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Capitals Make Historic Alex Ovechkin Announcement During Penguins Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emily Bicks | Last updated Apr 17, 2025 9:30 PM ET

The Washington Capitals close out the 2024-25 regular season with a road game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 17. The Capitals enter the finale having clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and the Metropolitan Division.

As for the Penguins, usually a fierce rival for Washington this time of year, they failed to earn a spot in the postseason. While Thursday night's matchup at PPG Paints Arena means nothing for the Capitals, Washington could tie the Winnipeg Jets for the most road wins (26) in the NHL this season with a victory.

While Pittsburgh has nothing to play for, it's never boring to see Capitals star Alex Ovechkin on the ice opposite Penguins veteran Sidney Crosby.

Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby two of the all-time greats

: @Capitals vs. @penguins TONIGHT at 7p ET on @espn and @Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/0ATXI8Wvnl
— NHL (@NHL) April 17, 2025

Crosby delivered an assist in the second period, becoming the first player to ever reach 90 points at least three times after turning 35 years old, the NHL announced. He also scored his 33rd goal this season, bringing Pittsburgh's lead to 3-1.

Ovechkin answered shortly afterward, scoring his 44th goal of the season, cutting the Caps deficit to 3-2. The Capitals PR account on X announced, "With the goal, Ovechkin ties Gordie Howe (44g in 1968-69 at age 40) for the most goals in a season by a player age 39 or older."

The Capitals PR account added in a second post, "Ovechkin’s 43 goals in 80 career games vs. the Penguins are the most among active players and the sixth most all-time. Twenty-six of his 43 goals (60.5%) against Pittsburgh have come on the road."

The left wing reached hockey immortality against the New York Islanders earlier this month, breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record by scoring his 895th career goal.

Crosby gave Ovechkin his flowers while speaking to reporters before the start of the third period.

"We got closer over the years," Crosby said. "Got to know him at different events ... Obviously what he's accomplished this season — that whole ride has been incredible."

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

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