Alex Ovechkin leads Capitals’ post-game handshake line for retiring Anze Kopitar: ‘It’s just all about respect’
After defeating the Los Angeles Kings 3-1, Alex Ovechkin led the Washington Capitals through a second handshake line once they finished congratulating starting goaltender Logan Thompson on his victory.
The Capitals skated down to center ice at LA’s Crypto.com Arena, where they all shook hands — some, including Ovechkin, even extended hugs — with Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, who is retiring at year’s end.
“Yeah, just saying congrats on the amazing career,” Ovechkin said postgame. “Obviously, it’s a sad moment, but it’s life. Yeah, it’s sad, but I wish him all the best.”
On the Monumental Sports Network telecast, Ovechkin could be seen calling down to Kopitar and pointing for him to remain on the ice before he went with the rest of the Kings to the locker room. Kopitar waited for about a minute as the Capitals gathered and skated over to greet him one final time.
“It shows respect,” Ovechkin said of what appeared to be an unplanned tribute. “Obviously, it’s a game, but after the whistle, it shows respect to him, what he’s done for this game. for this league. And obviously it’s just all about respect.”
The handshake line marks the second time Ovechkin has said his goodbyes to the retiring Slovenian. When the Kings visited Capital One Arena on November 17, Ovechkin and Kopitar also did a jersey swap, which was posted on social media by both teams. Kopitar inscribed on his sweater in silver Sharpie: To Ovi, You are a goal-scoring machine! Your friend, Anze Kopitar.
Kopitar also received a jersey from Sidney Crosby after a game in November.
Kopitar has played 20 seasons — all with the Kings — and recorded 1,292 points (445g, 847a) in 1,476 games. The three-time Lady Byng and two-time Selke Trophy-winner has also lifted the Stanley Cup twice in 2012 and 2014.
He registered a primary assist in Tuesday night’s game on Adrian Kempe’s ninth goal of the season.
Ovechkin is no stranger to recognizing notable opponents ahead of their retirement. In March, Ovechkin had the Capitals shake hands with Marc-Andre Fleury, then playing his final season with the Minnesota Wild, after his last game at Capital One Arena.
