"Kopitar waited for about a minute as the Capitals gathered and skated over to greet him one final time. "It shows respect," Ovechkin said of what appeared to be an unplanned tribute. "Obviously, it's a game, but after the whistle, it shows respect to him, what he's done for this game. for this league. And obviously it's just all about respect.""
"The Capitals skated down to center ice at LA's Crypto.com Arena, where they all shook hands - some, including Ovechkin, even extended hugs - with Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, who is retiring at year's end. "Yeah, just saying congrats on the amazing career," Ovechkin said postgame. "Obviously, it's a sad moment, but it's life. Yeah, it's sad, but I wish him all the best.""
The Washington Capitals defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3-1. After congratulating Kings starting goaltender Logan Thompson, the Capitals skated to center ice for a second handshake line led by Alex Ovechkin. Players shook hands and exchanged hugs with Kings captain Anze Kopitar, who is retiring at year's end. Ovechkin called for Kopitar to remain on the ice so the Capitals could greet him and described the gesture as showing respect for what Kopitar has done for the game and the league. Kopitar previously swapped jerseys with Ovechkin and received a jersey from Sidney Crosby. Kopitar has 1,292 points (445 goals, 847 assists) in 1,476 games, has won the Lady Byng three times and the Selke twice, and lifted the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014. Kopitar registered a primary assist on Adrian Kempe's ninth goal in Tuesday night's game.
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