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Ivory CoastOvechkin Starts Final NHL Season with Special Family Moment
Alex Ovechkin celebrated his final home opener with his sons and a 5-3 win over rival Sidney Crosby and the Penguins.
A Special Family Moment
Alex Ovechkin started the final home opener of his NHL career with a special family memory. Before the Washington Capitals beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-3 on Wednesday, Ovechkin's sons, Ilya and Sergei, took the microphone to introduce their father to the crowd.
Ovechkin admitted that one of his kids was nervous before the big moment. He told him not to worry and just say it. The veteran forward called the experience "pretty cool" as he begins a season he hopes will be full of awesome memories. Ovechkin recently announced that he will retire at the end of this season.
A Changing Role in Washington
While the night was a celebration, it also highlighted Ovechkin's changing role with the Capitals. The 41 year old was held without a point and played only three shifts in the third period. He was not on the ice during the final minutes when Washington defended a two goal lead with an empty net.
Washington spent the offseason adding new players to prepare for the future. Coach Spencer Carbery explained that Ovechkin understands the team's goals. Carbery said that when he explains his decisions to the captain, Ovechkin is "all in." Longtime teammate Tom Wilson added that seeing Ovechkin's kids on the ice gave everyone chills.
The Historic Rivalry
The game was another chapter in the rivalry between Ovechkin and Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. It was their 101st matchup against each other. Crosby had a tough night, finishing with a minus 4 rating, which is his worst in a single game against the Capitals.
Both stars are now in their 22nd season with their respective franchises. Their rivalry goes back so far that three players in Wednesday's game were not even born when Crosby and Ovechkin first played each other in 2005. Despite the rivalry, the two friends plan to swap equipment later this season.
What it means for the next game
New York Rangers at Washington Capitals (NHL, Fri, 09 Oct): Washington Capitals win 58%, New York Rangers win 42%; projected score Washington Capitals 3, New York Rangers 3. Our safest pick: Over 4 goals.
Seattle Kraken at Washington Capitals (NHL, Sun, 11 Oct): Washington Capitals win 74%, Seattle Kraken win 26%; projected score Washington Capitals 4, Seattle Kraken 2. Our safest pick: Over 4 goals.
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