Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) looks on during a break in the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Thursday, October. 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) looks on during a break in the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Thursday, October. 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
The Washington Capitals captain, Alex Ovechkin, did not take part in the traditional handshake after the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday. Now, Ovechkin revealed the actual reason behind this decline.
On April 12, 2026, the Capitals took on the Penguins at the Capital One Arena. The Capitals won that game 3-0, and after the game, the Penguins players made a line to shake hands with the legendary Alex Ovechkin.
It is being assumed that this is Ovechkin’s last NHL season. Earlier, the 40-year-old said that he would take some time during the off-season to decide whether he would come for the next season or not.
That is why the Penguins players wanted to see off the NHL legend with an honor. But the Capitals captain declined the traditional gesture, as he is not sure about his retirement plans.
“Because I don’t decide yet," Ovechkin explained. "I don't know. Thanks to them for waiting out there."
Ovechkin waved at the Penguins players and acknowledged the honour, without shaking hands. Before the game, Alex Ovechkin joined Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang for a group photo.
Later, after the interview, Ovechkin met Crosby and Malkin again and exchanged jerseys and sticks with them.
Alex Ovechkin Received Stanading Ovation at Pittsburgh
Before Sunday, the two teams also locked horns on April 11, 2026 (Saturday) at Pittsburgh’s home ground, PPG. Looking at the situation, the fans thought it was Ovechkin’s last season and gave a standing ovation.
A video tribute was also presented during the second phase, highlighting the long-standing rivalry between the Penguins' Sydney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.
The Capitals won that game also, 6-3. Ovechkin clinched an empty-net goal in that game. His team is still fighting for a spot at the playoffs. They are currently at No. 3 in the Wild Card (Eastern) Division standings with 93 points.
Until Alex Ovechkin publicly confirms his future, he wants every game to be treated as part of the ongoing journey rather than the end of it.
Read more at NHL Fan Central!
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Edited by
Kaamna Dwivedi