In a night that saw the Washington Capitals fall to the Minnesota Wild 4-2, Alex Ovechkin made headlines for a different reason entirely. Following the final horn, instead of heading straight to the locker room, Ovechkin called his teammates back onto the ice to form a handshake line in honor of retiring Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. This gesture, while uncommon in the regular season, was a heartfelt tribute to a long-standing rival and friend, marking what is likely the last time the two would share the ice.
Ovechkin, who remains six goals shy of Wayne Gretzky's all-time record of 894, has faced Fleury in 47 regular-season games, scoring 28 goals—the most he has against any goaltender. Fleury, on the other hand, has achieved remarkable success against the Capitals, posting a record of 28 wins, 14 losses, and 3 overtime losses against them. The history between the two players spans nearly two decades, including memorable playoff encounters and a Stanley Cup Final showdown in 2018.
After the game, Ovechkin expressed his emotions regarding the occasion. “It was kind of sad,” he said. “He’s one of the best goalies to ever play. Almost 20 years we played against each other. It’s been an honor.” His sentiments were echoed by Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery, who noted, “Pretty classy to send him off and just say how impressive a career he had.”
As the Capitals skated onto the ice, Ovechkin was the first to reach Fleury, sharing a hug and a brief laugh at center ice. The moment was captured and celebrated on social media, with the NHL posting clips of the handshake line, highlighting the mutual respect between the two players. “The respect these two have for each other,” the NHL noted, emphasizing the significance of the tribute.
Fleury, who has had an illustrious career spanning 21 seasons, is set to retire at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. Although he did not start the game against the Capitals, his presence was felt, and the gesture from Ovechkin and the Capitals was a fitting recognition of a player who has been a formidable opponent and a beloved figure in the sport.
Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren, who is nine years younger than Fleury, reflected on the impact the veteran goalie has had on his own career. “Obviously one heck of a career,” Lindgren said. “He was definitely one of my favorite goalies growing up. The way he competed, the way he battled, just his personality. So I never had a chance to talk to him until then and just said, ‘Hey, heck of a career and loved watching you play.’”
The handshake line also allowed Fleury to reconnect with former teammates, including Dylan Strome, who played with him in Chicago. Strome commented on Fleury's legacy, stating, “Fleury’s played a lot of games in this league and has had some really good series with the Caps. It’s one of those things where you’ve just got to respect greatness and Fleury’s been great his whole career.”
In addition to the Capitals, other teams have paid tribute to Fleury during his farewell tour. Earlier in the season, the Montreal Canadiens honored him with a similar gesture after his last game against them. This outpouring of respect from fellow players and teams illustrates the high regard in which Fleury is held within the league.
As the Capitals prepare for the remainder of the season, the focus remains on Ovechkin's pursuit of Gretzky's record. Despite the loss, Ovechkin's actions after the game showcased the spirit of sportsmanship and respect that transcends competition. “It’s been an honor to play against him,” Ovechkin said, reflecting on their long-standing rivalry.
Looking ahead, unless the Capitals and Wild meet in the Stanley Cup Final, this game marked the last time Ovechkin and Fleury would face each other on the ice. Their storied battles have defined a significant part of both players' careers, and as they each look towards the future, the respect between them remains a highlight of their shared journey in the NHL.
In a league where rivalries often fuel competition, the bond formed through years of facing off against each other is a testament to the camaraderie that exists even among fierce competitors. As Fleury prepares for retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and sportsmanship that will be remembered by fans and players alike.
For Ovechkin, the journey continues as he chases history, but the moment shared with Fleury will undoubtedly stand out as a poignant reminder of the relationships built through the game. As they both move forward, the respect and admiration they have for each other will resonate beyond the rink, encapsulating what makes hockey truly special.
