The Capitals on Thursday night held a celebration for LW Alex Ovechkin for breaking the NHL goal record at Capital One Arena with a sold out crowd of 18,573 before their 5-4 win over the Hurricanes. The carpet on the ice, the sign on the front of the lectern for the ceremony and the “near life-size replica of the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer all made clear the number that will be synonymous with Ovechkin in perpetuity.” Capitals President of Hockey Operations Brian MacLellan, owner Ted Leonsis, and Ovechkin’s family -- wife Nastya, sons Sergei and Ilya, mother Tatyana and father-in-law Kirill -- were “all on the ice to celebrate with him.” Ovechkin received an “engraved, golden stick from the team,” a gift that included “matching golden mini sticks” for his sons; a “six-foot artwork that featured a pair of his signature yellow-laced skates;” and a Rolex watch from Leonsis (WASHINGTON POST, 4/10).
The sold-out crowd packed into Capital One Arena to celebrate Ovechkin and a “career-long record chase” that culminated Sunday on Long Island. It was an “opportunity for fans to thank him and recognize history.” The “Ovi” chants “were instantaneous” as many fans “stood up when the ceremony began and didn’t return to their seats until the puck dropped.” Those diehards “erupted when Ovechkin finally stepped onto the ice.” The chants “returned as spotlights circled the captain while he skated around the ice” (WASHINGTON TIMES, 4/10).
