The Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins may be fierce rivals, but they still respect each other — something the Penguins crowd proved last night when they threw Alexander Ovechkin a surprise.
When Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin entered the NHL in 2005, the intense rivalry between the Capitals and the Penguins began, and it’s still going strong 20 years later. Last night, Crosby and Ovechkin faced each other for the 99th time, with the Penguins coming out on top in a 5–3 win, powered by two goals from Crosby.
READ MORE: Alexander Ovechkin roasted Henrik Lundqvist after his 900th goal
Alexander Ovechkin reached 900 goals
The matchup was the second half of a back-to-back for Washington. In the first game, a 6–1 win over the St. Louis Blues, Ovechkin reached the incredible milestone of 900 regular-season goals. Before puck drop in Pittsburgh, several Penguins players skated over to congratulate him on the achievement.
Standing ovation from Penguins crows
The Penguins crowd also showed respect for their longtime nemesis. During the first commercial break, Alexander Ovechkin received a standing ovation from fans who have been booing him for two decades. Ovechkin was visibly moved by the gesture, and fans from around the league praised Penguins supporters for their class.
“Pens are a first-class operation,” one fan wrote.
“Very classy moment from the Pittsburgh Penguins,” another added.
“Game recognizes game,” a third said.
You can watch it below.
READ MORE: Sidney Crosby’s hilarious congratulation to Alexander Ovechkin
