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.<\/p>\n
The Capitals skated down to center ice at LA\u2019s Crypto.com Arena, where they all shook hands \u2014 some, including Ovechkin, even extended hugs \u2014 with Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, who is retiring at year\u2019s end.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, just saying congrats on the amazing career,\u201d Ovechkin said postgame. \u201cObviously, it\u2019s a sad moment, but it\u2019s life. Yeah, it\u2019s sad, but I wish him all the best.\u201d<\/p>\n
On the Monumental Sports Network telecast, Ovechkin could be seen calling down to Kopitar 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt shows respect,\u201d Ovechkin said of what appeared to be an unplanned tribute. \u201cObviously, it\u2019s a game, but after the whistle, it shows respect to him, what he\u2019s done for this game. for this league. And obviously it\u2019s just all about respect.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n