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Alex Ovechkin's Pregame Exchange with Rapper Juicy J Goes Viral

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 6:02 AM ET

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin completed his usual pregame routine with teammate Jakob Chychrun, but the ritual took an unexpected twist Sunday night when two surprise guests showed up in the Capitals’ tunnel.

Rap stars Juicy J and Project Pat were on hand at Capital One Arena, joining in as the team warmed up to the song “Bandz A Make Her Dance” before the game against Columbus.

The moment, captured by the Capitals and later shared on social media, quickly went viral.

“Ovi!” Project Pat called out as Ovechkin approached. “What’s up, man,” Juicy J said before dapping him up. “Bandz a make her dance.”

We present to you, Bandz feat. @therealjuicyj and @ProjectPatHcp pic.twitter.com/Lm7Zcdqyxd
— z - Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 13, 2025

Ovechkin and Chychrun carried out their usual shimmy to the song—something both started earlier this season when Ovechkin nicknamed Chychrun “Bandz” after seeing him skate helmetless with a headband.

“Bands a make her dance, bands a make her dance,” Ovechkin rapped before changing the original lyrics to introduce teammate Jakob Chychrun's nickname. “Only Chychy clappin'.”

“After this, we’re going to the strip club,” Juicy J joked while grabbing a spare stick from the rack.

In Sunday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, after sitting out Saturday’s blowout loss to the same team, Ovechkin scored on his first shift , firing a one-timer past Columbus goalie Jet Greaves just 70 seconds in.

It was Ovechkin’s 896th career goal, extending his all-time NHL record and tying Gordie Howe for second in even-strength goals (566).

Despite the early lead, Washington lost 4–1, allowing the Blue Jackets to sweep the weekend series and remain in playoff contention.

“I think we played a solid two periods,” Ovechkin said. “We had plenty of chances, but I think on some nights you just can’t score.

”Lots of positive moments. We’ll take it and move on.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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