Alexander Ovechkin receives standing ovation from rival Penguins crowd in potential last game in Pittsburgh
The Penguins showed their respect for the Capitals star as he ponders retirement.
We don’t know for sure this is Alexander Ovechkin’s final season in the NHL, but some people are definitely proceeding as if it is. The longtime Washington Capitals star, who has said he will make a decision about retirement during the summer , made what could very well be his final road game against his team’s biggest rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins, on Saturday. During the second period, the Penguins used a break in play to wish Ovechkin well, prompting a standing ovation from a Pittsburgh crowd that has been rooting against him for more than two decades.
All the respect for #8 🤝 pic. twitter. com/UjT1Jsxu4P — x - Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 11, 2026 “Ovi, thank you for 21 years of the greatest rivalry in hockey.
It has been a pleasure,” the Penguins announced said. “And if you want, we’re ready to go for 22. ” The full crowd reaction: Standing ovation for Alex Ovechkin thanking him for 21 years of the greatest rivalry in hockey.
And hoped it will be 22 pic. twitter. com/Ti2PWjpiSz — Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) April 11, 2026 No active player has more goals scored against the Penguins than the NHL’s all-time goals leader, with 44 in 82 games played.