ovechkin told Capitals teammates Monday that his 22nd NHL campaign will be his final season in the league. Washington later shared video of that team meeting on social media.
The announcement sets up a farewell season for the franchise cornerstone, who arrived in Washington as the first overall selection in the 2004 NHL Draft and became the defining player in Capitals history.
The résumé behind the farewell tour
Ovechkin enters his last NHL season as the league’s all-time leading goal scorer with 929 career goals. He also led the Capitals to the organization’s first Stanley Cup title in 2018.
- Art Ross Trophy: 2007-08, as the NHL’s points leader.
- Hart Trophy: 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2012-13, recognizing him as league MVP.
- Rocket Richard Trophy: nine times as the NHL’s top goal scorer.
His Rocket Richard wins came in 2007-08, 2008-09, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20. On Tuesday, though, the focus was not on another line in the record book. It was on two young voices introducing their dad to a building that has spent more than two decades roaring for him.
