Hockey star Alex Ovechkin may be playing on D.C. ice for the last time with the Capitals this weekend.
The team took on the Pittsburgh Penguins at home Sunday afternoon, winning in a 3 to 0.
Ovechkin has said he is waiting until after the season is over to decide whether he’s retiring or playing for another year with the Capitals.
He has played in the National Hockey League for 21 seasons, with all of those being for the Washington Capitals.
His current contract expires on June 30.
‘Kind of gives me chills’
WTOP talked with fans at Sunday’s game about what Ovi means to the Caps, and how they’re feeling about the possibility of him leaving the team.
“I’ve been a season-ticket holder for 45 years, and so had Ovi the whole time, so I’m excited, and had to be here for today’s game, just in case,” Jim Buchanan told WTOP outside Capitol One Arena.
“He’s one of the biggest sports stars in a time when the football team has been down and the Wizards are down and the Nats have been up and down — he’s been the one constant, and it’s been really exciting to watch him game in and game out.”
Caps, and specifically Ovi fans, hope it’s not his last time on the ice in D.C. But, they do acknowledge the chance that it could be.
“I mean, I hope not,” Luke Marrone told WTOP.
“Seems like it might be trending that way, especially with his contract being up, but, for him to not announce it — I know he’s kind of a quiet guy. He wanted to go out privately. So, maybe he’ll come back for one more, but this could be it. So, we’re out here to support it, to see if it is or not.”
“It’s cool, it’s kind of sad. It also kind of gives me chills. My whole childhood was growing up, watching him play and coming here to see him play,” he added.
‘D.C.’s greatest athlete ever’
Others, however, are pretty certain it is Ovechkin’s final game at home.
“I have been to a lot of games this season, and he’s amazing. It’s amazing to watch,” Hannah Low said.
“I think it would be very cool if he kept going. He has an over 30-point season, but he definitely is slowing down. I think it’s nice to kind of leave when you’re on top.”
One thing is for sure for some fans: “He’s D.C.’s greatest athlete ever, and we’ve had some good ones in the city,” Greg Schleifman said.
“He embodies all things that make D.C. what it is, and he’s a warrior, and I’ve come to love him over my entire life growing up here.”
Saturday marked the 100th career matchup between Ovechkin and Penguins player Sidney Crosby, two star athletes who have redefined the league and their respective franchises over the years.
And after Sunday’s game, Ovechkin said there was “no decision yet.”
"No decision yet"… pic.twitter.com/Zwd5Fx0Ucy
— Dave Preston (@davpresto) April 12, 2026
The two players did not play each other on the ice at the same time since Crosby was sitting on the bench after the Penguins secured a playoff berth.
While Crosby is the only player in league history to average a point per game for 21 straight seasons, Ovechkin is the only player in NHL history to make more than 900 goals.
Before Sunday’s game, Ovechkin had 929 career regular-season NHL goals. He passed Wayne Gretzky’s former record of 894 on April 6 of last year. Ovechkin received a standing ovation at that game.
If he retires, he told the Capitals Radio Network that age is a big factor in his decision.
“I’m going to be 41 years old in September, so you just have to be smart about it,” he said.
He has been peppered with questions for several months about whether he’ll retire or play a 22nd season in the league. Ovechkin’s current contract expires June 30.
The Associated Press, WTOP’s Grace Newton, Valerie Bonk and Will Vitka contributed to this report.
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