Even though the Capitals have been losing lately and sold off expiring contracts at the trade deadline, there was a sense of excitement at Capital One Arena on Tuesday at the Capitals held a pre-game ceremony to congratulate Alex Ovechkin for his 802nd career goal, which he scored Dec. 23, to become the second all-time leader in NHL goals.
Fans filled the arena, got their Alex Ovechkin goal counter bobblehead – we estimate that 21,852 were made based on the number of boxes – and enjoyed the ceremony. Ovi’s family attended, and he was presented with a crystal from the NHL, a custom necklace from the team, a painting from Gordie Howe’s family, and other fun stuff.